The Kevin VanDam legend continues with KVD capturing the 2011 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year last Sunday. This is the fourth consecutive year VanDam has won the award and the seventh time in his illustrious career?beating out 9-time AOY holder Roland Martin who managed to take the title three times in a row.
Nitro Fishing Pro Kevin VanDam, sponsored by local companies Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats, actually had the title won on the 3rd day of the 4-day Dixie Duel at Wheeler Lake in Alabama. No other angler could overtake VanDam in the points standings. The Alabama event doubled as the points race finish and the Bassmaster Elite Series season finale.
The $100,000 award boosts the 4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion’s BASS career winnings to $5.2 million.
“Every pro wants to win Angler of the Year because it’s our sport’s highest award,” said VanDam. “It shows you’re at the top of your game and it rewards consistency.” (quote from The Fishing Wire, 6/20)
VanDam won his first AOY title in 1992 as a 24-year-old ‘youngster’. Now at 43, he has the distinguished record of having won 4 Bassmaster Classics (a record he shares with Rick Clunn), qualified for 22 consecutive Classics, posted top 10 finishes an impressive 94 times and has 20 Bassmaster event wins including the 4 classics.
“All of us at Tracker Marine and Bass Pro Shops are extremely proud of Kevin and what he has been able to accomplish over his 19-year career,” stated Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “He has been a great ambassador for our Nitro and Bass Pro brands as well as the sport of bass fishing.”
Another angler sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Marine, Ott DeFoe, was declared 2011 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
About Bass Pro Shops Group:
Bass Pro Shops operates 56 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 110 million people annually. Bass Pro Shops also conducts an international catalog and internet retailing operation. American Rod & Gun wholesale division sells to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide. Outdoor World Incentives also sells Bass Pro Shops gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America. The Bass Pro Shops restaurant division has 26 locations. The company’s Tracker Marine Group manufactures and sells Tracker, Nitro, SunTracker, Tahoe, Grizzly and Mako boats through Bass Pro Shops retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide. The Resort Group includes Big Cedar Lodge and other resort properties including restaurants and golf courses. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit the basspro website. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO.By: Jenna Kendall
