who am i?
Simple…sunshine mixed with a little hurricane.
Cue laughs.
Even if you didn’t laugh, I’m grateful you’re here. I guess this is the part where I tell you about who I am, what I’ve done, and how it led me here. I hope a few of you can relate to a similar interest I enjoy.
First and foremost, I am an avid angler and archery hunter. I grew upon the Eastern side of Washington state right next to Idaho. Like most, I was introduced to the outdoors through my dad and my grandpa. My dad taught me mostly everything I know about the outdoors. The memories I have with him are priceless. And early mornings waking grandpa up to fish off the dock will always be cherished, as he was taken away from us way too early. I am thankful that these two men shared their love and passion for the outdoors with me and my siblings. I owe them both the recognition for what I have accomplished in my life.
Besides fishing and hunting, I played a lot of sports. In high school, I played a little bit of basketball and football, but I excelled at baseball. Also I was involved in a lot of school programs that helped underclassmen adhere to the high school lifestyle. My senior year, I was fortunate to show my leadership skills and was nominated as our Associate Student Body President. But one of the best decisions that I made at an early age was to take a career class that focused on what we wanted to do after high school and college. I knew I wanted to focus on a career that had to deal with the outdoors. And my career teacher’s dedication and willingness to go above and beyond changed so many lives. Including mine.
My teacher was able to set me up with a job shadow at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Fisheries Biologist. Long story short, I enjoyed doing numerous job shadows, volunteer work, and
internships for college credits. I ended up logging hundreds of hours of work with the WDFW. This continued throughout college where I was majoring in Fisheries Biology and minoring in Wildlife Biology.
Unfortunately I chose a different career path. But on my off days from my full time job, I’m usually on the water or in the woods loving and pursuing all of God’s creations.
How did Matsuda Custom Baits start?
It was all an accident!
You know the term Break a leg?
It actually and literally happened. One morning while launching the bass boat by myself, I slipped on the dock and broke my leg. When I saw my foot dangling and one of my bones sticking out of my leg, I knew it was serious. I’d broken my leg in three places and dislocated my ankle as well, which took two plates and twenty screws to fix. Five months off work lets the mind wander; I needed something to stay active and keep my thoughts busy.
After painting a few lures, the people closest to me were amazed with my work. They all encouraged me that I should pursue this as a business. And
here I am.
DEDICATION
I want to dedicate this website and company to my grandpa and dad. Without their assiduous attitudes, willingness to teach, and sacrifices, my life would not be as complete. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for them.