By Christopher Tate
First, to let everyone know, I have never been a Marshal for the Elite Series before the Wheeler Tournament. I signed up to be a Marshal using the Bassmaster.com website (at the cost of $125). A random drawing was held the night before the Elite Tournament for pairing with one of the competing Elite anglers. I was totally shocked and excited to be drawn as a Marshal for the greatest angler on the Elite Series-Kevin VanDam, or “KVD”.
The legend of bass fishing had an awesome Day 1 on Wheeler with 18+ lbs. total including a 5+ 4+ pound bass. His Day 1 total weight left him sitting in 5th place. However, in his own words, “Day 2 was a train wreck” with only 2 lbs. This low weight put him below the weekend cut.
Kevin’s strategy on Day 1 was no big secret. He was working ledges near shallow flats in a large creek in 12-18 feet of water and casting shallow. The fish were in various transition stages and starting to migrate into deeper water. The Elite angler’s main baits were Strike King crankbaits 6XD, 5XD and a smaller size. Kevin also had a 1/2 oz. white hair jig that he would periodically throw.
What was astonishing is the level of endurance KVD has: his non-stop cranking at a tremendous rate of speed and never seemingly to tire out. Chris Tate photo
While working these ledges and points, KVD’s eyes were constantly focused on his Humminbird Onix sonar unit on the front deck. As an average angler myself, the key take away I learned was: I need more experience with my electronics in understanding and interpreting them as the majority of anglers do.
There is no doubt that KVD’s strong point is maximum water coverage with these baits on his targeted area. What impressed me the most was he quickly, and effectively, utilizes his time on these spots. He methodically broke down all the angles and I could clearly see, from looking at his Ram mounted Hummingbird Helix, what he was accomplishing and the results were very successful on Day 1.
Kevin utilized his signature Quantum reels with Quantum Composite Rods which allowed him to cast those crankbaits 50+ yards with out any issues and surely outcasting the average angler who were not using composite rods. Another note taken.
At mid-day KVD elected to move and decided to go shallow after a fairly short run. He began pitching his signature Strike King Perfect Plastic Game Hawg bait. He then began starting boating fish on fallen trees in 4 foot or less water. He would creep up on the fallen timber and drop his Power Poles. Kevin worked both sides, sunny and shady, of the timber. The majority of fish were caught on the front point of the fallen timber. Again, KVD was quick and effective moving from one fallen timber pile to another.
Kevin’s day on Wheeler was primarily spent cranking like a well oiled machine which eventually paid off with those two key fish that secured him a 5th place finish on Day 1. What was astonishing is the level of endurance KVD has: his non-stop cranking at a tremendous rate of speed and never seemingly to tire out. The entire day I am thinking to myself- is he man or machine? Maybe a little of both.
In all honesty, I waited the entire day for Kevin to pull out the “Secret Bait.” You know the one I am talking about; the one in
Kevin’s day on Wheeler was primarily spent cranking like a well oiled machine. Bassmaster photo
development, the prototype, the one that hasn’t been released to the public. I didn’t see the “Secret Bait” on board his Z21 Nitro. What I did see were all his Signature Baits that you and I can buy neatly organized in the front fishing platform.
This told me everything with the KVD signature on it he uses. The KVD signature products are not just a brand he endorses-they are products he uses, has confidence in and knows how they work. This says a lot of a pro if he has earned the Bassmaster’s All-Time Money Winner using his signature products.
I think the highlight of my entire day with Kevin was just getting to know KVD as a person. We talked about our kids, wives and just normal stuff you would talk to your buddy about with while fishing. Prior to the start of the tournament KVD is sitting next to me on the boat talking to his kids, telling them to have a great day at school. Ironically, both his kids and my youngest are graduating high school next month. Just from our conversations throughout the day I could tell KVD is a loving father and husband. He loves to spend time with his family and misses them greatly when he is on the road fishing Elite Tournaments.
After a day on Wheeler Lake with him, I am convinced KVD is both man and machine and I personally want to thank him for a fantastic experience as his Marshal on Wheeler during the Elite event.
