How much would you pay to get into the mind of Kevin VanDam for 10 minutes? Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the deck of his boat for one fishing day? There's no telling what you could learn.

Well, you're in luck. VanDam just released his second book, "Secrets of a Champion," which like his first book ("Bass Strategies") was co-written with long-time B.A.S.S. senior writer Louie Stout.

"Bass Strategies" is a bass-fishing classic, one which many aspiring pros keep close at hand. Does "Secrets of a Champion" live up to classic status? You bet.

Secrets Never Shared Before

Lots of anglers -- pros and amateurs alike -- have secrets. But there's only one No. 1 angler in the world, and that's VanDam. In this book, as the title hints, he reveals juicy fish-catching items that he literally hasn't shared anywhere else.

"Kevin really does share his secrets in this book," Stout said. "Many of the tips are ones that he's never shared with the media. Several of them are what I call 'forehead slappers,' meaning you read them, slap your head and say, 'Man, why didn't I think of that?!'"

Illustrated with photos and also by diagrams by Bill McElroy of Scales and Tales fame, the 167-page book is organized into the following chapters:

> Lures: Spinnerbaits (Chapter 1, naturally), Topwater Lures, Hard Baits, Soft Plastics, Carolina Rigs, Doctoring Lure Colors, Lure Tricks and Tips

> Gear: Hooks and Stuff, Fishing Line, Rods and Reels, Boat Efficiency

> Tactics: Summer Crankin', Fishing the Wind, Sneaky Presentations, Heavily Pressured Lakes, Learn from the Fish, How I Won the Classic

Here's a teaser: The book examines how VanDam "chooses and customizes lures, where he fishes them, tricks for getting stubborn bass to strike, and his strategy for refining lure presentations under difficult fishing conditions. The book also includes a cast-by-cast account of his strategy for winning the 2001 BASS Masters Classic."

Different than Bass Strategies

Salivating yet? Well, here's more. In case you're worried that "Bass Strategies" said it all, think about that for a second: You know VanDam wouldn't be caught dead doing the same old anything.

Here's what Stout has to say about it. "The two books are different in that 'Bass Strategies' was written as Kevin's A-to-Z perspective on how to catch bass, and was targeted toward anglers of all skill levels. 'Secrets of a Champion' is a compilation of tips that are more likely to appeal to the seasoned bass fisherman or tournament angler.

"Also, this book was organized and designed with shorter topics so that the angler with limited time to read can do so in short sittings.

"And finally," Stout said, "the one thing that separates this book from the last one is that Kevin wasn't ranked No. 1 in the world when 'Bass Strategies' was published."

No kidding -- what a time to come out with "Secrets of a Champion." As the BassFan.com World Rankings and league stats show, no one is fishing better than VanDam.

Go Get It!

Here's how you can get a copy of "Secrets of a Champion" -- and all fishing books are printed in limited runs, so get your order in before it's sold out.

1) Send a check or money order for $16.95 (Michigan residents add 6% sales tax) plus $5.00 shipping to (make sure to include your shipping address):
KVD Publishing
P.O. Box 174
Jones, MI 49061

2) Or call toll-free (800) 544-9343 to order a copy over the phone.