Kevin VanDam Closes the Final Chapter of His Professional Career at the 2024 REDCREST Championship
Kevin VanDam's remarkable journey started in Kalamazoo, Michigan where his love of fishing first began. Growing up in Michigan surrounded by phenomenal fisheries, VanDam had the opportunity to hone his skills and prepare himself to make the leap to the professional circuits. His natural talent and unwavering dedication quickly set him apart, propelling him into the world of professional bass fishing.
VanDam began his career in 1990 when he competed in his first full season of the Bassmaster Invitationals, at the ripe age of 22. He burst onto the scene in 1992, winning his first Bassmaster Angler of the Year award, and jump starting his young career. VanDam, now 56, prepares to fish his final professional tournament - the 2024 MLF REDCREST on Lay Lake in Birmingham, Alabama. With a career full of achievements and milestones, he has solidified his status as one of the greatest anglers of all time.
Over his 30+ year career of professional angling, VanDam has built a seemingly untouchable resume and is considered one of the best professional bass anglers of all time. His list of accolades includes four Bassmaster Classic titles, eight Angler of the Year awards, 121 top 10 finishes and 29 career wins, accruing over $7 million in career earnings.
“I’ve been fortunate to have an unbelievable fishing career and I can’t thank all of the people and companies that have supported me throughout the years, especially Humminbird® and Minn Kota®” said VanDam.
“They have been a vital part of my success over the years, and technologies such as Humminbird MEGA Side and Down Imaging®, LakeMaster High-Definition Mapping, MEGA 360 Imaging® and Minn Kota Raptor Shallow Water Anchors have helped not only me, but all anglers, from weekend warriors to professionals, improve on the water.”
Throughout his professional tenure, VanDam has experienced a wide range of advancements in fishing technology. From the very beginning of fish finder technology to the technology anglers have at their disposal today, VanDam has succeeded with everything along the way and consistently dominated the professional circuits.
“I've been fortunate to compete over a long period of time and see the growth in technology from the very beginning in bass fishing,” explained VanDam. “When I first started, I thought it was a big improvement to go from a Humminbird Super Sixty to a Super Thirty Flasher,” joked VanDam. “I focused my whole career on being as efficient as possible and maximizing every cast. The technology that Humminbird and Minn Kota have developed over the years has allowed me to be that much more effective and precise on the water.”
Utilizing this technology efficiently has always been one of VanDam’s strengths as he redefined the standards of excellence in professional fishing while solidifying himself as one of the sport's all-time greats.
“One of the first big jumps in technology that really changed the way we approach a lake and fish was the release of Humminbird Side Imaging,” said VanDam. “The introduction of the first Minn Kota Ultrex™, and now the new Ultrex QUEST™ brushless trolling motor, was also a huge leap, allowing anglers to Spot-Lock® while having total boat control, making our lives easier while competing - Humminbird and Minn Kota have always been at the forefront of technological advancements.”
As VanDam’s career progressed, he became not just an extraordinary angler, but a mentor and role model for aspiring anglers around the world. He shared his knowledge and expertise through seminars and instructional videos while helping the brands and companies he represented develop products to help other anglers catch more fish.
“I have loved working with brands like Humminbird and Minn Kota to create products that help anglers be more efficient on the water and make a difference for anglers of all skill levels to be more successful,” added VanDam.
Many anglers today idolize VanDam and grew up watching him compete. The impact that VanDam leaves behind will be felt for many years to come, as he inspired generations of anglers to get into the sport and pursue their dreams on the water.
“I am extremely lucky to be where I am today and competing in my final REDCREST event; there's a lot going through my mind leading up to it,” added VanDam. “Over the years I have fished multiple events on Lay Lake, even winning the 2010 Bassmaster Classic and coming close to winning another back in 2007. "I love the Coosa River, and Birmingham is such a great bass fishing town. I am looking forward to going back and giving it all I have to close it out with another win.”
As he prepares for his last professional tournament, the 2024 Major League Fishing REDCREST, VanDam can’t help but feel overcome with emotions as he heads to Lay Lake to compete March 14 to 17.
But that is not all. In addition to VanDam’s final event, he has teamed up with Minn Kota and Humminbird to give away the very boat he will be competing in, and the final boat of his professional career to one lucky fan. Stay tuned to Minnkotamotors.com for more information on the Kevin VanDam Victory Lap Boat Sweepstakes!