Kevin VanDam is the standard by which all other professional bass anglers are measured. The lofty bar set by the Kalamazoo, Mich., native in terms of accolades and earnings perhaps will never be challenged. The numbers are simply staggering.

Over his 25-plus year career, VanDam has amassed seven Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, four Bassmaster Classic victories, 25 Bassmaster wins, four Major League Fishing Cup titles, one MLF Bass Pro Tour triumph, one FLW Tour Angler of the Year title and more than $7 million in earnings between Bassmaster and FLW and MLF. When you’re that successful, it’s only fitting that fans and fellow competitors refer to you by only your initials – KVD.

Though VanDam is well versed in all fishing techniques, power fishing became his signature approach in tournaments. Since making his debut in the Bassmaster Invitationals in 1990 at the age of 22, KVD’s unique fishing style has been defined by speed, reaction and extreme efficiency. He pioneered an up-tempo, offensive strategy in competitive fishing that forced his quarry to react instinctively to fast moving lures like spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and crankbaits. Using fast-paced lures allowed him to cover much more water than his competitors.
Off the water, KVD brings a similar winning formula to the business side of his brand. His dedication and loyalty to his sponsors is the gold standard of being a true professional bass angler. The way he immerses himself to promotions, appearances, seminars and product design could only be described as tenacious. The time he spends with outdoor media is unparalleled, providing genuine, honest content backed by proven results and insight. In all, KVD’s intensive input to fishing products and information has helped thousands of people catch more bass across the globe.
At home, VanDam is also the model family man. As a husband to his wife Sherry and a father of two boys, Jackson and Nicholas, there is nothing VanDam relishes more than family time in the outdoors, taking his boys hunting and fishing. He also has worked hard in recent years to build gateways into fishing for aspiring anglers and give back to worthy organizations through his KVD Foundation, which launched in 2015, and his support of college fishing events in the Midwest.

Upon turning 50 in 2018, VanDam was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. Now a competitor on the MLF Bass Pro Tour, VanDam has shown no signs of slowing down as he continues to add to his track record of excellence.