1. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Todd Iwamoto and an avid tournament fisherman on the Left Coast who loves getting on the water for fun and competition!
2. How long have you been involved in your sport?
30+ years of fishing in general and 12 years of tournament bass fishing
3. Are there people who have inspired you to get started?
Of course, my Father was the one who initially got me "hooked" back before I could figure out which shoe went on which foot! He taught me the basics on mostly trout fishing but got me into fly fishing, fly tying and eventually rod building. It was on an outing with my Dad and Uncle where I was minnow fishing and this green fish (largemouth bass) gulped it down and put up a spectacular aerial show that got me fascinated to this day. On the tournament side of fishing the kickboat club SCBBBC (www.scbbbc.com) got me inspired to take on tournament fishing. Skeet and his brother Jimmy Reese along with Andy Parsons (regular writer for several west coast bass fishing publications) and Rich Caro (founder of SCBBBC and owner of custom wood baits – Catchem Caro Baits - http://www.catchemcarobaits.com) really helped me foster my tournament fishing desires and gave me the tips and tricks to help me get competitive.
4. What motivates you to continue competing?
Well, competition is something I have craved since my days playing traveling soccer and track. Winning is a hunger that needs to be replenished. Eventually getting to the point of taking the step to compete with the best of the best, the drive. The camaraderie is the joy I experience with the people I have grown to be friends with along with meeting new people. Last, teaching newbies of the sport and watching them grow and develop to the point they become confident with their skills and competitive in tournament fishing.
5. Who would be some people you would like to work with?
This is a difficult question. Lots would be my answer but if I had to narrow it down on the tournament fishing/marketing, I would have to say Skeet Reese. He played an instrumental role in my basic bass fishing knowledge when he used to manage Outdoor Pro Shop in California and to see where he has gone from there along with his marketing ability…working alongside him would be great. Another would be Gary Yamamoto. He seems to me to be a great business man, fisherman and cattle rancher (producing some of the most premium/tasty beef in the world!). Rick Clunn because he so cerebral about fishing. Kevin Van Dam because he's a machine that doesn't know slow or 2nd place. I'm sure there's others I'm missing, especially outside the fishing world but I guess that will be for a later day.
6. What is your goal this year?
Win at least one tournament and get in the money in at least 50% of tournaments entered. Also, get better visibility for my sponsors such as Boca.
7. What advice would you give people who want to get started in your sport?
If someone just wants to learn about fishing, use the internet and find a club or group. Find seminars and meet with people there and ask questions. Join various fishing forums online to help get questions out to people who are more experienced than you. These are all places where you can meet with people (either in-person or virtually) and can help you learn 10 times quicker than trying to do everything on your own. Joining a club helps you make new friends, get new buddies to go out on the water with you and makes learning a collective rather than individual experience.
8. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Have fun. From my Mom and Dad when I was a child. If something isn't fun for you, why do it?
9. What kind of equipment and bearings do you currently use?
Daiwa Steez
Daiwa Alphas
Daiwa Zillions
Shimano Aldebaran
Shimano Curado
Some of the Kits I use:
FTP 103C-2OS#7 LD
FBK103C-2OS#7 LD
FBK693C-2OS #7 LD
FBK693-YZZ #5 LD