On the water with VanDam and Swindle

Two of bass fishing's biggest names look for glory on Chickamauga Lake on the final day of BASSfest.

We start the day near the Sequoyah Nuclear  Power plant following the 2 amigos, Kevin VanDam and Russ Lane. Their third amigo, Jeff Kriet, did not make the cut but we're sure he's here in spirit.
We start the day near the Sequoyah Nuclear Power plant following the 2 amigos, Kevin VanDam and Russ Lane. Their third amigo, Jeff Kriet, did not make the cut but we’re sure he’s here in spirit.
They are fishing right next to each other.
They are fishing right next to each other.
Kevin admires Russ' cast.
Kevin admires Russ’ cast.
And Russ is first with a nibble. It didn't stay on, though.
And Russ is first with a nibble. It didn’t stay on, though.
But it warmed them up for Kevin.
But it warmed them up for Kevin.
He dips low to bring the fish on board...
He dips low to bring the fish on board…
...and swings it up.
…and swings it up.
Nice fish!
Nice fish!
Find out what he says about it when Bassmasters airs soon on ESPN2.
Find out what he says about it when Bassmasters airs soon on ESPN2.
But now, it's back to work.
But now, it’s back to work.
Terry Scroggins heads south.
Terry Scroggins heads south.
VanDam continues relentlessly casting.
VanDam continues relentlessly casting.
Russ Lane with the imposing cooling towers of the nuclear plant behind him.
Russ Lane with the imposing cooling towers of the nuclear plant behind him.
Jason Williamson also going south.
Jason Williamson also going south.
Most boats kept their distance. Most, but not all.
Most boats kept their distance. Most, but not all.
All us B.A.S.S. photographers love getting shots of water droplets and slinging baits.
All us B.A.S.S. photographers love getting shots of water droplets and slinging baits.
Fish on!
Fish on!
He brings it around the front.
He brings it around the front.
Taking no chances, he's not going to swing this one aboard.
Taking no chances, he’s not going to swing this one aboard.
Going and getting it.
Going and getting it.
Using the boat as leverage.
Using the boat as leverage.
In a blink of an eye he's casting again.
In a blink of an eye he’s casting again.
KVD searches for more.
KVD searches for more.
As soon as we see Gerald Swindle, he puts on a show for us.
As soon as we see Gerald Swindle, he puts on a show for us.
Twisting his body to bring the fish home.
Twisting his body to bring the fish home.
A little one, but it would measure up.
A little one, but it would measure up.
He doesn't have to worry about this one breaking his line.
He doesn’t have to worry about this one breaking his line.
After a quick measure, into the livewell.
After a quick measure, into the livewell.
And back to slinging.
And back to slinging.
B.A.S.S. photographers also love the mist that comes off of reels. We can't help ourselves.
B.A.S.S. photographers also love the mist that comes off of reels. We can’t help ourselves.
Fish on!
Fish on!
He likes this one.
He likes this one.
The way it's bending the rod, he's not going to try to flip it onboard.
The way it’s bending the rod, he’s not going to try to flip it onboard.
He rushes to the driver's seat.
He rushes to the driver’s seat.
Hello there.
Hello there.
Don't spit that lure!
Don’t spit that lure!
I'll go in and get you.
I’ll go in and get you.
Just like KVD, using the boat as leverage.
Just like KVD, using the boat as leverage.
He likes this one a lot.
He likes this one a lot.
I don't know who's to blame, but it was not a successful high five.
I don’t know who’s to blame, but it was not a successful high five.
He doesn't care. Gerald is doing some hollering.
He doesn’t care. Gerald is doing some hollering.
Hank Cherry probably could hear it as he drove north.
Hank Cherry probably could hear it as he drove north.
Another, G-Man?
Another, G-Man?
Not a keeper, though.
Not a keeper, though.
Fellow Toyota angler Terry
Fellow Toyota angler Terry “Big Show” Scroggins shows up.
Sorry Terry, you missed the fun and we've got to get back to the weigh-in to see who is going to be crowned the champion of BASSfest.
Sorry Terry, you missed the fun and we’ve got to get back to the weigh-in to see who is going to be crowned the champion of BASSfest.