As a valued reader, you’re getting an exclusive preview of one of the standout features from the latest issue of Kayak Angler Magazine. Join bass fishing stars Kevin VanDam, Davy Hite and Mark Zona on their first kayak fishing trip.
Bass Fishing Legends Discover The Thrill Of Kayak Fishing
When legends Kevin VanDam, Mark Zona and Davy Hite traded bass boats for fishing kayaks on British Columbia's Columbia River, they discovered an entirely When bass fishing legends Kevin VanDam, Mark Zona, Davy Hite and Mike McKinnis traded their bass boats for fishing kayaks on British Columbia's Columbia River, they discovered an entirely new way to fish. From breathtaking mountain scenery and trophy bull trout to plenty of laughs and friendly competition, this unforgettable adventure proves that even the sport's biggest stars can fall in love with kayak fishing.
If you're not familiar with these bass fishing icons, we've included a brief bio for each below, followed by Ric Burnley's full feature story.
Meet The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Legends
Kevin VanDam
VanDam is a legendary bass fisherman with over $6 million in B.A.S.S. earnings. He has won four Bassmaster Classics, holds a record 25 B.A.S.S. wins, and has seven Angler of the Year titles. He was the first to win ESPN’s “Outdoorsman of the Year” ESPY. In four years with the FLW Tour, he earned over $370,000 and appeared in four Forrest Wood Cups. Beyond fishing, VanDam is a philanthropist, supporting causes through his KVD Foundation and KVD Charity Classics.
Mark Zona
Zona has worked on numerous outdoor television shows, including BassCenter, The Bass Pros, and Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, and appeared in the movie Bait Shop. He has been featured on ESPN, FOX, The Outdoor Channel, and various streaming platforms. His passion for fishing has entertained millions and attracted new fans to the sport.
Davy Hite
Davy left a stable career in the SC National Guard to pursue professional angling, achieving significant success over 24 seasons. He won two Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, the 1999 Bassmaster Classic, the 1998 FLW Forrest Wood Cup, and eight Bassmaster victories, including the FLW Championship. After retiring in 2016, he became a co-host on Bassmaster LIVE and The Bassmasters TV show. Hite serves on the Board of Trustees for the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families and supports various charitable organizations.
Mike McKinnis
Mike played a key role in development and production of other popular fishing programs including Bassmaster’s The CAST, Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, The Spanish Fly with Jose Wejebe, The Redfish Cup Series, The Madfin Shark Series among many others. His productions have earned an Emmy, Emmy nominations and other top awards.
Dream Trip
Four members of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame go kayak fishing for the first time
By Ric Burnley
Close your eyes and imagine this: Kayak fishing for massive bull trout in a beautiful mountain river with Bass Fishing Hall of Famers Davy Hite, Mark Zona, Mike McKinnis and Kevin VanDam. For Keith Stevenson, the dream was a reality when he joined bass fishing royalty on the Columbia River in British Columbia.
When former Bassmaster Classic Champions Hite and VanDam, along with television personality Zona and BASS television producer McKinnis, visited Bison Lodge in Stevenson’s hometown, the longtime fan invited his heroes kayak fishing.
“They’re passionate anglers, so of course they were on board,” Stevenson says.
Stevenson soon learned the pro anglers had never fished out of a kayak, so he worked with NuCanoe, Vibe, Hoodoo and Crescent to outfit boats with YakAttack accessories and Bixpy and Newport motors. Then Stevenson discovered the guys had never fished for salmon or trout in the Columbia River, so he and Chad Gierlich of Hookup Baits helped rig the kayaks and tackle.
As expected, the anglers arrived full of excitement. Hite remembers, “I spent 24 years fishing for a living and this was all new to me.” He was blown away by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains and mighty Columbia River. “At this stage in my life, I enjoy the people and experience most.”
The Columbia River runs wide and swift through Revelstoke, British Columbia, presenting a challenge for first-time anglers. Stevenson laughs nervously, “I worried I would be responsible for drowning the world’s best bass anglers.”
“I’m going to call it like it is, I caught more fish than Kevin VanDam.”
As expected, the anglers arrived full of excitement. Hite remembers, “I spent 24 years fishing for a living and this was all new to me.” He was blown away by the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains and mighty Columbia River. “At this stage in my life, I enjoy the people and experience most.”
The Columbia River runs wide and swift through Revelstoke, British Columbia, presenting a challenge for first-time anglers. Stevenson laughs nervously, “I worried I would be responsible for drowning the world’s best bass anglers.”
The crew set off from a protected area and drifted miles down the river. “Watching them get accustomed to the kayaks and learn how to operate the motors was hilarious,” Stevenson remembers. Hite admits the learning curve was swift. “Fishing in the kayak was interesting at first because of the river current, but it didn’t take long to get used to.”
The crew drifted downriver casting and trolling Hookup Baits and catching Kokanee and bull trout. Halfway through the trip, the anglers stopped at Begbie Falls where they met their wives for a hearty shore lunch. Hite remembers, “I usually take pictures of big fish, but I was stopping and taking photos of the scenery.”
“I’m 100 percent getting a kayak.”
The trip also changed Hite’s opinion of kayak fishing. “I’m 100 percent getting a kayak,” he says. The retired pro angler already imagines the places he will take his kayak. He also appreciates the independence a kayak affords. “I liked fishing with my friends and being able to go off on my own to explore,” Hite says.
Stevenson’s highlight came when he hooked a trophy bull trout. “I needed help with the net and Kevin VanDam motored over and scooped up my fish,” he recalls. “I’ve been telling all my friends Kevin VanDam netted my fish,” Stevenson says with wonder still in his voice.
For Hite, the highlight of the fishing trip was personal. He laughs, “I’m going to call it like it is, I caught more fish than Kevin VanDam.”
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