JVD Wins His First Elite Series Event In Wisconsin

Kevin VanDam isn’t the only angler in town

Green Bay, Wisconsin– Jonathon VanDam may not be the most famous person in his family, but he’s off to a good start. JVD boated a four day total bag of 79 pounds, 2 ounces of smallmouth bass to win the Bassmaster Elite Green Bay Challenge on Lake Michigan.

He edged the more seasoned Brandon Palaniuk by a mere 4 ounces.

Like they say in racing, it doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile.

On top of the standard $100,000 pay day, JVD also claims his first Classic entry—an event his uncle has dominated for over a decade with four wins since 2001.

The win also earns VanDam a place in history. He is now the second youngest winner of an Elite Series event in Bassmaster history, being bested by Casey Anthony by only 6 months for that distinction.

Jonathon VanDam’s Winning Bait

Perhaps he owes a little debt of gratitude to his uncle for the win, as he was fishing a Strike King Dream Shot plastic worm in KVD Magic, tied onto a good ol’ drop shot rig.

Another exciting tournament comes to a close with a great win for a young angler.

See ya on the water…