Rapid-fire bass fishing advice from KVD

What happens when you open up the most dominant force in the world of professional bass fishing to a live Q&A with everyone in the world? You get hundreds of questions in a rapid-fire sequence!

What happens when you open up the most dominant force in the world of professional bass fishing to a 30-minute live question-and-answer session with everyone in the world?

You get hundreds of questions in a rapid-fire sequence! In the first B.A.S.S. Twitter chat with Kevin VanDam, the revered angler stayed on for an hour and a half to answer as many as possible.

From questions about his favorite color, favorite fishery and favorite lure to specific advice about fishing in certain conditions, VanDam answered just like he casts — quickly, accurately and tirelessly.

Below is a transcript of the chat, lightly edited for spelling and clarity. You can also view Twitter chat transcripts from other pros, including Aaron MartensBoyd DuckettJonathon VanDamTodd FairclothBrent ChapmanRandy HowellIsh MonroeBrandon PalaniukJeremy Starks and Alton Jones.

Keep up with Twitter chats, tournament news and bass fishing advice by following B.A.S.S. on Twitter at @BASS_Nation. You can also follow Kevin VanDam on Twitter at @Kevin_VanDam.

 

 

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m looking forward to seeing what questions the fans have for me! Can’t wait to get started!

 

Shredlife Fishing@ShredlifeFishin

What’s your favorite type of lure for this time of year ?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Mine would have to be a @StrikeKingLures RedEye Shad.

 

Jody White@vtbasser

What is your favorite color?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m assuming you’re talking about lures … and it’s Sexy Shad.

Jody White@vtbasser

Nope, not lures, just straight up color to wear or look at or whatever!

 

Brett. Vaughn@b_vaughn16

All-time favorite lure?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

A spinnerbait.

 

ryan ingalls@NOVAbassin89

What advice would you give to an angler trying to make it fishing full time?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

You really have to work hard to promote yourself, and working with local outdoor writers and media is a great way to start to build your name.

 

Jody White@vtbasser

Do you prefer dogs or cats?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I have a dog and I don’t have a cat. So…

 

Fishin’ Outrageous@TeamFOfishing

If you could only fish one drop shot bait next year….. What do you choose?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

That’s easy, Strike King Dream Shot. The lure I designed just for drop shotting. The same JVD used to win Green Bay.

 

Jayguls@namesjaney

Before things get busy for the  please RT this for my husband, a fan of yours in Zimbabwe.

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’ve not gotten a chance to fish in Africa. I’d sure love to get a chance to fish there sometime!

Jayguls@namesjaney

Then you’ve got to come! Have a look at what’s possible to catch 🙂  pic.twitter.com/uLASpaMJ

 

Elliot Noll@Bassassin69

When I’m spooling up my baitcaster the line is always higher on one side how do I fix that?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I make sure to hold the line with my finger, so that it’s going on dead center. That should eliminate that problem.

 

Elliot Noll@Bassassin69

when choosing rods a lot of the ones I like are tip heavy how can I counter that to balance the rod?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

You can add weight to the butt of your rod. I’ve seen people tape things on the end.

Elliot Noll@Bassassin69

Thanks for the answers. When modifying all cranks lipped and lipless what and how do you do it to make them better?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

There’s a lot of modifications, the most important is changing the hooks!

 

Zach@4two_getn5

If you find the potential winning area how many times do you revisit it during prefish?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

None! I don’t want to get seen in an area like that. I just watch the conditions & take my chances on tournament day.

 

Ken Welsh@KenWelsh77

What do you believe is your biggest contributor to your success ?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Growing up in Michigan, where there is a great diversity of waters to fish, helped me become versatile.

Ken Welsh@KenWelsh77

I think here in Southern Ontario we have similar diversity as well (LM & SM). U Need to check Lake Simcoe out!

 

Ken Welsh@KenWelsh77

If you could live anywhere in the country to tap the most water to best practice, where would that be?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

There’s several good regions: east Texas, northern Alabama. I love Michigan; I grew up here and it has great diversity.

 

Zach@4two_getn5

If you find a rock pile with hundreds of bass on it how do you single out the big ones?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

That’s what you dream of finding! Sometime it’s about experimenting with different lures. Bigger lures are better.

 

Kelly Wallace@KellyWallace10

What brand of boat did you run before your Nitro days?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

My first bass boat was a 17-foot ProCraft with a Mercury 115.

 

adam lebeau@417lebeaujob

What’s your most successful largemouth bass baits during the cold winter season?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

It’s one of my favorite times to fish, bass are bunched up. My best cold winter bait is tube or grub on a blade bait.

 

Marci@okjhawk

Lost an eye to a 3/16 sinker, any suggestions for how to make up for no depth perception? Difficult to judge structure, banks, etc

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

That’s a tough one. One of my best friends growing up had that happen.

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m adamant that everybody should wear shatterproof sunglasses when fishing.

Marci@okjhawk

Just wondering how to make up for no depth perception. My husband wants to stay with you @GrandLake. I get the tent!

 

Geoff Roberts@KYOutdoors

Kevin, what are your personal bests for largemouth, smallmouth, and spots (tournament or non)

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Largemouth: 11-13 at Lake Lewisville; Smallmouth: 7-9 at Lake Wheeler during practice; Spot: 5-12 on Logan Martin

 

Amber Whiteshirt@AvenKingsMom

Your biggest bass weighed? Favorite place to fish in Oklahoma?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Grand Lake is hands-down my favorite in OK. I’ve caught a few in the 6-pound class in Grand Lake. So I’m really looking forward to the Classic!

Amber Whiteshirt@AvenKingsMom

Good luck 🙂

 

Scotty ‘Bud’ Melvin @ScottyBudWZUU

KVD, going fishin saturday here in kalamazoo, gonna throw xd6 and silver buddy, good move?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Right now the fish around here are biting blade baits, so the silver buddy is a good choice. I also use a red eye shade lipless crankbait yo-yoed slowly.

 

Mic Miller@mic_miller12

What’s your advice for young anglers that are pursuing professional bass fishing as a career?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

From a fishing standpoint, fish with as many great anglers as you can. Equally as important: get a good education and a marketing degree.

Mic Miller@mic_miller12

Thanks man! Good luck at the Bassmaster Classic!

 

Adam Ritchie @AdamRitchie11

Growing up here in Otsego what were some of the hot spots you liked??

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Kalamazoo River that runs right through Otsego for smallmouth, and Pine Lake, Gull Lake and Gun Lake.

Adam Ritchie @AdamRitchie11

Thanks. Good luck at this years classic. Otsego is watching!

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

Will the 10XD be your go too bait when the situation arises? When would you use it? What setup would you recommend?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

It’s the deepest diving crankbait available today. It’s designed for big bass, I’ll use it on Falcon Lake. And you’ll need heavier tackle.

 

Shredlife Fishing@ShredlifeFishin

Whats your favorite type of lure for this time of year ?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Mine would have to be a @StrikeKingLures RedEye Shad.

 

Matt Wheeler@MattWheeler97

What is your favorite season?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Man, I love them all. I really do enjoy late fall fishing because there’s almost no pressure on the water.

 

Dustin Spillman@mrspillman

I have a hard time staying on fish when big lakes are on drawWhat can I do to continue catching them when they move

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I try to have a lot of spots. Don’t spend more than 10 minutes on a spot if I haven’t caught anything. Look for areas where the current from the drawdown is going to concentrate the bass.

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

Do you think helping out your sponsors by attending events and doing tv shows is effecting the way you prepare for tournaments?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’ve been able to find a good balance that works for me. I’m fired up when I get to a tournament to go fishing!

 

JMRjare

What is your best lures through December? And what is best set up for your kvd 1.0,1.5 crankbaits?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I do a lot of cranking. Square-bills and a RedEye Shad are my favorites. As far as setup goes, I use a Tour KVD 7-0 medium action cranking rod, cranking reel and 12-pound fluorocarbon.

 

AJ Beers@BeersAJ

What are your 5 favorite Oneida lake lures?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

You need a lot on Oneida! A jerkbait, spinnerbait, a drop shot rig, a jig and a frog.

 

DustinUmlauf@DustinUmlauf

What’s your advice to young anglers who are trying to make it to where you are today?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

There’s so many great opportunities with high school fishing clubs for anglers to gain experience. A good education is critical, especially a marketing degree.

 

Brandon Johnson@BrandonJohnso14

You can only pick on lure for Okeechobee in early January, what is it?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I would pick a 3/4-oz. black-and-blue Hack Attack @StrikeKingLures jig.

 

al shep@madfiji

During the wintertime bass are slow, what is the go to bait to get some action? In texas we go from 50 to 70 in temp

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

In Texas, my favorite wintertime baits are a lipless crankbait and a jerkbait.

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

How would you prepare for a tournament on an unknown body of water KVD?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

First, I look the type of water… lake, river, reservoir, etc. I try to find a general seasonal pattern. Then I’ll watch the weather patterns leading up to when I’ll be there.

 

Matt Wheeler@MattWheeler97

If you could only have two baits what would they be?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

A @StrikeKingLures Sexy Shad 1.5 crankbait and a green pumpkin jig.

 

Daniel Edwards@KAWASAKIRDR13

It’s been my lifelong dream to bass fish, what advice could you give me?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I grew up reading/watching everything. Bassmaster Magazine was my foundation. Fish with many people; join a club!

 

Jay Poor @JClaytonDonTwit

Favorite lure for cold weather and clear lakes?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

That would definitely be a suspending jerkbait!

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

Have you begun to prepare for the classic? What’s your take on Grand lake?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m not going down to practice. I’m going to wait until the official time. I have been preparing mentally and getting some equipment ready that I might be using. And I’m really excited. Grand is one of the best lakes I think we could be going to at that time of year. It’s a fantastic fishery.

 

Brad Vice@RealBradVice

What is your favorite lake on the Tennessee river?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

It would be a toss-up between Guntersville and Kentucky lakes. That’s tough though; I like them all.

 

Daniel Edwards@KAWASAKIRDR13

What’s your favorite fishing style, and what’s your favorite soft plastic?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m a power fisherman by nature and I use a lot of different plastics but Strike King Rage Craw is my pick.

 

Dean Mullett@RockinTheMullet

What’s a good game plan for fishing Lake Lanier in the post-spawn early summer transition?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I like to fish shallow with topwaters. Looking for those big females cruising the banks.

 

Timm VanDerHill@TVanDerHill

Can I have your old boat??

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m sorry, but I’m not ready to get rid of it just yet!

Timm VanDerHill@TVanDerHill

I’ll rig ya up a pretty new one…

 

Tyler Faggart@THETylerFaggart

What are your thoughts on the Alabama Rig?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’ve had a lot of fun with it. The fish in my pond & the lakes up here once the water cools down can’t handle it.

 

Michael Sklad@FishingFriendzy

What’s the best advice for a small water guy hitting big water who is a first time bass boat owner?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Be very, very cautious, and pay close attention to the weather.

 

Justin Raughton@JustinRaughton

If you had to fish off the bank what would use?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I grew up bank fishing, I threw a lot of weedless jigs & frogs.

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

On southern reservoirs, best fishing is around bridges & riprap, and there I’d throw crankbaits.

 

Logan Mount@logomount

As a college angler how do you feel about college fishing? Any advice for a college angler that wants to be a pro?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I think it’s fantastic! The growth that’s there creates great opportunities that weren’t there when I started fishing.

 

Bobby Sweiderk@Bigggg_Poppa69

How would you fish a lake like Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia in the spring?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Smith Mountain is fairly clear, so swimbaits & jerkbaits would be my go-tos during prespawn (cont) then sight fishing during spawn & postspawn.

 

Bobby Sweiderk@Bigggg_Poppa69

what’s the best way to fish the Potomac river?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

When I’m on the Potomac, I try to fish areas that have an outgoing moving tide. Stay away from the flat tide.

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

Which event are you most psyched about for the 2013 season? As a marshal I hope to be paired up with you at the Lawrence River!

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Lake St. Clair is the one I’m looking the most forward to.

 

Matt Wheeler@MattWheeler97

Do you prefer fishing for smallmouth or largemouth?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Smallmouth, that’s easy!

 

Bobby Sweiderk@Bigggg_Poppa69

Do you have any tips for a beginning jig fisherman?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

When you’re learning a new technique, if you can go to a place where you can get bites on that lure it’s helpful.

 

CJ Bender@AaronIsSaying

Hey KVD, favourite creature baits of 2012?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I fish a @StrikeKingLures Game Hawg and a Rodent a lot.

 

@ReportYourFish

What lure will be the most crucial for you in 2013

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Our schedule is so diverse, it’s really hard to tell. I’m going to have to be open-minded & use my whole tacklebox.

 

Jon Webb@JWBassin

What is your main goal for next season? Anything different than usual?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I have the same goals every year to be in contention to win the Classic, Angler of the Year and one Elite Series.

 

josh@hunter44i8

Are you looking forward to the Sabine River tourney and how do u plan to attack that river

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

It’s one of the few places I don’t know anything about. I like the challenge of going to new water.

 

Eric Cook@ecookallday

What is your strategy for fall/early winter Lake Erie Smallmouth?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

This time of year, you’ve got to watch the weather from a safety standpoint. Fish are biting grubs and blade baits.

 

Fishing Reports@ReportYourFish

Do you notice any global warming changes across the lakes you’ve fished? Any strategy changes for you?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

It seems like spring came earlier last year across the country. I don’t know if that’s global warmingor not, but I definitely watch the water long-term leading up to tournaments.

 

Kyle Wall©@KyleW091

What did you think about the All-Star event on Lake Shelbyville in Illinois 12 anglers 2 lake?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

To me it was a great venue, we just hit it at a really tough time. As an angler it was frustrating, but it was supposed to be a test of the best.

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

What steps do you take to adjust your quantum bait casting reels specifically with the ACS breaks. Since each reel is different

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I adjust the spool tension based on the weight of the lure, go a little on the loose side then the ACS break usually up to 75% or even 100 if I’m throwing into a stiff wind.

 

Team Rippin Lips@teamrippinlips

Do you remember team trouble makers from the pickwick lake tournament? LOL

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Yep! I do! (laughing)

 

Kurt keller@KellerKkeller4

Do you have a date and lake set yet for the 2013 Vandam/Lions charity tournament?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Yes, we do! Let me look at my calendar, I’ve already been planning with the @DetroitLionsNFL It’s June 8-9!

Kurt keller@KellerKkeller4

Thx Kevin, we had a great time and we want to be there to support your event every year.

 

Fishing Reports@ReportYourFish

How’s Jonathon expecting to do this year?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

@JonathonVanDam like all VanDams is extremely confident!

 

Pat Rose@PatRose48

Kevin, have you ever fished Chickamauga?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Yes I have, it’s been quite some time. I have friends who tell me it’s a hot lake because the way the grass came back.

 

AJ Beers@BeersAJ

Top 5 baits you use?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Thanks for giving me five! I like shallow and deep crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spinnerbaits.

 

Reed Pace@rpace35

What’s your favorite bait to throw on Lay Lake?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Depends on the time of the year, I love to throw jigs in the grass – shallow. And crankbaits on the ledges.

 

Buddy French@buddy_french

In the winter months what area of the lake do you key on first and so on?? Thks

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I like the clearest water available, that’s usually closest to the dam.

 

Brendon@bpowersatc

KVD when fishing from shore (non-boatangler) what should I key in on all times of year, and how can I judge depth/foliage/bottom?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Some of the most productive areas to fish from shore are around bridges bc they usually have close by and current. Fishing a bottom bait like a football jig is a great way to tell not only the but the bottom composition.

 

Zachary Dodd@TheRealZachDodd

Hey KVD! Is it easy being brand loyal? When so many more companies making great Lures an equipment?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Anglers want to use what they think is best & it’s not hard because I use what I design for @StrikeKingLures

 

Terry Osteen@TerryOsteen

What is your favorite color in a spinnerbait?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Sexy shad.

Terry Osteen@TerryOsteen

So I guess Sexy Shad is your all-time favorite color?

 

Matthew Shutta@shuttashutta

What’s your best advice for fishing in the northeast when the water is between 33-40 degrees in the rivers?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Pick areas with slack water away from the current, deeper areas that have deeper water. Try a grub and a blade bait.

 

gonefishin757@gonefishin757

when fishing a small lake 15-20 boat tourney 2day tourney on 2nd day it’s tough. Would you power fish or slow down?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

After spending a day on the water, I’d slow down & concentrate on areas holding fish

 

Daniel Edwards@KAWASAKIRDR13

Do you fish in North Carolina? Around the virginia area?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’ve been fortunate to fish all over the southeast some. I live in Michigan so I dont make it there a lot.

 

Justin Raughton@JustinRaughton

What would you use if you couldn’t fish in a boat? What lures would you use?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I would use a frog a lot because you typically have a lot of overhanging trees and brush around the shoreline.

 

Johan kotze@jkjoedollar

Kevin what was your inspiration as a young guy starting your fishing career and at what age did you realise your dream?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Watching The Bassmasters and seeing Larry Nixon, Denny Brauer and all the great pros inspired my tournament fishing. When I met these guys and realized how great and down to earth they were made it happen for me.

 

Logan Duckworth@LoganDuck

What’s your favorite lure and rig for winter bass fishing on lakes?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Red Eye Shad and blade baits are what I fish up here in Michigan

 

Johnathan Keel@jkeel1

What were your first thoughts when you heard the classic was going to be held on Guntersville?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I was thrilled! It will probably break all the big bass records, if we have the right weather.

 

Greg Cholkan@gregcholkan

Big fan from Canada; on a budget: better to get one good baitcast rod & reel or a few cheaper ones for versatility?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Buy the best that you can afford because it will last longer and run smoother, which will save you money in the long run.

 

Team Rippin Lips@teamrippinlips

Where do you ice fish in west michigan?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I fish with my hunting buddies and @Ztrain1. We go to small natural lakes based on which ones have safe ice.

 

Cole Campbell @Cole_Campbell10

What are you keying on now when you’re trying to find fish?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I like to look for dropoffs on the outside of large flats, esp where there’s a turn in that dropoff.

 

jaygrave@jaygrave

Hey Kevin, How do you organize your spinnerbaits?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I’m pretty lucky because I’ve got @Plano as a sponsor. I use a lot of their smaller boxes and I organize them by weight and blade combination.

 

Connor Edmonds@bassinNC

If you couldn’t fish for a living, what would you do?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

My dream job would be to be a professional hunter! But I would do something in the fishing industry.

 

UVU Bass Team@UVUBass

How do you identify off-shore patterns and what is your go to bait for fishing in 40 plus foot of water?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

The No. 1 thing for me in finding offshore schools of fish is using side-imaging electronics. In fishing 40 feet or deeper, a jigging spoon and a drop shot rig and my go-to techniques.

 

Spotmonkey@sptmnky

Living up north, it gets cold. What type of gloves do you wear to help you “feel” the fish on the line?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I fish in Under Armour lined gloves when it’s really cold!

 

Tom Crouse@Tom_Cena5

Are powerpoles really worth the investment??

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Absolutely for me. They help with boat control and positioning, especially in foul weather. For me, they’re standard.

 

Tom Crouse@Tom_Cena5

What’s your favorite inland lake in michigan?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Lake St. Clair is a big body of water, but it’s hard to beat. For a smaller body, Gull Lake. It’s close to home.

Tom Crouse@Tom_Cena5

I have a place on skegmog near traverse city, ever fished it?

 

Connor Edmonds@bassinNC

How old were you when you won your first tournament?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I fished my first when I was 14 with my older brother & we came in 2nd. I won a tournament the next year when I was 15.

 

Zach@4two_getn5

Do you have problems with your Quantum reels? Mine are constantly going in for repairs.

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I almost never have any problems. I do use their top-of-the-line equipment, so they’re the highest quality they make.

Zach@4two_getn5

Thank you for answering my questions.

 

Miles Kong@RU_Bassfishing

How does it feel being named THE best bass fisherman?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

It’s very flattering, but I don’t think of myself that way.

 

kate dattilo@kate_dattilo

Why don’t you film a show with Bill Dance?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Because he’s never asked me! He’s one of my favorite people & a good friend & I would love to do that sometime.

 

John Allquist@JohnnyAllquist

How do you feel about notre dame being in the championship game haha

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Let’s just say as a Michigan fan, with a niece at Michigan, I’m not really excited about it.

 

Donald Chalmers@kicknbass

What is your go to bait when fishing is slow?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

A drop shot rig.

 

Terry Osteen@TerryOsteen

Kevin I have the 1.0, 1.5 & 2.5 in tennesse shad & have yet to catch anything on them. What I’m I doing wrong?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I try to throw these baits around a lot of cover, rocks, laydowns, grass. If I’m not bouncing my lure off the bottom, I like to start and stop my retrieve a lot to trigger strikes.

 

mrspillman

I signed up for the day Bass University. Do you have any thoughts or experiences on if it’s worth my time.

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I have been an instructor for many years, and it is one of the best learning programs out there. Money well spent.

 

Brandon@B_Sitz

Do you upgrade the bearings in your reels?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I use the same reels right out of the box that you buy at the store.

 

Phillip Hathaway@PHILHATHAWAY

Pleasure meeting you at basspro in portage last winter!

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Great to meet you, too!

 

Rich Lindgren@HellaBass

Favorite place to eat on the road?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

We’re always looking for local hotspots you might see on Food Network. I’m always seeking a good Mexican restaurant.

Rich Lindgren@HellaBass

Good thinking, Mexican is budget friendly & fast, leaves more time to get gear ready or drive to the next lake!

 

Sang Thao@Xab_tweets

Just want to give a shout out to you! I’m a big fan!

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Thanks!

 

Marc Henderson@bassmonkey1975

Kevin what is your favorite lake to fish and why?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I love to fish Lake St. Clair because it has a huge population of smallmouth & anytime of the year is a good time

 

Marc Henderson@bassmonkey1975

Kevin what is your favorite bait

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

A spinnerbait.

 

Andrew M@AndrewFLW

When you ‘feel’ that your having a tuff time finding fish or getting bites what do you do?what is in your panic box?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

For me it’s not so much about what lures to use, it’s about location. I like to keep moving.

 

Matt Cash@bassincash

when flipping or pitching do you prefer mono or flouro? And under what circumstances would you opt for one over the other?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I use fluoro & braid for flipping/pitching, braid in heavy cover&stained water, fluoro in sparser cover&clearer water.

 

Buddy French@buddy_french

When you hook a fish and its bleeding bad what do you do?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I use BassMedics and pour some right on the wound. Then I put some in the livewell, too.

Gary Hanson@mgaryhanson

Much respect to ya for hanging with Fans, an hour longer than expected.

 

Dawson Holley@dawson_holley

I’m 13 and I’m serious about being a pro. Any advice? No clubs around here for my age though.

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Starting your own club would be a good option! Find ways to fish with other good bass anglers; fastest way to learn.

 

Jonathon VanDam@JonathonVanDam

Do you know any hot spots on Grand Lake?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

I know lots of them, but I’m not telling!

 

Zach McClanahan@zachm24

Do you ever use live bait?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Not for bass, but I do for panfish. I’d like to try it for shiners on Lake Okeechobee.

 

Johnathan McLain@JohnathanMcLain

Who was your very first sponsor?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

My first sponsor was my dad!

 

J Sherr@OzarkRiverRouge

Any advice for catching winter smallmouth on Beaver Lake in Arkansas?

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Concentrate on the lower end of the lake, fishing main lake gravel points with a 3-in SK Rodent on a jighead.

 

Kevin VanDam@Kevin_VanDam

Thanks for your participation! Lots of great questions. Everyone have a great holiday season with your family!

 

Bassmaster@BASS_nation

Thank you so much @Kevin_VanDam for being our guest today and for staying so much longer to take questions.

Originally published December 2012