Entry 50-4

Two Bass Master Classic Winners - Mark Davis & Kevin VanDam

Kevin VanDam's Go-To Lures

Editor's Note: Kevin VanDam, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is ranked the number-one bass fisherman in the nation by www.bassfan.com. He won the Angler-of-the-Year title in 1991, 1996 and 1999 and the 2001 BASS Masters Classic.

Question: Can you give me three lures when everything else is not working, lures and techniques that you try when you just can't catch a bass on anything else?

VanDam: A lot of my last resorts are my first resorts. I know when conditions are tough, things are different. So I like to downsize, and I like to try to make bass react. Without a doubt, a Wild Shiner is one of my favorites for doing that. It is a straight jerkbait that I designed for Strike King. I know that if the water is clear and the conditions get tough, I can usually still make a bass react to it. Bass just can't handle that wounded action that it has.

Another one is the Bitsy Flip Jig. It is a real compact small jig that has a big-enough hook that I can still attach it to heavy line and put it in heavy cover. I'll get bites when the standard flipping baits get passed up. It has a real small profile. When there is a lot of fishing pressure or conditions are tough, it always catches fish for me.

Question: It is one of the smallest jigs on the market, right?

VanDam: Yes, but it still has enough weight that you can flip it with heavy tackle.

Question: What pound test line do you use?

VanDam: I usually use 20-pound-test line with that.

Question: What is your go-to color?

VanDam: Usually green. We have one that is watermelon or pumpkin color, and I will kind of match it with a green pumpkin trailer or a watermelon trailer. Usually I am throwing it when the water is a little bit clear. Again, if the water is real dirty, I will use black and blue. But my favorite without a doubt is the greens and the browns, the crawfish imitators.

Question: What is your third go-to bait?

VanDam: A Series 3 Strike King crankbait. It is a small- profile bait that has a real tight action. When conditions are tough, that subtle tight wiggle which really closely imitates a shad it is just a dynamite bait for me. It has saved the day for me so many times. It is probably my number-one bait when fishing is tough.




 

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