The last time Todd Kline had appeared on a podium claiming a first-place prize, it was 1995 at an Association of Surfing Professionals World Qualifying Series contest in Japan.

It was one of his four WQS wins en route to a career in the surf industry. If you've watched live webcasts of ASP world surfing tournaments, you've probably seen Kline as he cheerfully interviews athletes on the beach.




Last weekend, the former pro surfer who grew up in Florida and settled in San Clemente 15 years ago was on the podium at Lake Roosevelt, Ariz., accepting a $26,000 Ranger bass boat. It was his prize for winning the amateur side of a pro/am bass-fishing tournament.

"I can't believe I just won a $26,000 boat," Kline said.

He's been a fishing fanatic since boyhood in Florida. Five years ago he began entering local team tournaments in California.

"Last year my partner and I won Angler of the Year for Anglers Choice Diamond Valley Region," Kline said. "We then competed in the year-end championships at Lake Mead, where the best teams compete. We were fortunate to finish in second place."

This year, Kline notched it up, venturing into FLW tournaments, named for Forrest L. Wood, founder of Ranger boats. It's the ASP of fishing, Kline said. At Lake Roosevelt, he won what is called the "co-angler" title.

"I have competed in two events and been able to make top 10 in both," Kline said. "There are two more events left.� I am hoping to finish the year in first and have the chance to then compete in the most prestigious event in bass fishing – the Forrest Wood Cup – and a chance to win $50,000."

How far can fishing take him?

"Surfing was a passion that turned into a career for a handful of years for me," he said. "I was then able to parlay that into becoming a marketing director for Quiksilver for 16 years. I am currently just having fun competing in the fishing tournaments for a hobby. ... It is possible to make a living at fishing, but (I'm) not sure I will be as lucky or fortunate as I was with the surfing.� We will see."�

Longtime surfers who can recall the origins of 11-time world champion Kelly Slater may remember that Kline and Slater grew up as friends – Slater from central Florida, Kline from south Florida. Both surfed for Quiksilver. While Slater was winning everything in sight, Kline ranked first in the South Florida region and finished second at the U.S. Championships one year.

Kline, now a family man, said his wife, Tiffani, initially couldn't believe his passion for fishing.

"I have always felt a bit like a redneck in the surfing world," Kline said. "Back home in Florida, it is likely that every guy who surfs also fishes. Out here in California, not many of the surfers fish. I have a passion for both sports, and my family has always supported me. This win was really special.� They all watched the live weigh-in on the webcast.� Even our neighbors were watching. Pretty funny."

A FEW WORDS ...

What do you do with the fish caught at tournaments?

We keep them alive all day. They are all released after the weigh-in. Dead fish are penalized and can cost you money. It is very important we take good care of the fish, not only for the money but so our lakes and waters can produce fun fishing for others in the years to come.

What decides who wins?

Most tournaments are seven or eight hours. You keep the biggest five fish. The winner is determined by overall weight for best five fish. Each time you catch a bigger fish, once you have five, you release the smallest. You then take your best five fish to the weigh-in, where the fisherman who has the most weight for their best five fish wins.

How often do you surf?

As much as possible when the water is warm. We had an awesome family trip (wife Tiffani, son Dylan) last summer to Nicaragua, the year before to Costa Rica. I have never been a fan of cold water so, in the winter here in California, you are more likely to find me on a lake than in the ocean. In the summer, it is the opposite.

Contact the writer: fswegles@ocregister.com or 949-492-5127

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