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Five Questions for Kevin VanDam

Category: article

 Nov 6th, 2012 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Nov 6th, 2012 at 12:00 AM

When the opportunity arises to put Kevin VanDam into the Five Questions hot seat its time to pick apart his fishing knowledge, right? Uh, maybe, but that line of questioning is not my cup of tea (actually coffee for me).

	Kevin VanDam is a 4-time Classic Champion and 7-time AOY. (Photo BassFIRST)

Nope, instead, I peered into the depths of what makes Kevin tick, what he is truly about, and his philosophy on life. Okay, I really didn’t do that either, but I did ask KVD five questions. Read on and learn a little bit about the best pro bass angler in the world.

DL – Who is your favorite professional athlete?

KVD – I’ve been fortunate enough to meet so many. So many great NASCAR drivers and others, but I’d say my favorite pro athlete is Tom Brady, the Patriots quarterback.

I watched him play when he was at the University of Michigan. I liked him then. Then, at an ESPY award show, I got to meet him the year after he won the Super Bowl. He seems very humble for a guy who has achieved so much. I respect his mental toughness and the fact that he steps up and gives credit for the good results to his team, and takes the responsibility for losses.

DL – Which pro angler do you admire the most?

KVD – There are so many I admire for various reasons and attributes. Back in the early part of my career, I’d have to say that Larry Nixon and Denny Brauer were the two pros that I admired the most.

Those two were and are true pros. I have a ton of respect for them. Both of them helped me with the business side of professional fishing and are held in such high regard with their peers, sponsors and the fans.

DL – Which U.S. President would you be and why?

KVD – That is a tough question. However, I did get to fish with President G. H.W. and G.W. Bush. I liked them both and they truly respect and understand our sport.

For me, the first President Bush would be my choice. I fished the entire day with him and had the chance to get to know his beliefs about the outdoors and the passion he has for fishing and the outdoors.

DL – What other species of fish would you like to chase as a pro?

KVD – Muskies! I find them pretty intriguing. Every time I get to tangle with them, I am fascinated by their reactions, the difference in their mood from day-to-day.

They seem very smart to me, compared to other fish. Figuring them out is a real challenge, and that is the part of tournament bass fishing that I really like.

DL – Beer, Whiskey or the Temperance Movement?

KVD – Beer! I enjoy the taste of beer. Plus, whiskey doesn’t agree with me. I drink at too fast of a pace, just like my fishing, to drink whiskey.

I really like Bud Light Lime in the summer. It really tastes good then. The rest of the time, I am a Busch Light drinker.