USA athletes are heading to Paris this summer and will represent our nation with their competitive best at the 2024 summer Olympic games. USAngling is spearheading an effort to gain Olympic recognition for fishing. USA Bass is one of USAngling's 15 national fishing teams.


Kevin VanDam, The G.O.A.T. of bass fishing, has agreed to be head coach of the USA Bass team which competes in World Championship and Pan American Championship events. The team will compete in Italy, South Africa and in 2026 at the Bass Fishing World Championship hosted by Hot Springs, Arkansas on Hamilton Lake. He joins top figures in the sport such as Scott Martin, Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell who are representing USA Bass and expanding bass fishing worldwide.


The officially sanctioned Bass Fishing World Championships are the most important bass fishing tournaments ever held because of their contribution to the sport’s Olympic recognition. Plans are also underway for a Youth Bass Fishing World Championship in 2026. This event will highlight the growth of youth bass fishing globally and inspire younger angler/athletes to pursue the dream of fishing for their country.


These efforts are consistent with Kevin VanDam’s legacy and passion for the sport. Also joining the movement is USAngling Global Sponsor Bass Pro Shops. These two giants of the sport provide a huge boost for the millions of global angler/athletes being evaluated by the International Olympic Committee. The Olympic recognition process is in the last stages of review.

"Having the opportunity to represent the United States in bass fishing as a coach is very humbling and a huge honor," said VanDam. "Olympic recognition has far reaching implications for athletes and industry stakeholders. The Youth World Bass Fishing Championship is also an exciting development in global bass fishing. The next generation of bass fisherman will be competing in the Olympics when we meet our goals for USA Bass.”


VanDam enjoyed unprecedented success across multiple bass fishing tours over 33 years of competition is unprecedented. His accolades include seven Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, four Bassmaster Classic wins, one FLW Tour Angler of the Year and 29 national tour wins. VanDam has also been inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, the IGFA Hall of Fame, the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame.


“Kevin is an incredible competitor, tremendous ambassador for bass fishing and a proud American”, says USAngling President Tony Forte. “We are thrilled to have his support and expertise in this important task. Everyone stay tuned because this is a game changer in the Olympic recognition quest.”


?USAngling is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports America’s fishing teams, promotes conservation efforts and engages local community fishing organizations. Bass Pro Shops will be featured across the various USA Fishing Team’s events, social media, website, YouTube videos and press announcements.


For complete details and information on USAngling, its tournaments, and teams, visit usangling.org