Randy Brandenburg of Frisco, Texas was the winner of last year's KVD's Top Spots for Fishing Michigan Sweepstakes conducted by B.A.S.S. He went on the excursion with Kevin VanDam during the first week of this month, then continued his adventure in smallmouth nirvana by fishing with two other noted angler/guides to complete a memorable trip to the North Country.
Following the outing with VanDam, he fished with Bassmaster Opens angler Chris Noffsinger of Northern Adventures Fishing the next day and with FLW Tour pro Tony DeFilippo of Up North Smallmouth Charters the day after that. His best day resulted in a 28-03 limit and he caught a 6-pounder and well over a dozen in the 5-pound class.
"Spending time fishing with KVD was priceless," Brandenburg said. "He treated my wife Donna and I like we were the superstars. I wish everyone who likes to bass fish could experience northern Michigan smallmouth fishing – the hype is for real.
"Many thanks to B.A.S.S. and KVD. I'm going back as soon as I can."
The 46-year-old employee of a property preservation company fished two lakes with VanDam, two with Noffsinger and one with DeFilippo. He said the guides asked him not to divulge the names of the lakes.
"I caught an 11.07 down at Falcon and didn't think anything could come close to that. Those smallmouth, man, they pull so hard! It was so beautiful there. It was just phenomenal."
