I don't know how else to say it, but I know someone who does: "Some people wear Superman pajamas, but Superman wears KVD pajamas."
That's it right there! That's from one of my Facebook buddies, and it hits the nail on the head. I'm both amazed and stunned. There are lots of words I can use right now to describe Kevin VanDam's fourth win at the Bassmaster Classic.
I think that most of us assumed Kevin was going to win his fourth Classic, but I don't think that anyone expected it would be this one. He's now got four major championships in a row that went like this: 2009 AOY, 2010 Classic, 2010 AOY, 2011 Classic. While I don't think anyone could have predicted it, we should have seen it coming.
It's hard to stop the momentum of a freight train. I mean all of this in the most positive of ways because I'm standing in awe of all that Kevin has achieved. I want to give him the biggest congratulations that I know how to give. I'm not sure that the average fan or spectator of our sport realizes the enormity or the difficulty of what they've just witnessed. But, those of us who fish the Elite Series try to achieve milestones — like a win or a Classic win or an AOY win — one at a time.
So, to Kevin, I say, "Way to go." To all the fans who are watching, I hope you're enjoying the domination by KVD in the fishing world.
From my personal experience at the Classic this week, it was even more difficult than I thought watching from the shore. But, at the same time, it's really rewarding because I got to meet so many people who I would not have gotten to meet personally if I had been fishing this week. For that I feel truly blessed.
I know that God has a reason for everything, and I may not always agree with His reasons, but He does know best. I actually had a fantastic time this weekend working with the folks at Skeeter, Yamaha, PRADCO and Ardent reels. I saw so many fans and old friends.
It's really a coming together of the fishing industry. There are people there who I only got to see any other time. Everyone who is anyone is at the Classic Outdoors Expo. It's a great big family reunion for the industry.
Going back to the comment that it was hard for me to sit on the sidelines, we all hate fog delays. That first morning I was keeping up on Bassmaster.com, and that was the first time in my life that I ever wanted to be a part of the fog delay. I wanted to be there experiencing that frustration with those anglers. It has certainly lit a fire under me. Kevin's victory and the run that he's having right now inspire me. I think you can always look at circumstances and you can either let it discourage you, or you can let it fire you up.
We got home from the Classic this morning, and I'm putting decals on the boat, getting it ready for Florida. I came home from the Classic ready to fish.
Also, if you're in the Houston area, stop by Bass Pro Shops in Pearland, Texas, and see me this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Or, if you're in San Antonio, come talk fishing with me from noon to 5 p.m. I'd love to meet you and answer any questions you may have about fishing.
Well, again, it was great to meet everyone that I did at the Expo this past weekend; it means a lot for me when someone says to me that they like the blog here on Bassmaster.com or the enjoy my Tweets. That's truly a blessing.