Kevin VanDam on how to catch smallmouth bass

By : Luke Stoner – Dynamic Sponsorships

Few people on this planet know more about northern smallmouth bass than Kevin VanDam. The bronze aquatic torpedoes are just different. Their patterns, preferences, and nomadic nature require a special learning curve VanDam has been perfecting his entire career.

Kevin VanDam holding out his favorite luresWith nearly $7 million in tournament earnings that includes 28 pro-level wins, it’s safe to say VanDam has a proven track record. When KVD talks, you’d be wise to listen.

The Team Toyota pro suspects he spends 70% of his time targeting smallmouth versus their large-mouthed relatives when fun-fishing around his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Following Stage 5 of the Bass Pro Tour we caught up with KVD to talk smallmouth bass and get a glimpse into one of the greatest minds bass fishing has ever known.

Two tips for Northern smallies

We wanted to quiz VanDam on what his current favorite baits or techniques for bronze-backs were, but the greatest tournament angler of all time couldn’t help but divulge two crucial tips he pays attention to before every smallmouth trip; use a long rod and invest in quality sunglasses.

“Using a longer-than-usual rod helps a ton for northern smallmouth,” VanDam explained. “The water is typically ultra-clear up here, so long casts are extremely important. Light line and a long rod will help you get your bait as away from the boat as possible, and assists with moving a lot of line on your hook set when you get a fish to eat.”

VanDam pointed out he practically never uses a rod shorter than 7-feet long when targeting clear-water smallies. He designed his new signature series of Lew’s rods with this in mind, including the 7-foot 4-inch KVD Lew’s spinning rod VanDam trusts for nearly every finesse fishing application.