Tips & Techniques

Tips and Techniques

“WHEN IT’S TIME TO JUMP, YOU JUST GOTTA GO”

“WHEN IT’S TIME TO JUMP, YOU JUST GOTTA GO”

Strike King® and Lew’s® pro Trey McKinney has accomplished goals at 19 years old that many anglers simply aspire to achieve in their lifetime. With a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament win under his belt, he reflects on all that it took to get to this point and looks ahead to all that is yet to come in his professional angling career.

How to Skip A Baitcaster Like A Pro

How to Skip A Baitcaster Like A Pro

Using a baitcaster is the ideal way to skip because of the power and leverage you're able to generate. Watch along for skipping tips, techniques and gear from MLF pro angler @Kevin VanDam. With the right set up and a bit of practice, you can be one step closer to mastering skipping around overhanging bushes, boat docks and extreme cover!

Pre-Spawn Cranking Breakdown

Pre-Spawn Cranking Breakdown

For Kevin VanDam, crankbaits are among the most efficient tools to find and catch big pre-spawn bass as they prepare to move up. See his top picks for pre-spawn crankbaits and stay tuned for part II where KVD covers his ideal cranking rod/reel setup.

Squarebill vs. Spinnerbait

Squarebill vs. Spinnerbait

Kevin VanDam likes to toss squarebills and spinnerbaits to get that big bite as pre-spawn bass are moving shallow to spawning flats and cover. See which bait KVD recommends based on the conditions, cover and visibility.

KVD Squarebill 1.5 vs. Chick Magnet Crankbait

KVD Squarebill 1.5 vs. Chick Magnet Crankbait

The profile and bill of each crankbait changes the way it travels through the water, making it difficult to choose one to use. Kevin VanDam compares two shallow water crankbaits and the best scenarios for using each of them.

Kevin VanDam’s Top Five Fall Baits

Kevin VanDam’s Top Five Fall Baits

Looking to get out on the water this fall? KVD has five baits he won't leave home without in the cool weather. Make sure to pack these baits that will provide a ton of action and match the forage in your lake.

Kevin VanDam Explains How He Fishes a KVD Sexy Frog

Kevin VanDam Explains How He Fishes a KVD Sexy Frog

KVD has some specific ways he likes to fish the KVD Sexy Frog topwater lure. He explains his techniques!

Kevin VanDam on the Red Eyed Shad

Kevin VanDam on the Red Eyed Shad

Kevin VanDam is a big fan of the Red Eyed Shad because of its versatility. He explains all the ways he likes to fish it in different environments.

KVD on Fishing the 1.5 and 2.5 Crankbaits

KVD on Fishing the 1.5 and 2.5 Crankbaits

Kevin VanDam spent 2 years perfecting the KVD 1.5 and 2.5 Squarebill Crankbaits. He shares how their erratic swimming action sets them apart.

Cold Water Jerkbaits with KVD

Cold Water Jerkbaits with KVD

One of the first lessons that an angler learns in their fishing career is that patience is key. It’s a lesson usually learned early on as they sit on the bank with a worm and bobber, just waiting for the moment when all their waiting will be validated. Sometimes patience is rewarded, and sometimes it isn’t.

Kevin VanDam’s Three Favorite Lures for Fall

Kevin VanDam’s Three Favorite Lures for Fall

KVD loves fall for a lot of reasons, including fishing out on the lake. All three lures that pro bass fishing’s greatest angler chose as his favorites for fall are shad imitators.

Kevin VanDam on how to catch smallmouth bass

Kevin VanDam on how to catch smallmouth bass

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.

How to control your jerkbait cadence. What knots to use. Why choose specific kinds of baits in new conditions. Every angler faces new fishing questions every time they are on the water. Strike King has compiled articles and videos from our Pro Staff to help you figure out the how, what, why, when, and where of fishing. With their help, you’ll become a better angler. Read and watch on.