Kevin VanDam, the most decorated bass angler of all-time with nearly $7 million in tournament winnings, will begin using Lew's rods and reels in 2020, ending his nearly 30-year affiliation with Quantum.
Lew’s Holdings Corp., the company that owns Lew's and Strike King Lure Company, with which VanDam has also had a long affiliation, made the announcement Monday afternoon in a press release.
“We could not be more honored to have Kevin joining the Lew’s team," Ken Eubanks, CEO of Lew’s Holdings Corp. said in a release. "The impact that Kevin has had on the Strike King brand cannot be overstated and we feel that the knowledge, expertise and respect he brings to the table will be transformational for our entire organization.”
VanDam said the move was not an easy one to make.
"Strike King has always been like family to me, so when I heard about the acquisition of Strike King by Lew’s, I was a little apprehensive," VanDam said in a release. "Once I got to know the Lew’s group and realized that the culture and team was so aligned with the folks I have been working with for years, I couldn’t help but be excited by the prospect of working with the entire group. Sometimes in relationships it takes a long time to develop trust and rapport, but sometimes, it just feels right.”
VanDam, who joined the Quantum pro staff in 1990, helped develop multiple lines of signature series rods and reels with the Tulsa, Okla.-based company.
"Fishing our gear, Kevin became the most decorated angler of all time, and we have really enjoyed our mutually beneficial relationship," said Steve Smits, President and COO of Zebco Brands, which owns Quantum. "Kevin has been a great partner and friend and we thank him for his professionalism all these many years. We wish him the best as he moves on in his new relationship with Lew’s."
