Four Must-Read Books For BassFans

It's no secret that women read a lot more than men. But appropriately motivated, men can be voracious readers (you read BassFan.com, right?). With that in mind, and the holidays almost here, the following in my opinion are four must-have bass fishing books. Each is different, and all would be great gifts.

Bass Boss: Ray Scott

You can't call yourself and educated bass fisherman unless you've read "Bass Boss," Ray Scott's biography. It's billed as "the inspiring story of Ray Scott and the sportfishing industry he created," and that's exactly what it is.

The book is inspiring to read on many levels. It's a true-life rags-to-riches story. It's the story of Ray Scott as a fishing, business and political pioneer. It's about how our favorite sport was built from one man's vision. And for some reason, when you read it you come away feeling like you too can do whatever you put your mind to.

The book also has a pile of information about bass-fishing history and behind- the-scenes looks at the earlier versions B.A.S.S., which should make it even more appealing to BassFans. And not least, it's well-written, meaning it reads easily.

Click here to order "Bass Boss" directly from Ray Scott's web site.

Double Whammy: Carl Hiaasen

As far as I know, "Double Whammy" is the only best-selling piece of fiction ever written on professional bass fishing.

Written in the late 1980s, the book is a mystery about murders of fishermen fishing the "Bass Blasters" pro circuit. And if you know Hiaasen's style, it's funny. BassFans will notice a few mistakes -- obviously Hiaasen isn't a bass fisherman. But that doesn't detract from the humor or the plot.

This is a great book to read on a plane, in the bathroom (in the tub, of course), on the beach or anywhere else you want to relax and enjoy a good tale set in the world of bass fishing.

As Hiaasen is a best-selling author, "Double Whammy" is available practically anywhere books are sold.

Secrets of a Champion; Bass Strategies: Kevin VanDam

If you start from the top of the BassFan.com World Rankings and go down the list, you'll see that very few top pros have books out on fishing. Yet what any one of those guys knows could fill an entire library, and almost all of it would be information that BassFans can use to become better anglers.

Lucky for all of us, Kevin VanDam -- the guy at the top of the rankings list -- actually has two books out on fishing. His latest (released this year) is "Secrets of a Champion," which covers an incredible amount of practical and insightful information, including a narrative from "the man" on his masterful performance at the 2001 BASS Masters Classic.

VanDam's previous book is well-known in most bass-fishing circles: "Bass Strategies," published in 1995. "Bass Strategies" was written as VanDam's A-to- Z perspective on how to catch bass, and is targeted toward anglers of all skill levels. All of the information in it is still pertinent, and when you read it you will know why many young pros have copies that are heavily worn from reading and re-reading.

By contrast, "Secrets of a Champion" is a compilation of tips that are more likely to appeal to the seasoned bass fisherman or tournament angler.

The books are written with the help of Bassmaster Magazine senior writer Louie Stout so they read well and there's no fluff.

The cost of the books are $16.95 for Secrets of a Champion and $14.95 for Bass Strategies. Add $5 shipping/handling for each, or order both for $35 (shipping included).

For credit card orders call (800) 544-9343. Or mail your order to:
KVD Publications
P.O. Box 174
Jones, Mich. 49061

If mailing, remember to include your check and a shipping address.

How much would you pay for an hour of VanDam's time? Here you get a bunch of hours from the No. 1 angler in the world for only $35. You can't beat that deal -- and if you want to beat the people you're fishing against, you need to start reading.

Jay Kumar is BassFan's head honcho and reads more words in a day than most of us read in a year.