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Let’s Take the Land Cruiser
Kevin VanDam is not only the most accomplished professional bass angler in history, he’s also intensely adamant that his Toyota Tundra is the safest, most powerful truck he’s ever towed a boat with. In fact, he swears its oversized brakes helped save his life when chaos occurred in front of him while towing through a Chattanooga, TN construction zone a few years ago.
But when he’s not pulling his 21-foot Nitro all over America, and it’s time to chill out with family and grab a pizza from Fricano’s in his beloved hometown of Kalamazoo, “KVD” usually convinces his neighbor and uncle by marriage, Henry Kalkman to take the Land Cruiser.
Not just any Land Cruiser – an iconic 1975 FJ40 with less than 30,000 miles on it that Kalkman’s wife swears gets more looks amid a short hop around town than if they were driving a high-end muscle car.
VanDam certainly agrees with her. “I just think it’s super cool. I know its history, and there’s a nostalgia that surrounds it. Heck, I couldn’t wait to drive it last night to go pick up pizza,” he grins.
Born during WW II, Land Cruisers are actually Toyota’s longest running series of vehicles. By the 1950s both American and Japanese soldiers drove Land Cruisers in the Korean War. And since mass production of the iconic vehicle began, more than 5,000,000 have been manufactured and driven around the world. There’s even a Land Cruiser museum in Salt Lake City.
“My FJ40 is just a raw powerful vehicle that’s much the opposite of the creature comforts and technology in Kevin’s Tundra, but I think the rawness is also what he gets a kick out of,” says Kalkman, who owns a successful injection mold making facility that provides molds for the auto and medical industry, and escapes to Key West for an annual fishing trip with legendary guide “RT” Trosset.
Since taking ownership of the FJ40 two years ago, Kalkman has done little to alter its appearance of 45 years ago. In fact, he even added to its rugged authentic looks by adding an original bumper and steel wheel rims.
“I’ve seen old Land Cruisers just like it on TV in African safaris. And honestly, the fact it’s a 4-speed manual stick shift reminds me of the very first truck I drove as a teenager, so it’s definitely kind of nostalgic,” reflects VanDam.
He’s right, because of their reliability, Land Cruisers are hugely popular around the world including the vastly remote Outback of Australia, Africa, and wherever global adventure takes place – including trips to an Italian eatery in Kalamazoo, to pick-up pizza for the people pro bass fishing’s most decorated angler loves most.
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209 Pros to Compete for $3.97 Million in FLW “Super Tournaments”
56 MLF Pros Join the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit RosterBENTON, Ky. (May 18, 2020) – FLW, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, released the expanded 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit roster, which now includes top Major League Fishing (MLF) pros like Jacob Wheeler and reigning REDCREST Champion Edwin Evers. When the season restarts June 23 on Lake Chickamauga, the final three regular-season Pro Circuit events will feature 209 boats and nearly $4 million in prize money. As previously announced, FLW extended invitations to all MLF anglers to compete in three “Super Tournaments” after MLF announced an abbreviated schedule due to the mid-season pause in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
All current Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers have retained their spots on the roster, but the field size has now been expanded to include 56 additional MLF pros who have committed to compete in all three “Super Tournament” events by the May 15 deadline. A total of 209 anglers will compete in the following three events: June 23-26 on Lake Chickamauga, July 29-Aug. 1 on the upper Mississippi River (La Crosse, Wis.) and Aug. 11-14 on the Detroit River. MLF pros will not compete in the Tackle Warehouse FLW TITLE, Aug. 24-29 on the St. Lawrence River.
The expanded 2020 FLW Pro Circuit roster is headlined by some of the best pros in the world, including former FLW champions like Bryan Thrift, Justin Atkins, John Cox, Brad Knight, Anthony Gagliardi, Wheeler, Brent Ehrler, David Dudley and Darrel Robertson. They’ll be joined by bass-fishing superstars like Jordan Lee, Skeet Reese and the man many deem the FLW G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), Andy Morgan.
“I truly believe that the anglers competing in the Super Tournaments make up arguably the most prestigious field of bass fishing pros of all time,” said Daniel Fennel, FLW Senior Director of Tournament Operations. “Not only are these tournaments a great opportunity for the anglers – it also will make for some very exciting events for the fans watching online at home. We look forward to getting back out on the water next month at Lake Chickamauga.”
Fans are encouraged to watch the tournaments and daily weigh-ins online from their homes through expanded live on-the-water broadcasts rather than attend weigh-ins, in an effort to avoid crowds. FLW will livestream all four days of competition, instead of only the final two days as previously done, and the on-the-water camera crew will also be expanded to help capture more of the action. Fans can catch the live actions as it unfolds on FLWFishing.com, YouTube and Facebook.
With a field of 209 boats, the total purse in each tournament expands from $820,000 to $1,324,000, for an increase of $1,512,000 over three events. The first-place prize will increase from $100,000 to $125,000, and FLW will pay out $10,000 through 104th place and $5,000 to 105th place. Contingency prizes will also remain in effect, meaning qualified FLW PHOENIX BONUS pros fish for a top award of $160,000 in each tournament.
To see the complete roster of pro anglers that will compete in the remainder of the 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit events, along with the full schedule and event payouts, visit FLWFishing.com.
“My profession is to fish tournaments, and I love to compete,” said reigning MLF REDCREST Champion Evers. “I’m missing fishing really, really bad with this season break, and I am so excited to compete in the new Pro Circuit Super Tournaments. It’s three phenomenal fisheries. It’s going to be a lot of fun reconnecting with some old friends.”
MLF pros who choose to compete in the final three Pro Circuit “Super Tournaments” will fish for prize money only. No points will be awarded toward any championship or title to MLF competitors. Only the original Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit anglers will compete for the Angler of the Year (AOY) title throughout the remainder of the season. AOY points in the final events will be awarded based on Pro Circuit anglers finishing order. The top-finishing FLW pro will receive “first-place points” regardless of where he finishes in the overall standings, and so on.
“What matters to me is fishing against the best caliber of anglers that I can,” said FLW pro Josh Douglas. “Some of these guys, I’ve fished against them many times. Others, I probably won’t have. So, I’m excited to see that caliber of fishing, and I think it’s a way of turning lemons into lemonade with our seasons cut short. I look at it as opportunity. That’s what I live for. My dreams are to beat the best, and the more money that’s in the pot and the better the anglers are, that’s great.”
Beginning on July 3 and running through Dec. 27, FLW will air 312 hours of Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit action on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. New this season, episodes have been expanded to two hours long. Each show goes in depth to break down the final rounds of regular-season competition, with six unique episodes covering each day of the Tackle Warehouse FLW TITLE presented by Toyota. Each episode will premier in Friday night prime-time episodes on the Outdoor Channel, with additional re-airings on Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel.
In Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit competition, FLW anglers are vying for valuable points in hopes of qualifying for the Tackle Warehouse FLW TITLE presented by Toyota, the FLW Pro Circuit Championship. The 2020 Tackle Warehouse FLW TITLE presented by Toyota will be held on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, New York, Aug. 24-29.
For complete details and updated information on the FLW Pro Circuit, visit FLWFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow the FLW Pro Circuit on FLW’s social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
About FLW
FLW is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, providing anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money across five tournament circuits. Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, FLW and its partners conduct more than 290 bass-fishing tournaments annually around the world, including the United States, Canada, China, Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, and Zimbabwe.
FLW tournament fishing can be seen on the Emmy-nominated “FLW” television show while Bass Fishing magazine delivers cutting-edge tips from top pros. Acquired by Major League Fishing in late 2019, FLW is expanding its programming in 2020 to the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel as well as on-demand at MyOutdoorTV (MOTV).
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Get Back On The Water In Style
Power-Pole, innovator of the original Shallow Water Anchor, wants you to be comfortable and stylish when it is time to get back on the water. Introducing our new line of apparel for 2020, including our performance long-sleeve fishing shirts with our exclusive “Scaled Down” pattern, available in both black bass and tarpon-inspired designs. Other highlights of our new line of apparel include comfort-blended t-shirts featuring all-new, original designs and traditional favorites with an updated twist like our “Eaglefish” logo performance fishing shirts.
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The Ike Foundation® Announces 2020 College Scholarship Winners and Upcoming Events
May 18th, 2020, Pittsgrove, NJ. Mike and Becky Iaconelli, co-founders of The Ike Foundation®, announce the recipients of the fourth annual Ike Foundation® College Scholarship Awards.
2020 brought in the largest scholarship applicant pool to date. Over 80 high school seniors from across the country with an earned GPA of at least 3.0 and a proven contribution to outdoor conservation submitted applications. Students were required to submit letters of recommendation along with their transcript and an essay that answered the following question:
‘Most foundations are started because of a personal connection. What life events relating to the outdoors have taken place for you to want to share your experience to help others? How would you create a foundation based on your own life experiences relating to the outdoors and what would your mission statement be?’
The Ike Foundation® trustees conducted a blind review of all applications and essays and scored submissions based on a pre-defined point system. Winners of The Ike Foundation® College Scholarships are:
Samuel Ethan Collins of Zavalla, TX
Alyssa Neumann of Newbury Park, CA
Ryan Franks of Ravenna, OH
Aidan Anastario of Stirling, NJ
Jacob Knaub of Baro, PA
The Ike Foundation® lost an original member of its team this year. Brenda Butenewicz shared in the vision of engaging underprivileged youth in the sport of fishing and being in the outdoors. Butenewicz was a biology teacher and passionate photographer, taking many pictures at early Ike Foundation® events. The Ike Foundation® has created The Purple Memorial Scholarship in honor of Brenda Butenwicz and her passion for biology, the outdoors and photography.
The recipient of the Purple Memorial Scholarship is Alyssa Neumann.
Changes to 2020 The Ike Foundation® Events:
The nation’s COVID-19 health crisis has changed the landscape of public events, but The Ike Foundation® is committed to its mission by remaining flexible and adjusting to the current conditions.
- Assuming the Maryland waterways are open for tournament fishing, The Ike Foundation® will host the fifth annual Ike’s Celebrity Pro-Am Tournament on June 20th from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm at Anchor Marina in Northeast Maryland. There have been several changes to the tournament this year to ensure the safety of all participants. Unfortunately, there will not be a Family Fun Fest this year and professional anglers will not be participating because of shifting pro circuit tournament schedules. Two-person amateur boats can enter the tournament for just $300. The first-place winner of the boat division will receive a brand new BassCat boat and Yamaha motor with additional cash and prizes awarded to follow up winners. Please follow this link to register: https://theikefoundation.org/forms-and-applications/celebrity-pro-am-bass-tournament-registration/
- The Ike Foundation® will again partner with the Fish Donkey app for another ‘Fish Against Ike’ Virtual Fishing Tournament this summer, exact date to be determined. The April event was a tremendous success. Proceeds resulted in donations of $7,500 to the Food Bank of South Jersey and the Family Success Center of West Jersey to assist families impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. Please check the Ike Foundation® website and social media accounts for ‘Fish Against Ike’ Virtual Tournament updates in the coming weeks.
- Ike’s Casino Night in The City will be rescheduled to a later date.
- Ike’s Kayak Bass Tournament has undergone some changes for 2020 as well. The kayak division will be held at Lake Hopatcong, NJ on September 26th. Prizes will be awarded to the top five place winners. Registration is open at https://theikefoundation.org/forms-and-applications/celebrity-pro-am-bass-tournament-registration/
See The Ike Foundation information and follow The Ike Foundation® on Facebook and Instagram @TheIkeFoundation and on Twitter @FoundationIke.
The Ike Foundation® appreciates the generous donations from individuals and sponsors, including Toyota, Abu Garcia, Bass Cat Boats, Hobie, Yamaha, Flambeau, Rapala and many, many more. A full list of sponsors is found at https://theikefoundation.org/sponsors.
The Mission of The Ike Foundation® is to get more kids fishing and in the outdoors, especially youth in areas where those activities are not readily available. We support youth fishing clubs, civic groups and charitable organizations that promote the sport of fishing, the ecology of the outdoors and the responsibility each person has to maintain our planet’s natural resources.
Founded in 2014 by professional bass angler Michael Iaconelli and his wife, Becky, The Ike Foundation® is approved by the IRS as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. The Ike Foundation® is a non-profit organization and all proceeds from events go to The Ike Foundation®’s mission. Tax-deductible contributions are welcome and can be made on the website via credit card.
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Fred’s Buzzbait Approach
The buzzbait is seen as one of the best ways to catch giant bass. There is something about the action it creates on the surface that is like a magnet to bass. They work around a variety of cover and excel during the warmer months, but Fred Roumbanis has learned that they can be just as effective early and late in the year.
Not Just Summertime
Many anglers pick up the buzzbait in the middle of the summer, and it works great then, but Roumbanis says not to forget spring and fall.
The ima US Buzz is my go-to when the water hits that 54-degree mark in the spring. The bite turns on as the bass start to move shallow before they spawn,” he said. “It seems to work best in the afternoons after the sun warms the water, and it is a great way to catch a big one.”
On the opposite end of the calendar, he finds success each fall with buzzbaits. “I’ve had some of my best days ever with a buzzbait late into the fall. It works for me until the water dips to about 52-degrees. When the shad are running the bank, there is nothing more exciting than a good buzzbait bite,” added Roumbanis.
These are just two situations where Roumbanis likes a buzzbait, but he has some general rules of thumb for when he uses them.
“Fishing a buzzbait can be good most of the year, but it can be more of a time and condition oriented lure. Lowlight conditions early in the mornings and late in the evening, or the shade are always good, and so are cloudy days. Also, a little bit of breeze always helps to make the bite better and if it is windy, it is my first choice over a frog when fishing around lily pads,” said Roumbanis.
Start Throwing It and Go
One of the ways Roumbanis approaches buzzbait fishing is to cover water as quickly as possible.
Fred retrieves the ima US BUZZ along a weedline.
“One of the best things about fishing a buzzbait is that they are pretty versatile when it comes to where you can fish them. It could be shallow grass, windy points, and just about any other cover. I always do by best just putting the trolling motor down and covering water quickly,” he said.
He also likes to mix it into a “junk fishing” approach, where he utilizes a variety of baits based on what is in front of him.
“I’ll burn the buzzbait down the bank, then skip it under docks if I come up to one. Then, I might see a bush pile on my graph and drop something else on them,” said Roumbanis.
A Secret of the Pros
According to Roumbanis, the ima US Buzz is well-known among professional anglers, but many keep it quiet for two reasons: another brand sponsors them, or they do not want word to get out.
“I gave one of them to a fellow competitor, and he went out and caught a six-pounder the next day of the tournament with it. There are quite a few guys on tour who are using it.
“It is the best buzzbait I have found; it is really squeaky. The guys who know about it, don’t like to talk about how good it works,” he said. “It has a flat head and skips well, plus you don’t have to mess with it to get it run right. They are dialed in right out of the package.”
Bite-Sized Buzzer
There are certain instances when Roumbanis likes a smaller buzzbait, and that is when he reaches for the Lil’ Voice. This compact buzzbait weighs a ¼ ounce, and Roumbanis uses it for two specific situations.
“It is a great buzzbait for fishing the shad-spawn because it is so compact. I’ll also use it when the bass are schooling, and I notice that the baitfish are tiny,” he shared.
Don’t let the small size fool you, though. It has a loud noise thanks to the high-frequency clacker built into the bait and will still catch its’ fair share of big bass.
Mods, Gear, and Color Selection
For the most part, Roumbanis opts for a solid black buzzbait for most conditions. But, he will also mix in a white skirt when they are chasing shad and the Bluegill color when bass are feeding on bluegill.
Black is Fred’s go-to for buzzbait fishing.
“The Bluegill color is a great sunfish or perch imitator, and I like that it has a gold blade. It excels when fishing around bream beds,” he shared.
One of the keys to fishing a buzzbait is to have the right gear. Roumbanis prefers a 7’ medium heavy Dobyns Rod “Utility Stick” and 50-pound Cortland braided line. “I always fish it on braid just because it floats and it makes it easier to rip it out of cover if it hangs up and it also helps me land more fish.”
When it comes to modifications, Roumbanis shared two things that he likes to do: trim the skirt and add a trailer hook.
“I will cut the skirt just a little bit to make them flare out a little better. I also like to add a 3/O Zappu Tinsel Trailer Hook at times to get more flash,” he said
One of the best things about fishing a buzzbait is the excitement of a topwater strike, but they have proven themselves over the years as a great way to catch big bass. Roumbanis utilizes them most of the year and feels that they are a universal lure that works in many different situations.
See the full Optimum Baits line up here.
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