Cheating in Pro Fishing Events (The Bilge Podcast)

Kevin Vandam joins Chris Zaldain and Trait Zaldain on The Bilge Podcast presented by Battle Born Batteries to discuss his retirement plans the current state of tournament fishing at the highest ranks.
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[@davidcromer3317]

I think it would be awesome for Kevin to go back on all his wins, revisit that lake, that spot, throw that same bait as old as it might me and just relive the moment and tell the story while making a cast on that spot. That would be awesome to watch

[@shawnleighton4483]

This is a great idea.

[@KrummyProductions]

This is a great idea! Keep pushing it!

[@thebasswicker6294]

Great idea!

[@10DollarNames]

Start a channel and get a bunch of different guys on as guests to do it

[@TheWoefman]

Heck Yeah

[@SeeLifeBro]

Those espn days were totally what started my love for the sport. Thank you to the guys who lost all that money. It made a huge impact for so many people.

[@HawgWyldFishing]

😂😂

[@waynelagarde7956]

Man, I wish he would just make one last ride on the Elite Series. ❤

[@adamclark2245]

Me too I feel like that was his game I know he whipped some ass when MLF was a tv show only fishing the cups . Like when he was down almost 50 lbs off the lead after the first round and he went on a jerk bait seminar to edge out faircloth. But all the best memories for me were the elites. Was he one of the part owners of BPT? If so I could see how that could effect your focus and performance

[@jaysonfitzpatrick8651]

He definitely needs to come back to the Elites and then retire that's where he needs to finish his career!!!

[@Bosanovadude1]

He probably will

[@jaysonfitzpatrick8651]

@@Bosanovadude1 I really hope so that would be awesome if you think about next to Rick Clunn he is bassmaster the 2 greatest ever!!!

[@peterlong9629]

His legacy, 98% of it, was with BASS. That is where I thought he would retire from...

[@mikemoore4851]

As a fellow northern bass fisherman, I feel like KVD is my hero! He went south and dominated! My father asked me back in the 70s if there was a way to turn my passion for bass fishing into a living? My answer at the time was no, not in western NY. KVD proved it could be done...GOAT? No doubt.

[@fish4kbcf]

This is one of the top interviews of Kevin ever put out. You all have found your niche in fishing with this podcast. You all let your guests speak and the flow is awesome. Well done!

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Great interview, KVD chose his words carefully and wisely... Some will say he's straddling the fence. Others will say he's a better man for not throwing people, opinions, and organizations under the bus. I believe he's the latter. There's a reason he's the Goat 🐐... 🍺🎣

[@BenC-77]

Man....I'm just saying...Jacob Wheeler could win 15 AOY, 10 redcrest, jump in the Opens and win one, win the Classic and KVD will always still be the GOAT!! Amazing angler!

[@ScottHynson-if9vn]

Biggest cheater ever. Taking waypoints from everyone. I have first hand knowledge

[@holdengamble]

Wheeler is a clown

[@scottburgle2169]

@@ScottHynson-if9vnKVD or Wheeler?

[@Roberts810]

Wheeler has been known to do this alot

[@Roberts810]

I've heard several guys say that wheeler has buddies who will fish a place before he gets there an they will give him the waypoints.

[@av8214]

What an absolute class act. There will probably never be another like him

[@TreybleRockLake]

Growing up in Springfield Missouri with the old school spring fishing classics and KVD are probably the reason I’m still an avid bass fisherman at 42!

[@metroplexbassaddicts]

Without a doubt KVD is the greatest tournament angler of all time! 🐐Excited to see what he does next but sad to see him leave the tours. He's been the biggest inspiration to so many anglers and has taught several generations so much about fishing and conservation. Great show guys!

[@waynejansen1221]

Aaron Martens first 26 years of life are known only by hardcore bass men that got beat annually no matter which lake they competed on. Aaron’s string of 11 years as the Daiwa Cup champion needs to be explained. Aaron was simply a top notch angler like the Lindner’s But Aaron had no mentors!!! Jimmie Lindner is amazing but who was his mentor? So, That’s what makes KVD and Aaron appear to be equally gifted. They sit beside each other. They must have enjoyed any time spent together.

[@jimschreiner6482]

GOAT I put him up with Michael Jordan, Babe Ruth, Tom Brady and Dale Earnhardt senior. The king of Bass fishing and a true ambassador for it. I also know he's a Metallica fan. That makes me like him even more.

[@davidharris4030]

I gotta agree 💯 🤘

[@matthewevans7151]

These last two bilge podcast have opened the light on tournament fishing a whole bunch and we could all learn a lot from the true pros and sportsmen of the fishing industry. Thank you

[@joelhedrick7557]

Thank y'all so much for having him on right after his last tournament. It was such an awesome show to watch and KVD is such a class act. To have the career he has had he is still so very humble. His integrity and love for the bass fishing sport has always shined brightly and will continue to shine. Thank you KVD for having an impact on my life!

[@TheAverageAngler]

Might be one of the best and most informative fishing pods ever. Thank you.

[@rickmoore2854]

Great interview! You keep them coming…awesome. Nice to hear from the best!

[@nathanplumb1576]

This podcast is always an A plus , for y’all to do it on the road too is awesome !!

[@scottholland5046]

What a great ambassador for the sport! Thanks for being the real deal to us!

[@bobramsey8380]

Thanks for the many years of competition ! You are the GREATEST OF ALL TIME ! you will be missed !

[@cameronjones1674]

The one Angler that made bass fishing a cool sport and lead by example. Integrity Passion and Inspiration. Cheers KVD and Sherry what an amazing legacy you have left us with.

[@johnthompson9759]

Chris & Trait Awesome show enjoyed!! The GOAT is and will all ways be a great ambassador to our sport ! Until next time take care guys and tight lines!

[@PunchFishing]

One of the best interviews you guys have ever done. Nice work!

[@nchec326]

"Its not your aptitude but your attitude that determines your altitude" one of my favorite quotes.

[@timbantham]

I've been a KVD fan since he first came onto the scene way back in '89. We are roughly the same age so I really took notice when this kid from the North showed the bass fishing world his greatness. Kevin is a consummate professional and sets the bar high for what a pro angler should be. Integrity, professionalism, passion for the outdoors and most importantly an advocate for conservation. I believe that catch, weigh and release is the format that should become standard across all of the leagues. I would even love to see this at the club and state level as well. If the leagues and the industry truly cared about the future of our fisheries the time is now to move to a format that truly protects the health of the bass we catch. Thank you Kevin for all the great years and for showing us fans what it means to be a true pro.

[@Steve13lb12oz]

Looking forward to watching all of his future shows and any other activity he is involved with in the future.

[@miken7275]

Awesome interview and really enjoyed listening to the GOAT and his candid commentary. He is so vested in the sport, a wealth of knowledge and can’t wait to see his next endeavors.

[@williej.allenjr.510]

The interview with Kevin VanDam was my first watching your show. You two asked thoughtful questions that were both about bass fishing and about life. His answers were spot on from his thoughts on integrity to having a positive attitude. Good luck to Kevin, good luck to you two and I will definitely. subscribe and continue watching the show. Thanks.

[@maxcole3930]

KVD is the Man! I'm a kayak angler usually hitting the water couple days a week, weekday afternoon/evening & a full weekend day too. I always make time get on water even if I have work extra hard get everything else taken care of! I don't fish tournaments, just not my thing. But throwing big swimbaits looking for big bites is my favorite. Its absolutely my get away from everyone & everything! Even a bad day of fishing is a good day on the water in my kayak. Of course catching fish makes it way better... Interested to see what you have in store for your tournament retirement projects.

[@TheZamboon]

Here we go! The best podcast ever with the best pro angler ever!

[@Kendrix1]

At the Harris Chain, I stayed in the hotel room above his in the 90's . Sherry was in his boat as the sun was going down respooling his reels. I was truly impressed...

[@ScottCooperOutdoors]

KVD is always a gentleman. Much respect brother. Never throws ANYONE under the Bus.

[@rodneyblack7498]

Integrity is everything!!! Legendary!! great flow as always💯

[@tristanwhite8530]

Awesome show with the greatest to ever do it! The last 2 shows have been great, keep it up!

[@radkatintvinyl9873]

ya know i seen kvd on the highway a few months back in ny and went fishing the very next day because he sparked something in me like i had a few years back when i was fishing every day. fast forward two months later i got my first bass boat and have been fishing non stop again. i’m so glad i i got to see him on the highway because it got me back into this world of being on the water and i don’t think any other angler could of done that besides kevin. i looked him up right after driving to see how his year was going and i noticed it was his last year which made me sad but grateful and what he said in this interview made so much sense is that he wanted to go on his terms and still be competitive when he leaves. that hit home for me. true legend of this sport.

[@BuckMT-xf1qj]

Kevin got to fish a few tournaments on St Clair with ya in competition and it was an honor , to watch how you carried our sport with honor & respect, and for that I want to thank you for being a good Stewart, honest & true ,learned a lot over the years from watching you , so I truly appreciate you ,may God bless ya & your family , ❤️🙏💯🤠

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

Thank you, to the guys that always throw your catches back. They were delicious!

[@geraldkoth654]

I think that Kevin's grand dad worked for my father in the 1940s. Dad was watching a show one day and Kevin was on, he said, that guy worked for me. I remember Harry Vandam and the likeness is eerie.

[@singingbamman1]

Congrats Mr. Kevin on a great career. Some day I hope to shake your hand and say thank you for all the lessons over the years.

[@basscat2107]

Man, 10 minutes into this, and KVD just dropped the biggest golden nugget to life in the tournament, fishing. You have to have a strong woman running everything in the SHADOWS SHADOWS. Good luck on the next 2, Chris. You can win either or both. You have had a very different year than you normally are used to, so you might as well just win 1 of the next 2.

[@jerryhall437]

Great show ! Kevin proves why he’s the Goat ! The integrity issue he truly takes to heart . It was great that he mentioned the Clunn’s and Brauer’s as to why integrity is important. Those guys help shape him

[@bill-qv3er]

They don't come any better than KVD. I met him in 1995 at a BASS Pro Am at Lake Seminole when he was a young buck. Very friendly and was easy to talk to.

[@patrickmcphee770]

I followed him since he hit the scene. Watched Sunday morning fishing shows and bassmasters with my Father. He hit the water like Michael jordan hit the court. He fished like he came from another planet. Thanks for sharing your passion with all of us Kevin! You dominated the sport with class.

[@timb8970]

Kevin is without a doubt the best pro angler ever! Just so dominate and classy.

[@mikeswearngin9681]

Another great podcast. Trait asks the best questions.. keep them coming.

[@F.Ronnie]

Awesome. Thanks Chris.

[@chadwoodward2402]

Live wells need water chillers built into them along with o2 systems. You see it on the some of the salt water boats that rely on live bait.

[@chrishartleyjr.5523]

Good show, need to have the guest switch seats with Chris so they don't have to keep looking left and right while talking

[@PeterWFishing]

thanks for putting this out there. i’ll always listen when kevin talks

[@janetbutler135]

I have your 6 season guide on my phone. Never leave the dock without it. Thank you for everything you’ve done in fishing 😎

[@jaysonfitzpatrick8651]

You truly are the best would love to see you come back to Bassmaster and then retire that's where you need to retire!!!

[@dgroves85]

I grew up fishing. Since my dad carried me as a young child into a lake to catch trout. To my uncle taking me water skiing on the California Delta bringing a rod with a single Texas rigged plastic worm leading to me catching my first bass. Bass fishing has been my greatest passion.

[@jamiejuicenewton3349]

GOAT!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to the both of you for bringing this to us!

[@MarshallLanier-oi1mk]

I had the pleasure of watching his first Bassmaster win in person. The Georgia BP Top 100 pro am at Lake Lanier. Dec 7, 1991. As Bob Cobb said on the weigh in platform, "Folks we actually have THREE divisions here today. The pro division, the amateur division...and the KEVIN VANDAM DIVISION"

[@rosschappell7014]

He is a gem to bass fishing and needs to be protected and cherished like a rare gemstone. I have been watching him from the beginning (TNN outdoors days - STILL the best days of fishing programing) and still struggle (selfishly) with him NOT competing anymore God Bless you KVD

[@martyaustin6545]

He is really a great conservationist, he turned a great lake around in Alabama, it’s awesome

[@jonathangreen6088]

KVD will be missed! I grew up my entire life watching him fish. He taught me and the world so much! Can't wait to see what his next chapter holds!

[@DwayneMcguire]

Good stuff Chris and Trait 👍🎣🕊️🙏

[@ClintLongFishing]

Another great episode with the GOAT!

[@MichaelCraig-bi3wj]

Now I know why I like KVD from the beginning. You guys ask all the right questions and he gave all the right answers. Good luck in the future KVD and thanks for a great run.

[@leeyarbrough9636]

Hats off to the his channel , you have setup a great show , great name great folks and very nice mustache haha , love to watch you fish a this KVD is the master an legend an has fished his way to a great life an has brought so much to fisherman’s lives around the globe , keep this channel going great show.

[@timothymason8779]

😊 God Bless Kevin, his family and his future endeavor. Thank you for interviewing him. God Bless, Timothy Mason

[@johnm2617]

We will miss you KVD! I remember when you first hit the tour ! Thanks for everything! God bless ! And thanks chris and tra

[@robbogin482]

🐐 on and off the water!!’ Always a true gentleman in every sense. I wish every angler would take a page from KVD bass fishing at every level would be so much better👊👊 Thank you Kevin for 33 amazing years❤️

[@davewylie654]

Kevin is awesome in the TV realm at really breaking down seasonal patterns and making them make sense. I literally learned how to nuke to Smallies in the fall burning spinnerbaits by watching his video on my home lake. Guy is the best ever and its not even close

[@Afishermanstale]

Thank you. Really love this episode with the 🐐

[@theregoesone3225]

Interesting dialogue about AMart. When KVD respects someone like that it means something. He complimented AMart, then it was the comment about right next to the ramp, to which KVD quickly countered. Respect.

[@dgroves85]

Gosh I grew up to KVD. He was honestly one of my biggest influences. I watched Bill Dance outdoors and Roland Martin every chance I got. I was born in 1985. KVD was my idol. I wanted his bait-casting and spinning reel made by Quantum back in the 90’s. But he’s a true GOAT of the sport!

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Question, could you increase the lighting on the videos about 10%-20%? Seems low even on high brightness. If KVD would want to come back to BASS, would he qualify for a Legends Exempt?

[@richardingram6055]

Watched KVD from Indian Hills Marina on Grand Lake, which was flooded. he was pulling them out of the flooded brush & around boat docks, had his nose down & was hard core on them bass. & I believe he won that year, awesome fishermen, He did recognize us but just awesome person.

[@jerrydellhaggerton6928]

So nice to hear KVD put so much emphasis on integrity. If you don’t have integrity you don’t have much.

[@CJNAPOLEON77]

Glad I found this channel !!! Where have I been

[@chuckstillwell9549]

Great show I love cranking because of Kevin

[@FunkE.Fisherman]

The only man to ever tie Rick Clunn in Bassmaster Classic Titles

[@ericporterfield8492]

Epic interview 🐟👍

[@billljones979]

Great podcast , Mrs Z with the real questions, I'm glad kvd didn't dodge them and didn't ruin his dignity with trashing names on his way out, great all around on all 3 great podcast

[@keithpinkerton2933]

Love the shows. KVD did it before livescope and almost pulled it off cranking in the last one. Love the content

[@jamesmurphy1040]

Great interview!! KVD is one of kind!

[@13thworker45]

Kevin you are a modern day hero. Congratulations

[@bayoustateoutdoors9650]

At first cast at Saginaw Bay, (1,100 sq miles), Wheeler and Dakota Ebare were boat to boat…… Tell me again how they don’t get gps coordinates….

[@codyhooser3333]

Awesome video Z!!

[@johnnyvermin6305]

Another awesome podcast! I could have watched two or three more hours.. KVD is the undisputed 🐐.. I think you should work on getting Kevin and Zona together on a podcast.

[@JoeGerossie]

I’m with him on the catch weigh release being the way. I’m sure it’ll get there at bass and it still has some bugs to work out first (Cayuga). Guys only hold the 2 biggest fish up anyway, unless you got a mega bag ya know. I’d actually love to do it locally but I can’t see that happening any time soon.

[@GhostTownBluesBand1]

great but when I've interviewed people when I'mvnormally the guy that's used to being interviewed, I try not to repeat the words that they just said. YOU'RE obviously listening... great job! I'm happy to see you keep crushing!!! keep on bruh

[@bfstackledirect]

A true champion knows when to walk away. Well done, sir!

[@rockyj2008]

I found out about KVD when he was 14 years old at local bait shop. Met him and film crew at Elk lake many years ago. Also talked with him at lake Saint Clair

[@randysiler7458]

Awesome podcast thank you so much guys! I wish y’all the best! 👍👍🙏❤️

[@ianammon6040]

Wow. I own that Spinnerbait Video. Also, I feel bad for what I did to Scott Rook years ago. I was running spotlight on the 2005 Bassmaster Classic here in Pittsburgh. I was supposed to do a "bump on" when Scott's being introduced, but our audio lead paired our channel with the TV crew. The chatter was too loud and I couldn't hear my mark. So if you watch the Final 10 anglers being introduced and you see Scott Rook in the dark, that's my fault and I'm sorry.

[@bobwalsh719]

Great show!

[@mikeschiffmann3708]

Come on kevin. Go back to BASS and win another classic. Would be epic. Been watching KVD since I was a kid. 42 now. Still my all time favorite. Lights out!

[@brians.4488]

Guys from Texas use to share info back in the 80s fishing the US open on mead and they did well. If the locals could have done that there would have been more than byron, klinger, marcus klouse and pat Donahoe win that tournament erbody else was from your home state Mr. Zaldain

[@SeriousAnglerBassFishing]

Such an insightful show

[@johnlantz7278]

Lite line small jerk bait fineness has many benefits,thanks to KVD great interview with the best to ever compete ,the stewardship into outdoor sports quality gear for average guy

[@Stufferburg]

I need more examples. You guys skirted the main topic like I knew what you were talking about. 42:31

[@ferrodog5000]

Would like to hear your opinion on writers conference that was going on while MLF Saginaw Bay tournament was happening. MLF guys Wheeler, Connell, and MDJ did a video on it.

[@geoffreywalker7308]

Hide the weights of the fish when weighed on the water and reveal them at weigh-in to create some kind of excitement

[@YankeeDoodle2]

​@Venandii77 Weigh ins are still better than what mlf is doing

[@nathanbillingsley42]

Enjoy your retirement. You are the goat

[@trekmadone2673]

Enjoyable listen, good questions. One recommendation to pass along and consider for future interviews. Let the interviewee finish speaking their answers before interjecting with your comments and/or acknowledgments.

[@Elway1976]

Man you have helped me over the years with jerkbaits an spinnerbaits,an crankbaits.Ive wrecked the bass overv the years watching your videos!!

[@garyhightower8105]

KVD is one of the BEST BAR NONE ! I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him a lot of time ago when he won the Bluegrass Brawl at Kentucky Dam Marina. He had just weighed 20lbs or better and was respooling his reels but took time to talk with me as he did so. I wish I could spend a day with him fishing would b so awesome but I think cancer is gonna end that dream before it would ever happen. KVD THE WORKING MANS CHAMPION !!!! GOAT 🐐

[@onfootbassin]

Trait flat out called out Becker like a savage lmao. Awesome!

[@Stufferburg]

What did he do? They never say

[@basstex6703]

Great content