Entry 325-3
Jonathon VanDam Who’s Just 21-Years Old Wins $26,000 Plus Fishing Strike King Lures
Editor’s Note: A member of the new generation of VanDams is making his presence known in the world of professional fishing. Jonathon VanDam of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the nephew of Angler-of-the-Year and Bassmaster Classic Champion Kevin VanDam, has begun to come out from under his famous uncle’s shadow. He’s a fast-rising star in his own right as a tournament pro. But this young VanDam is more than a collegiate bass fisherman trying to break into the world of professional fishing. He’s blazing a new trail not only for young bass fishermen, but for those youngsters whose moms and dads say, “You have to get your college education first, and then you can become a professional bass fisherman.” VanDam is pursuing his college education – he’s a junior - while becoming a national touring pro and showing others how to do both at the same time, using that same strong work ethic that Uncle Kevin has used to become one of the nation’s top pros. This week, we’ll let Jonathon VanDam tell his own story.
Part 3: Day Two of the Tournament
Question: Jonathon, why was the second day of competition canceled?
VanDam: We had high winds and a small-craft advisory. The weather forecast said we’d have 6- to 7-foot waves. However, I’d been on the water before when the weatherman predicted 6 to 7 feet waves, and some of the waves would be 10-feet high. So, BASS decided not to send us out, which was a very-smart move. Lake Erie can get really dangerous, and if you haven’t fished it much, you can be in big trouble in a short time.
Question: How did you think canceling the second day would affect your fishing?
VanDam: BASS had told the competitors that on the third day, we’d fish regardless of the weather. 
They discussed the possibilities of us only fishing in Sandusky Bay, which was protected waters. But when I watched the weather map, I saw that the wind was supposed to shift.I thought the lake would settle down, and then we should be able to fish the entire lake on the last day of competition.
Question: So, what was your game plan for the last day of competition?
VanDam: When I reached the launch site, I still wasn’t sure whether the tournament officials would allow us to go out on the lake, or if they’d make us stay in Sandusky Bay. If we stayed in the Bay, we’d primarily fish for largemouths. So, I had all my largemouth equipment rigged-up. But if they let us go out on the lake, I’d primarily be fishing for smallmouths. Therefore I had rods rigged-up with smallmouth baits. I was concerned with the south wind. I knew that south wind would muddy-up the water on the spots I planned to fish. 
Most anglers I talked to said that, “If the water gets muddy on the places you plan to fish, leave those spots, and look for new ones with more-clear water because the bass don’t bite in muddy water.”
I knew the spots I fished had the size of smallmouths on them that could help me win the tournament. But those bass were 25- to 30-miles away from the launch site. Too, the water was still quite rough, with 3- to 4-foot tall waves, because Lake Erie didn’t calm-down overnight. The waves were just big rollers and not choppy, so I still would have a bumpy ride. I decided to go to the same area I fished the first day.
Editor’s Note: You can contact Jonathon VanDam on Facebook. He gets a number of messages on Facebook and tries to respond as often as possible.
