How about KVD?

Pat Dilling · August 05, 2023, 05:26:11 PM

Has declared that this year will be his last, fishing competively. Currently going into the last day, of the last MLF tournament of the year, leading by almost 3 pounds; in his home state of Michigan! Can't imagine a better script. I hope he wins it and goes out on top!

I believe he is qualified for Redcrest and Heavy Hitters in 2024. So we will get to watch him a couple more times next year.

Truly the GOAT.

Oldfart9999 · August 06, 2023, 06:47:13 AM

He'll be missed, even his haters will miss him in a few years.
Rodney

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FlatsNBay · August 06, 2023, 06:49:49 AM

Thanks for all the memories KVD. The sport of bass fishing truly changed because of you.

Smallie_Stalker · August 06, 2023, 03:37:31 PM

You can bet he'll stay in the industry even though he won't be competing.

I was kinda bummed when he left B.A.S.S. He had broken so many records and I really just wanted to see him beat Roland Martin's 9 time AOY record before he retired.

Still one of, if not THE greatest of all time.

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D.W. Verts · August 06, 2023, 09:19:29 PM

Wish he would have retired with B.A.S.S.

Dale

Pat Dilling · August 06, 2023, 11:16:23 PM

I was really pulling for him to win his last regular event. But what an amazing performance by Matt Becker. Won the tournament and AOY in his rookie year!

bigjim5589 · August 07, 2023, 10:07:51 AM

You can bet that he'll stay active in the sport, even without actually competing.

His family owns & operates D & R Sports Center in Kalamazoo, so he'll likely be more active with the business. That would make a lot of sense to me for him to do so.

Oldfart9999 · August 07, 2023, 12:44:55 PM

I think he'll be active with Strike King and Bass Pro Shop more time with the family.
Rodney

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Apoc81 · August 13, 2023, 06:52:13 AM

Man, it's the end of an era. At 42 I have been watching KVD fish since I was a pre-teen, and actually met him on a deer hunting trip in Michigan in 2002, they were in the camp a few acres from ours. Mid day we were doing some fishing along the river on the property and he came to talk to us for about an hour. The next morning he gave us a box of plastic baits, hooks, weights, hats and fishing jerseys. He was a great guy.

I'm sure we'll see him around plenty. He will no doubt end up with his own show, quite possibly online.

I really wish he had retired with the Elite Series. MLF definitely is not my favorite series, too many things they do bother me, like resetting weights on championship sunday, penalties if a bass hits the deck, and inconsistent weighing standards and strategies.

I'll admit that BASS has problems as well. I don't think public weigh-ins are sustainable, it's definitely killing big fish with good genetics. I also wish both series would stop tournaments during the spawn. Bed fishing destroys millions of eggs. Especially when it's not an immediate release tournament.

But back to the topic at hand. I think KVD is the best to ever do it. I know guys would also argue that it's other greats, like Clunn, but personally I've never seen any angler dominate like KVD had iup until the mid-2010's. He was definitely the guy I looked up to in this sport. Thanks for everything, KVD! Enjoy your retirement!