A tip of the Plano hat to KVD
A tip of the Plano hat to Kevin VanDam – 2010 Bassmaster Angler of the Year
Longtime Plano pro staffer Kevin VanDam has done it again. Actually, in this case … again, again and again. His most recent victory, BASS’ wrap-up event of the 2010 season, resulted in KVD making it a three-peat of the tournament trail’s most prestigious title, Bassmaster Angler of the Year. He has now earned the AOY honor a total of six times.
It was VanDam’s 19th BASS victory in his 20-year career, tying him with Roland Martin for the most ever wins in the organization’s 40-year-plus history. The $200,000 cash payout that came with it pushed his career earnings to more than $4.5 million along the BASS trail, putting him at the top in that distinction, as well. Neither the win nor the accomplishment is something the Kalamazoo, Mich., angler takes for granted.
“I work hard in what I do and this title was especially rewarding because of my slow start early in the season,” VanDam said. “But I always fish with great confidence, knowing that any next spot or next cast can be the difference maker. It’s just the way I am.”
“Kevin is a champion in every sense of the word,” said Jesse Simpkins, Plano vice president of marketing. “He is always upbeat, confident and professional – win or lose – and we are pleased to be a part of his support team with our Plano products. We highly value his input and you can bet that anything with his name on it in our product lineup is going to be top notch and best in class. KVD is a great ambassador for Plano, this industry and the sport of fishing.”
VanDam is certainly a perfect fit for Plano, and vice versa, because he is truly one of the most organized individuals in all of fishing. The relationship between the two spans nearly 15 years. His success speaks volumes about the value of being organized in everything he does, from rod and reel match-ups to tackle storage, and why everything must come from, and go back into, their proper places … always.
“I don’t have even a few seconds to waste during a tournament to search throughout my boat for a particular lure, color or weight,” VanDam explained. “By being consistent in how I organize my gear and where I store it, I can go right to a needed item without having to think twice about it.”
The habit is something that he also carries over to one of his other favorite activities – hunting.
“I’m extremely passionate about hunting and I won’t settle for anything but the best in taking care of my weapons. I want the very best in travel cases because I have no intentions of getting to my destination and discovering my scope’s been knocked off or my bow crushed.”
And, yes, KVD says he is just as adamant about storing and clearly identifying his ammo and archery boxes as he is his lure boxes. “That’s just the way I am,” he explained.
With that said, please join Plano in congratulating Kevin VanDam for another amazing year and accomplishment in his professional bass fishing career.