Happy 50th birthday, Kevin VanDam!

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Happy birthday to the kid from Kalamazoo, Kevin VanDam! To celebrate his 50th birthday, on Oct. 14, 2017, we’ve pulled together 50 photos from Kevin’s life and career.
Happy birthday to the kid from Kalamazoo, Kevin VanDam! To celebrate his 50th birthday, on Oct. 14, 2017, we’ve pulled together 50 photos from Kevin’s life and career.
Born the same year as B.A.S.S., Kevin VanDam loved bass fishing from a young age, and in 1992, he said he “learned the sport from Bassmaster.”
Born the same year as B.A.S.S., Kevin VanDam loved bass fishing from a young age, and in 1992, he said he “learned the sport from Bassmaster.”
“When he was a youngster, we’d take him to the lake cottage, where he’d catch fish after fish while the rest of us never got a bite from the same spot,” said his mother Nadine.
“When he was a youngster, we’d take him to the lake cottage, where he’d catch fish after fish while the rest of us never got a bite from the same spot,” said his mother Nadine.
“I grew up fishing for spawning smallmouths in Michigan. In fact, it’s my favorite kind of bass fishing. I absolutely love to do it,” said VanDam, who caught his first bass at age 7.
Kevin VanDam started fishing tournaments at age 13 with his older brother Randy, and in the late 80s he made an impact on the Michigan tournament trails.
Kevin VanDam started fishing tournaments at age 13 with his older brother Randy, and in the late 80s he made an impact on the Michigan tournament trails.
He won his first Bassmaster tournament on Lake Lanier in December of 1991.
He won his first Bassmaster tournament on Lake Lanier in December of 1991.
At the 1991 Georgia Bassmaster Top 100 on Lake Lanier, he weighed in 61 pounds, 13 ounces, and won $25,000.
At the 1991 Georgia Bassmaster Top 100 on Lake Lanier, he weighed in 61 pounds, 13 ounces, and won $25,000.
KVD won his first Angler of the Year title in 1992, his second year on the Bassmaster tournament trail. Making him the youngest man to win Angler of the Year.
KVD won his first Angler of the Year title in 1992, his second year on the Bassmaster tournament trail. Making him the youngest man to win Angler of the Year.
“Kevin is one of those ‘one-in-a-million’ anglers to come along,” said Tommy Martin in 1992. “If he maintains his desire, nothing will keep him from breaking every record in the B.A.S.S. books. He’s that good. … He’s a rarity.”
“Kevin is one of those ‘one-in-a-million’ anglers to come along,” said Tommy Martin in 1992. “If he maintains his desire, nothing will keep him from breaking every record in the B.A.S.S. books. He’s that good. … He’s a rarity.”
B.A.S.S. Founder Ray Scott described Kevin in 1992 as “poised, cool and aggressive – one of the most positive men I’ve ever met. He’s proof a young person can come out of nowhere and make it in this game, if he’s got the right stuff.
B.A.S.S. Founder Ray Scott described Kevin in 1992 as “poised, cool and aggressive – one of the most positive men I’ve ever met. He’s proof a young person can come out of nowhere and make it in this game, if he’s got the right stuff.”
Ray Scott and Kevin VanDam at the 1995 Bassmaster Classic in Greensboro, NC.
Ray Scott and Kevin VanDam at the 1995 Bassmaster Classic in Greensboro, NC.
Ray Scott presents Kevin VanDam with his second Angler of the Year trophy in 1996.
Ray Scott presents Kevin VanDam with his second Angler of the Year trophy in 1996.
Throughout his career, Kevin VanDam's wife Sherry has been by his side. In this photo from 1996, the two pose for photos on Lake Eufaula.
Throughout his career, Kevin VanDam’s wife Sherry has been by his side. In this photo from 1996, the two pose for photos on Lake Eufaula.
A year after winning his second Angler of the Year title, Kevin VanDam won two tournaments in 1997. Here he and Ray Scott show off a big catch at the 1997 Alabama Bassmaster Top 100. KVD placed 40th at this tournament.
A year after winning his second Angler of the Year title, Kevin VanDam won two tournaments in 1997. Here he and Ray Scott show off a big catch at the 1997 Alabama Bassmaster Top 100. KVD placed 40th at this tournament.
His first victory in 1997 was on the Potomac River. KVD weighed in 51 pounds, 5 ounces to win the 1997 Maryland Bassmaster Top 100.
His first victory in 1997 was on the Potomac River. KVD weighed in 51 pounds, 5 ounces to win the 1997 Maryland Bassmaster Top 100.
Kevin VanDam weighed in 41 pounds, 15 ounces to take the win at the 1997 Virginia Eastern Invitational on Buggs Island Reservoir. That's a youthful Trip Weldon holding the mic.
Kevin VanDam weighed in 41 pounds, 15 ounces to take the win at the 1997 Virginia Eastern Invitational on Buggs Island Reservoir. That’s a youthful Trip Weldon holding the mic.
Kevin VanDam looks for a bite on the Louisiana Delta in this photo from 1998. He finished fourth in the Louisiana Bassmaster Top 150.
Kevin VanDam looks for a bite on the Louisiana Delta in this photo from 1998. He finished fourth in the Louisiana Bassmaster Top 150.
In 1999, Kevin VanDam’s first win of the year came on Sam Rayburn. Before the anglers headed home, VanDam’s friend Mike Auten playfully asked, “When is it going to be my turn?” KVD responded, “You don’t wait for your turn, you take it.”
In 1999, Kevin VanDam’s first win of the year came on Sam Rayburn. Before the anglers headed home, VanDam’s friend Mike Auten playfully asked, “When is it going to be my turn?” KVD responded, “You don’t wait for your turn, you take it.”
Kevin’s second victory of 1999 was also his second victory on the St. Lawrence River.
Kevin’s second victory of 1999 was also his second victory on the St. Lawrence River.
KVD's twins often appeared on stage at weigh-ins.
KVD’s twins often appeared on stage at weigh-ins. ” I just want the boys to have their dad-time and I want him to have his dad-time,” his wife Sherry said.
Now a three-time Angler of the Year and in his 11th season as a full-time pro, Kevin won his first Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans. “Except for when my kids were born, winning the Bassmaster Classic ranks as the happiest day of my life.”
Now a three-time Angler of the Year and in his 11th season as a full-time pro, Kevin won his first Bassmaster Classic in New Orleans. “Except for when my kids were born, winning the Bassmaster Classic ranks as the happiest day of my life.”
KVD won on Lewisville Lake in Highland Village Texas with 58 pounds, 12 ounces. It was the first of two back-to-back victories of 2005.
KVD won on Lewisville Lake in Highland Village Texas with 58 pounds, 12 ounces. It was the first of two back-to-back victories of 2005.
Kevin again overcame a tough bite to win on Lake Wissota in Wisconsin for the Elite 50 in 2005. He focused on smallmouth while the other anglers focused on largemouth bass.
Kevin again overcame a tough bite to win on Lake Wissota in Wisconsin for the Elite 50 in 2005. He focused on smallmouth while the other anglers focused on largemouth bass.
KVD added to his growing legend by winning the toughest Bassmaster Classic, in Pittsburgh, Penn. He finished with 12 pounds, 15 ounces.
KVD added to his growing legend by winning the toughest Bassmaster Classic, in Pittsburgh, Penn. He finished with 12 pounds, 15 ounces.
“The Man gave us a new perspective on catching finicky bass,” wrote Steve Price in <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine in 2005.
“The Man gave us a new perspective on catching finicky bass,” wrote Steve Price in Bassmaster Magazine in 2005.
Kevin VanDam felt overdue to win at the famed Lake Guntersville in 2007, and he let the emotion flow after claiming victory in the Southern Challenge. “I’ve been waiting since the inception of the Elite Series to win one,” VanDam said in ’07.
Kevin VanDam felt overdue to win at the famed Lake Guntersville in 2007, and he let the emotion flow after claiming victory in the Southern Challenge. “I’ve been waiting since the inception of the Elite Series to win one,” VanDam said in ’07.
Following his pattern of multiples victories in the same year, KVD followed up the Southern Challenge with a win at the Sooner Run on Grand Lake with 78 pounds and 2 ounces.
Following his pattern of multiples victories in the same year, KVD followed up the Southern Challenge with a win at the Sooner Run on Grand Lake with 78 pounds and 2 ounces.
Kevin VanDam found a good, big bass bite at the 2008 Citrus Slam on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. He took home his first victory of the year with a total weight of 59 pounds, 7 ounces.
Kevin VanDam found a good, big bass bite at the 2008 Citrus Slam on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. He took home his first victory of the year with a total weight of 59 pounds, 7 ounces.
At the 2008 Bluegrass Brawl, Kevin VanDam battled to top the leaderboard, and when he won the event, he said, “Man, what a relief.” Later that year he took home his fourth Angler of the Year title.
At the 2008 Bluegrass Brawl, Kevin VanDam battled to top the leaderboard, and when he won the event, he said, “Man, what a relief.” Later that year he took home his fourth Angler of the Year title.
“In a sport like bass fishing, where stealth is an important factor, VanDam deals with crowds at every event, even when he's back in the pack. In essence, there's a crowd shaking the backboard on every free throw he shoots,” Steve Wright wrote in 2008.
“In a sport like bass fishing, where stealth is an important factor, VanDam deals with crowds at every event, even when he’s back in the pack. In essence, there’s a crowd shaking the backboard on every free throw he shoots,” Steve Wright wrote in 2008.
“A bad year for this guy is a phenomenal year for a lot of other people,” Mark Zona described KVD in 2008. “We’re lucky to have the guy in bass fishing. It’s been an honor to cover that guy.”<p> Here Tommy Sanders, KVD and Zona shoot a segment in front of the Smith Lake Crowd in 2009, after Kevin secured his 15th B.A.S.S. victory.
“A bad year for this guy is a phenomenal year for a lot of other people,” Mark Zona described KVD in 2008. “We’re lucky to have the guy in bass fishing. It’s been an honor to cover that guy.”
Here Tommy Sanders, KVD and Zona shoot a segment in front of the Smith Lake Crowd in 2009, after Kevin secured his 15th B.A.S.S. victory.
KVD’s fifth Angler of the Year victory was a dramatic photo finish against Skeet Reese. <p> In claiming the championship, VanDam became the first fisherman since Missouri's Guido Hibdon to win back-to-back AOY titles.
KVD’s fifth Angler of the Year victory was a dramatic photo finish against Skeet Reese.
In claiming the championship, VanDam became the first fisherman since Missouri’s Guido Hibdon to win back-to-back AOY titles.
“You can do a lot of things in this sport, but to the anglers, the Angler of the Year is the real deal. Every time I win one of these, it makes me want to win even more. It’s just really special,” Kevin VanDam said in 2009.
Kevin VanDam won the 40th Bassmaster Classic, on Lay Lake in 2010.
Kevin VanDam won the 40th Bassmaster Classic, on Lay Lake in 2010.
With his third Bassmaster Classic victory, KVD’s career B.A.S.S. earnings topped $4 million, making him the first pro to hit that mark.
With his third Bassmaster Classic victory, KVD’s career B.A.S.S. earnings topped $4 million, making him the first pro to hit that mark.
At the Tennessee Triumph, KVD went wire-to-wire winning his 19th B.A.S.S. event. <p>
At the Tennessee Triumph, KVD went wire-to-wire winning his 19th B.A.S.S. event.
“I kept hearing people say, ‘Is there something wrong with VanDam,’ and it kind of made me laugh,” said VanDam, after winning on Kentucky Lake with 92 pounds, 5 ounces. “I mean, I had a pretty good start to the year winning the Classic. There have been a few scenarios this year where key bites just didn’t go my way and that happens. Sometimes you are on a roll and sometimes you aren’t.”
In 2010, Kevin VanDam took home his sixth Angler of the Year title, and became the second angler to win the Classic and AOY in the same year.
In 2010, Kevin VanDam took home his sixth Angler of the Year title, and became the second angler to win the Classic and AOY in the same year.
“I never get tired of winning,” said the 42-year-old VanDam. “This title was the hardest for me to accomplish so it means that much more. I take nothing for granted because I face competition every day that can beat me. It’s easy to stay motivated when that’s the case.”
Kevin VanDam has always had an affinity for the outdoors, and he’s shared that love with his sons. “Everything in our life revolves around [fishing] in one shape or form,” he said in 2009.
Kevin VanDam has always had an affinity for the outdoors, and he’s shared that love with his sons. “Everything in our life revolves around [fishing] in one shape or form,” he said in 2009.
Returning to the Louisiana Delta, where he won his first Classic in 2001, VanDam won his fourth Classic title in 2011.
Returning to the Louisiana Delta, where he won his first Classic in 2001, VanDam won his fourth Classic title in 2011.
The win tied KVD and Rick Clunn for most Classic titles.
The win tied KVD and Rick Clunn for most Classic titles. “He’s obviously the best there is right now,” Clunn said in 2011. “He’s in that wonderful place you hope to reach when you start this. Kevin isn’t going to beat himself. He’s found that space where only a few have been, and he’s not even close to the last chapter of what he’s writing.”
With such a sparkling resume through out his first 20 years on the Bassmaster circuit, many fans had high expectations for Kevin VanDam. Then he went five years without a win. The longest in his B.A.S.S. carreer. In May of 2016, KVD went wire-to-wire on Toledo Bend, weighing in a winning 96 pounds, 2 ounces. The biggest bag of his career landed him his record 21st B.A.S.S. victory.
With such a sparkling resume through out his first 20 years on the Bassmaster circuit, many fans had high expectations for Kevin VanDam. Then he went five years without a win. The longest in his B.A.S.S. carreer. In May of 2016, KVD went wire-to-wire on Toledo Bend, weighing in a winning 96 pounds, 2 ounces. The biggest bag of his career landed him his record 21st B.A.S.S. victory.
“I didn’t need any kind of career rejuvenation personally, but I think a lot of people have been wondering ‘What’s wrong with KVD?’ for a while,” VanDam said in 2016. “In my mind, there was nothing wrong. It just cycles. If you’re going to have bad luck, it’s also going to cycle back around to where you have good luck.”
Six weeks after winning on Toledo Bend, KVD took home another Elite Series trophy.
Six weeks after winning on Toledo Bend, KVD took home another Elite Series trophy.
His four-day total of 71 pounds, 13 ounces, topped Jordan Lee on the final day of the tournament on Cayuga Lake.
His four-day total of 71 pounds, 13 ounces, topped Jordan Lee on the final day of the tournament on Cayuga Lake.
In the first Bassmaster Classic Bracket, KVD defeated Brett Hite on the Niagara River, and took home his third trophy of 2016.
In the first Bassmaster Classic Bracket, KVD defeated Brett Hite on the Niagara River, and took home his third trophy of 2016.
“Through the years [KVD] has been like an older brother to me, has made me a better person. No doubt,
“Through the years [KVD] has been like an older brother to me, has made me a better person. No doubt,” Mark Zona said before shooting an episode of Zona Live with VanDam this year.
Fishing his 300th B.A.S.S. event, Kevin VanDam was back on the St. Lawrence River, the water where he fished his first B.A.S.S. event and where he’d won twice before.
Fishing his 300th B.A.S.S. event, Kevin VanDam was back on the St. Lawrence River, the water where he fished his first B.A.S.S. event and where he’d won twice before.
One of the top smallmouth anglers in the history of the sport, KVD weighed in 90 pounds, 3 ounces of smallmouth to win his 24th Bassmaster event. “It is hard to win one of these blue trophies — and it’s something I never, ever take for granted. This one means as much as any tournament I’ve ever won,” VanDam said.
One of the top smallmouth anglers in the history of the sport, KVD weighed in 90 pounds, 3 ounces of smallmouth to win his 24th Bassmaster event. “It is hard to win one of these blue trophies — and it’s something I never, ever take for granted. This one means as much as any tournament I’ve ever won,” VanDam said.
Kevin VanDam has given bass fishing fans plenty of reason to look at his career in absolute awe. Expect KVD to be around awhile longer.
Kevin VanDam has given bass fishing fans plenty of reason to look at his career in absolute awe. Expect KVD to be around awhile longer.