Bob Izumi

Bob Izumi (born May 2, 1958) is a Canadian professional angler, and the host of Bob Izumi's Real Fishing Show.[1] He is most known for his success in bass fishing, and has won numerous bass tournaments.

Early life

Izumi was born in Blenheim, Ontario, after his parents, Joe and Maragaret Izumi, moved in 1957 from Toronto.[2] His father, Joe Izumi, founded Canada's first bass fishing tournament on Rondeau Bay.[2] His family, originally from Vancouver Island, were displaced to Canada's Japanese internment camps following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.[2]

His family's fishing influenced Izumi while growing up, winning his first fishing derby when he was 8,[3] and becoming one of Canada's first professional fishers at 20.[3][4]

Real Fishing Show

At a family picnic, a family member brought up the possibility of him starting a fishing television show. Izumi had been hired to do seminars before that time, and the thought of a television show intrigued him. He filmed a pilot episode, and the show was soon picked up and ran by various networks in 1983,[3][5] including WFN and Global Television Network.

In 2022, the Real Fishing Show completed its run after 38 seasons.[5]

Personal life

His brother, Wayne Izumi, is also a professional angler.[2][6] Izumi has a wife and two children.[5][7]

Philanthropy

Izumi and his brother, Wayne, founded conservation organisation Fishing Forever. The organisation is a funding agency for conservation efforts and fisheries projects across Ontario.[3][6]

Awards and achievements

Izumi won the Canadian Open for the years 1994 to 1996, during which he also obtained the Triple Crown, the Classic Championship, and an Angler of the Year in the respective 1995 season.[6][8][9]

In 2009, Izumi was inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame.[6]

In 2010, Izumi was inducted into the Town of Milton's Walk of Fame.[10]

In 2012, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CASBA) granted Izumi a Special Recognition Award for his promotion of boat safety and wearing lifejackets on his long-running show Real Fishing.[8][9]

References
  1. "Bob Izumi's Real Fishing Show ~ Fishing around the world and at home for a variety of fish species". Realfishing.com. Archived from the original on 2018-12-12. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
  2. "What A Catch: Before Fishing, The Izumi's Were A Baseball Family". Chatham-Kent Sports Network. 2022-01-14. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  3. Post, Burlington. "Fishing guru Izumi given CASBA honour". Inside Halton. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  4. Chronicle-Guide, Arnprior. "Gallant welcomes Bob Izumi to Parliamentary Outdoors Caucus". Inside Ottawa Valley. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  5. "Bob Izumi's 'Real Fishing Show' comes to an end after 38 years, but he's not retiring". thestar.com. 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  6. "Bob Izumi, a Canadian pioneer in fishing". Nikkei Voice | The Japanese Canadian National Newspaper. 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  7. Morrison, Jeff (2006-01-19). "Angling for Young Fishermen". canfirearms.ca/. The Ottawa Sun. Archived from the original on 2018-05-26. Retrieved 2014-04-14.
  8. Post, Burlington. "Fishing guru Izumi given CASBA honour". Inside Halton. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  9. "CASBA 2012 Award Winner: Bob Izumi". csbc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  10. "Canadian Champion (Milton, ON), 22 Dec 2009, p. 12". news.milton.halinet.on.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
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