KVD announces retirement

WRB · Post by **WRB** » Mon Feb 13, 2023 12:44 pm

KVD released a video announcing 2023 is his last competitive tour season.
Only had 1 conversation with KVD and was at a Bass A Thon in anglers Marine Anaheim. Introduced myself and was surprised he knew my name, we had a very enjoyable conversation, a true sportsmen interested in every aspect of bass fishing.
Tom

callwakeup · Post by **callwakeup** » Tue Feb 14, 2023 2:28 pm

1st Tom Brady... Now KVD... 2 GOATS

mark poulson · Post by **mark poulson** » Tue Feb 14, 2023 7:03 pm

WRB wrote: ↑Mon Feb 13, 2023 12:44 pm KVD released a video announcing 2023 is his last competitive tour season.
Only had 1 conversation with KVD and was at a Bass A Thon in anglers Marine Anaheim. Introduced myself and was surprised he knew my name, we had a very enjoyable conversation, a true sportsmen interested in every aspect of bass fishing.
Tom

I met him there, too. Nice man.

Post by **WB Staff** » Wed Feb 15, 2023 3:19 am

Post by **WB Staff** » Thu Feb 16, 2023 11:35 pm

MLF President Boyd Duckett Issues Statement on Kevin VanDam Retirement Announcement

BENTON, Ky. (Feb. 13, 2023) – Major League Fishing President and CEO Boyd Duckett issued the following statement today regarding the announcement of Kevin VanDam’s retirement following the 2023 Bass Pro Tour season:

“Today is both a sad day and a time for celebration in our sport. Kevin VanDam, the greatest professional angler of all time, announced that he is retiring at the end of the season. Kevin has been an integral part of Major League Fishing from our very beginning and has been a pioneer in helping develop this league. There has never been a more unselfish angler when it comes to helping grow the sport of bass fishing, for the anglers or the fans.

On a personal note, having known Kevin through my entire pro career, he is not only the best angler of all time but also one of the best human beings that I know. He is the most liked and caring individual that I have ever met, and Kevin is always willing to share his time and resources with all anglers at every level. There are thousands of stories of him loaning a bait to another angler or competitor, or talking fishing and taking pictures with fans in the parking lot after a full day of competition. It truly speaks volumes about him as a human being.

On behalf of the entire MLF organization, we wish Kevin and his family all the best. I look forward to watching him compete on the water for the 2023 season, and we take comfort in knowing he is not leaving the sport, but helping to further it through his work off the water. Thank you, Kevin.”

milehi · Post by **milehi** » Fri Feb 17, 2023 8:55 am

Also met him at BAT, gave me some advice on catching suspended smallmouth on my little lake. Heck of a nice guy, wouldn't be shock me to see him fish the BASS legends

Kelly Ripa · Post by **Kelly Ripa** » Fri Feb 17, 2023 12:48 pm

I was speaking to Brent Ehrler at the BAT about a Lucky Craft wide wobble crankbait I had recently stuck an 11 on Casitas with. I pulled it out of my pocket and showed it to him. He took it out of my hands and asked excitedly: Where did you get this?...KVD was standing next to him and he immediately took an interest in the bait I was showing Brent so they passed it back and forth while I explained that every year my friends two kids always bought something from the tackle shop up by Skylark motel Clear Lake for my Christmas present..... at that time Ross England was running it....anyway Since Brent was a lucky craft guy maybe he could secure us some....

......Well KVD was all in on that idea but Brent had never seen this bait before.

and I have often thought about the fact that here is KVD at another show

you'd think. When he just leaped on in what Brent and I were looking at with as much enthusiasm as a 10 year old....I was so star struck I forgot what I was going to ask HIM if I got a chance

I still fish that crankbait and think of who has handled it plus that 11 was and is still my best crank fish. Rip