Kevin VanDam: Classic and Beyond

Exclusive Interview

   Kevin VanDam has, as most of the bass fishing world knows, won the last three BASS Tour-level events, one of which was the Classic. The roll that he is on right now is unprecedented in the history of bass fishing. KVD now has the chance to win two Classics in a row with the 2006 event coming up in February. He recently took the time to tell us about his 2005 Classic victory, what he's doing now, and what he plans to be doing in 2006. What follows is the result of that interview.

   The first question we asked Kevin was about his 2005 Classic victory, and if there were any differences between it and his 2001 win. "Yeah, there’s a lot," he said. "The second time it was a lot sweeter because I truly appreciate what it is to win the Bassmaster Classic. In our sport it is the biggest event without a doubt, and the second time I appreciate it a lot more."

   Winning the last two Elite 50 events of the season gave him much-needed momentum heading into the biggest event in bass fishing. "It’s always good to have momentum, but things still have to fall into place for you. I felt real confident going in," he revealed. "But, I don’t know that it would’ve made that much difference."

   Since that point, VanDam's schedule has been completely full of events. "I had a really busy schedule this fall before the Classic, and this cramped things up more. I’m really busy; as busy as I’ve ever been in the so-called off season."

   Coming off three victories in a row, and then having an extremely busy off-season would take a toll on anyone, but at the same time it provides momentum for the next events.

   VanDam made a few comments on the 2006 Elite Series as well: "I sure hope to (fish the Elite Series)," he remarked. "I think that BASS is smart enough that they’ll look at some of their stipulations and change them." If they don't change? Will he fish the 2006 Elite Series? "I can't," he said. "Lots of guys are in the same position; we have contracts in place so we can’t sign their deal because of existing contracts. Half the field or more is in the same boat."

   "I’ve already heard word that they’re going to be making changes," he continued. "I’m convinced that we can come to some kind of agreement."

   VanDam is the president of the newly re-formed PAA (Professional Anglers Association). Rumors have been flying about a new PAA Tour which supposedly is in the works. True or false?

   "The PAA wants to hold events," VanDam confirmed. "We need to raise some funds for it, and tournaments seem to be an easy way to raise money."

   "There’s a lot of things that we have to get straight before we can do it. I’d love to say we could have events in 2006, but there's a lot of things that have to fall into place first before we can come out with a schedule. To be true to our members we have to have a non-conflicting schedule (with BASS or FLW). Really, all our members fish one or both of the tours."

Special thanks is due to Kevin VanDam for taking the time to be interviewed. Check out his website at www.kevinvandam.com.

By Brandon Shook