Rapid-fire bass fishing advice from KVD
How old were you when you won your first tournament?
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.
Do you have problems with your Quantum reels? Mine are constantly going in for repairs.
I almost never have any problems. I do use their top-of-the-line equipment, so they're the highest quality they make.
Thank you for answering my questions.
How does it feel being named THE best bass fisherman?
It's very flattering, but I don't think of myself that way.
Why don't you film a show with Bill Dance?
Because he's never asked me! He's one of my favorite people & a good friend & I would love to do that sometime.
How do you feel about notre dame being in the championship game haha
Let's just say as a Michigan fan, with a niece at Michigan, I'm not really excited about it.
What is your go to bait when fishing is slow?
A drop shot rig.
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?
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.
I signed up for the day Bass University. Do you have any thoughts or experiences on if it's worth my time.
I have been an instructor for many years, and it is one of the best learning programs out there. Money well spent.
Do you upgrade the bearings in your reels?
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!
Great to meet you, too!
Favorite place to eat on the road?
We're always looking for local hotspots you might see on Food Network. I'm always seeking a good Mexican restaurant.
Good thinking, Mexican is budget friendly & fast, leaves more time to get gear ready or drive to the next lake!
Just want to give a shout out to you! I'm a big fan!
Thanks!
Marc Henderson@bassmonkey1975
Kevin what is your favorite lake to fish and why?
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
A spinnerbait.
When you 'feel' that your having a tuff time finding fish or getting bites what do you do?what is in your panic box?
For me it's not so much about what lures to use, it's about location. I like to keep moving.
when flipping or pitching do you prefer mono or flouro? And under what circumstances would you opt for one over the other?
I use fluoro & braid for flipping/pitching, braid in heavy cover&stained water, fluoro in sparser cover&clearer water.
When you hook a fish and its bleeding bad what do you do?
I use BassMedics and pour some right on the wound. Then I put some in the livewell, too.
Much respect to ya for hanging with Fans, an hour longer than expected.
I'm 13 and I'm serious about being a pro. Any advice? No clubs around here for my age though.
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?
I know lots of them, but I'm not telling!
Do you ever use live bait?
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?
My first sponsor was my dad!
Any advice for catching winter smallmouth on Beaver Lake in Arkansas?
Concentrate on the lower end of the lake, fishing main lake gravel points with a 3-in SK Rodent on a jighead.
Thanks for your participation! Lots of great questions. Everyone have a great holiday season with your family!
Thank you so much @Kevin_VanDam for being our guest today and for staying so much longer to take questions.
Originally published December 2012
advertisement
advertisement
