Kevin VanDam is Fishing for History at the 2012 Bassmaster Classic
OutdoorHub Reporters 02.18.12
When first line slides down into the cold waters of Shreveport-Bossier City’s Red River Kevin VanDam will be fishing for history. All told, Van Damn has captured four Bassmaster Classic titles (2001, 2005, 2010, 2011) which means, if he can reel in one more, he will be the first angler to three-peat since the tournament began in the 70’s.
According articles published by Vandam on his website, there is a lot standing between VanDam and a place in Bassmaster Classic lore.
Perhaps biggest barrier is a surgery he had to repair hernia in January. VanDam says he used the time study and rest up for upcoming tournament. But after having surgery just last month, can he really but up to the grind of the Bassmaster Classic?
To make matters worse VanDam will be up against the 2nd most experienced Classic field in history. Most of the anglers VanDam will be trying to out-fish have already been to a Classic almost six times. Not to mention the five other past champs (Denny Brauer, Davy Hite, Alton Jones, Michael Iaconelli and Takahiro Omori) he’ll be sharing the water with.
While VanDam is angling for history, history may not be with him. According to bassmaster.com, the last time the Clasic was held on the Red River VanDam failed to finish in the top 10.
Despite everything that’s stacked against him can VanDam win his third straight Classic and etch his name into Bass-fishing history? I don’t know.
What I do know is that the 2012 Bassmaster Classic is shaping up to be one for the ages.
