UNBELIEVEABLE. The guy can not be human. In a sport that commands so many variables that are beyond control of the competitor Kevin VanDam asserts more control than any man alive. Then this:  “I have learned not to worry about things I can’t control.” What he controls most is his attitude. And, apparently, that of the fish. At the news conference last night he went on to add that if you expect good things, good things will happen. And they have.

KVD brought a screaming crowd of thousands to their feet.

As of mid-morning on the final day, KVD has 3 fish, one of them big.

So, can upstart Federation Nation Champ Brandon Palaniuk charge past KVD? He’s fishing the same area in Lake Catouatchie, as are veterans, Aaron Martens and Scott Rook. All began today in the top 5. All began today 8-to-10 pounds behind KVD’s 41-11 pace.

Brent Chapman is the only top 5 guy making the long run down to Venice. In 2nd, he only needs 3 pounds, 10 ounces to catch VanDam.

Dean Rojas made a huge jump with 20-03. That moved him to 18th so he gets fish the final day. A 4-pound start on day 1 torpedoed his chances of winning. Once again we see that you can not win the Classic on the first day, but you sure can lose it.

David Watson of sullivan, Ind. was one of the Federation Nation representatives this week. He ended with 15-05 and is done. He has enjoyed the experience of competing at the highest level. “It’s been great all the way,” he said. “They have treated us like kings. And I love the competition. Intimidation was not factor. But I have a lot of respect for all of these men. The pros treat you like friends.”

Less friendly are some of the local anglers. A couple of them tag-teamed his best spot and showed him a pair of 3-pounders they had just caught from it as he pulled up early Saturday morning.

Otherwise the pros have praised the courteous spectators that have followed on the water.