KVD Bass Patterns Book

[RK]

Hiya -

Thought I'd mention this quick... I just finished the revised edition of Kevin VanDam's Bass Patterns book. I bought it kind of on a whim the other day, and I'm glad I did. It's a very interesting and sometimes thought-provoking read.

Parts of the book are fairly basic, but overall he assumes a fairly high level of knowledge, and gets into detail on a lot of topics like seasonal patterns, water clarity, gear and tackle, lure selection, and how he approaches different situations on the water. Sections on fishing pressure and fishing a new lake were very interesting. He also really breaks down "power fishing" as he defines and practices it, which is a very specific definition, and very thoroughly developed to suit his personality. There were things in the book that confirmed some of my own ideas on bass fishing, some that are making me re-think a few things, and a few things that just flat-out spun my head around.

Two very cool things about the book:

- He goes out of his way to point out differences in his approach on northern waters constantly. One of my pet peeves about much of what's written about bass is that it assumes you're fishing southern reservoirs, but he really makes an effort to note the differences.

- There's no over the top plugging of sponsors. He makes mention of his sponsors when he's talking about a specific lure or color occasionally, but honestly, you'd have to search fairly hard to find examples of it. I really appreciated not having sponsor names and products crammed down my throat.

Anyhow - if you have spring fever and are looking for something to read, KVD's book is very worthwhile...

[bemidjibasser]

Can you mention where you picked it up or is that not allowed here?

[RK]

I got it off KVD's webite. Dunno if it's available elsewhere...

actual title is Bass Strategies not Bass Patterns BTW...my bad.

[Superduty]

Now I know what you're talking about. I own a copy of that book. It's been awhile since I read it, but it was interesting to see the attention to detail KVD goes through. He truly does everything he can to prevent problems from controllable variables in a days fishing. It's safe to say "KVD is a control freak!"

[CAMAN]

I own the original Bass Strategies book, and like you said he does a great job on it. Curious to see what has been "revised" in the new book.

[RK]

Hiya -

Yeah, goes beyond 'Type A' personality for sure. The updated version has quite a bit of new info in it apparently (I hadn't seen the old version). Some of the new stuff is pretty interesting. His takes on color in clear water were really interesting, and stuff I totally agree with. Validation from someone who knows what they're talking about is always satisfying

Cheers,

RK

[Cecil]

I was thinking of ordering Ike's new book on Finesse Fishing too...

[TODDY]

I was wondering the same thing about Ike's book as well Cecil. Now there's two books I need to pick up.

Thanks for the review RK!

TODDY

[Juan Grande]

How much you wanna bet everyone else on the tour has read KVD's book too?

[Fever]

That may be true. I bet that very few if any of the other guys in my summer fishing league will read it though...