Kevin VanDam worked with the engineers at Lew's Fishing to build four Signature Series casting rods for his favorite fishing techniques.
There are four rods in Lew’s signature series that fit some of Kevin VanDam’s favorite techniques. “I knew exactly what I wanted to do as far as making the right handle lengths, actions and components to make this a really great series. This whole rod series is all about accuracy for me because I do a lot of target fishing. These rods really excel in those scenarios” VanDam says.
The first rod in the series is a Team Lew’s Signature Series Jerkbait Rod. This 6’10’’ medium heavy rod includes Winn grips, making it exceptionally comfortable when working the jerkbait during a retrieve. The handle length is designed to not catch you in the chest or stomach. “The taper is just right, and the extra fast tip allows you to throw a jerkbait a long way. More importantly, when you pop this rod, it really makes the bait jump, making this the ultimate jerkbait rod,” says VanDam.
The next rod in this series is a Team Lew’s Signature Series Topwater Rod. When throwing smaller finesse topwater baits like the Strike King KVD Splash, Kevin prefers to have a rod with a softer tip, which is why a 7’ medium rod is the perfect match. This allows Kevin to throw smaller to medium-sized topwater baits really well. In fact, it gives him the ability to skip these lures underneath bushes or boat docks due to the softer tip. “This rod still has plenty of backbone and it has that shorter handle because it’s all about accuracy for me” says VanDam. This rod can also be used for a lot of other techniques, making it extremely versatile. VanDam loves to throw a weightless Strike King Ocho on it for instance, and other lighter baits are a great fit for this rod.
Kevin VanDam believes the third rod in this series is the most versatile out of his entire arsenal. He considers the Team Lew’s Signature Series 7’ Medium-Heavy Rod as his all-purpose target rod. “I love to throw a spinnerbait, swim jig and things like that. If I am really focused on precision target casting, this is the rod I will choose,” Kevin says. He considers the handle length a perfect in-between size that is not too long or too short. This rod really shines when you need pinpoint accuracy throwing 1/4oz to 3/8oz baits. When you need a versatile, precision target rod that gives you pinpoint accuracy when fishing boat docks, tight bushes, this is Kevin’s first choice. “I can even throw a big topwater on it. It’s probably the most versatile rod I have in my boat, but it is also one that I love to throw a spinnerbait on which is why I got one tied on” says VanDam.
The last rod in the series is his Team Lew’s Signature Series Cranking Rod. “You know I have a whole KVD series of cranking rods that go top to bottom, from everything shallow to deep. We added one in the signature series line again with the Winn grips because it feels great and is comfortable,” says Kevin. The 7’ medium action composite rod has a lot of backbone with a soft tapering tip, which he considers “perfect” for squarebills, red eyed shads, and any medium-sized crankbaits. The 7’ length makes this rod very accurate around boat docks, lay downs, and rocks. “I can make really accurate casts, but I also still have a lot of power and control if I want to throw this red eyed shad in a grass bed offshore. It’s a great all-purpose cranking rod, and just fits the system really well” Kevin says.
Kevin explains this is the one lineup that an angler could fish any technique with and still do it at a really high level. “They are exceptionally well made and have all the features and components that make great rods,” VanDam says.
