Ashley Rae

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Ashley Rae

Home Water(s): The Bay of Quinte (Lake Ontario), Ontario, Canada

Experience:

Ashley was introduced to fishing at age 5 by a family friend. It has always been a recreational hobby but in the past few years she has made a name for herself in the fishing community. She began fishing local bass tournaments in 2008 as a member of B.A.S.S., and learned a lot about the local tournament scene. In 2009 she entered an online contest with the World Fishing Network called “Adopt an Angler” in which she created a video entry to be voted on by the public to win a dream fishing vacation. She really used her marketing skills to reach out to the local fishing community, which quickly turned out to be an international following and led her to winning an all inclusive deep sea fishing trip to Tobago! With the continued support, she has her own website, Facebook Page, YouTube channel and other forms of social media which have enabled her to share fishing adventures with anglers and supporters from around the world that support the 26-year olds passion for fishing. http://www.shelovestofish.com/

Ashley got into kayaking in May 2011 after having her eye on a Hobie for quite some time. “I actually had the Outback in mind for a year, and knew it was what exactly I wanted to get. For me it makes the most sense to be hands free for fishing, and kayaking gives me the ability to travel and fish new places without the expense of owning a boat. It’s such a stealth approach for fishing and an incredible way to spend the day on the water! I also enjoy the workout and how “green” kayaking is.” Ashley has an undeniable passion for fishing and now combined with kayaking, she plans to 'plant the seed’ and get others hooked on Hobie fishing!

Aaron Kerchner

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Aaron Kerchner

Home Water(s): Colorado

Experience:

Aaron Kerchner has been bass fishing for the last eighteen years. He grew up in Colorado Fishing for from the shore, honing his skills and technique for bass. Aaron has always wanted to become a professional tournament angler, but has lacked access to a boat due to the cost. In 2006 Aaron moved to South Alabama where he was in bass fishing heaven, but still lacked a boat. He noticed that kayaks were being used to fish the back waters of Alabama and down on the Gulf Coast as well. “It took a while for me to realize that it would be a great and cost effective way to get out on the water and practice bass fishing techniques, because I was so set on getting a boat.”

It wasn’t until Aaron moved back to Colorado in 2008 that he purchased his first kayak, and rigged it out for fishing. He now fishes out of a Hobie Pro Angler, and uses it to practice techniques that he might use in his tournaments. “I love this boat because it is big enough to stand in and cast, yet it is stealthy enough that I can sneak right up on bedded bass during the spawn.” Aaron plans on taking his Pro Angler to have a little fun prior to fishing his tournaments.”

Aaron Rubel

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Aaron Rubel

Home Water(s): Mobile Bay, AL

Experience:

Aaron Rubel enjoys fishing coastal waters and rivers of Mobile Bay and the surrounding area. Prior to moving to the Gulf Coast, Aaron lived in Michigan where he took up the art of fly fishing. Aaron has developed into an accomplished fly fisherman as he has fished in many states, ties flies from his vice, crafted three fly rods including one from bamboo, and has been a guest on a children’s out of doors television series as well as a documentary on the successful recovery of a southeastern Michigan river. He has taught and mentored many newcomers to the sport of fly fishing and developed an introduction to fly fishing course. The aspect of bringing in new people to fishing is Aaron’s favorite part of the sport and he has found kayak fishing from a Hobie an excellent avenue in which to open up opportunities for individuals seeking the solitude and excitement of catching both saltwater and freshwater fish species. Aaron has previously served as president of a southeastern Michigan chapter of Trout Unlimited and was appointed to the organization’s state executive committee. He participated in stream improvement projects as well as collaborating with members of state government to promote improved laws and fishing regulations to conserve, protect, and restore habitat that support trout fisheries. Aaron can be found not only kayak fishing the Mobile Bay area, but also as a contributing member of the Eastern Shore Fly Fishers. Whether interested in learning to adapt fly fishing to the kayak, expanding a toolset of fishing skills, learning to tie a fly, or interested in discussing ways of establishing relationships between conservation, fishing, corporate, and government organizational interests, Aaron is willing to share his experiences so others can enhance their own enjoyment of their local watershed.

Alberto Figueras

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Alberto Figueras

Home Water(s): Long Beach, CA

Experience:

Al enjoys the sport tremendously and hopes to expand his horizons this year with more inshore, open water exploits, and fresh water fishing as well. He’s mostly fished the bays and inshore grounds in the Plastic Navy/OEX tournament trails. He loves the competitive element and trying different techniques and approaches. Al says: “I firmly believe in the “never give up” attitude as it pertains to tournament fishing. There have been several tournaments where I’ve had to scrounge for fish to get a limit and these have resulted in my best finishes.” Al’s main goal this year is to try to get more people involved in the sport and in Hobie kayaks because he know first hand how much fun kayak fishing is.

Alberto Knie

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Alberto “Crazy” Knie

Home Water(s): Eastern Long Island, NY

Experience:

Alberto is no stranger to our fishing community! He is known to be a multi-species global fisherman and a very productive trophy striped bass angler. His peers gave his nickname “Crazy” due to his fishing intensity. You can find him in a small river flycasting for trout and hours later bottom fishing in the ocean and late wee hours of the night pounding the suds – all in one day. He is a productive tournament producer and world record (Striped Bass) line class holder. Alberto is also a regular contributor to various regional and national publications. During his breaks, he is a popular seminar speaker and fishing show guest.

Allen Leepin

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Allen "Otobepelagic" Leepin

Home Water(s): Northern California

Experience:

Allen, a Northern California native who has spent his whole life in and around the water was introduced to the outdoors by his father who taught him how to dive, fish and hunt at a very young age. He started fishing from a “diveboard” in the early eighties and other than a few like minded friends, he could have never imagined the evolution of what we all call kayak fishing today.

Some of his favorite fishing holes include; the ocean and the major rivers that feed into it through out Northern California. Allen contributes NCKA.org for leading his success as an angler over the past several years since he began kayak fishing. The Nothern California Kayak Association has introduced him to a wide variety of species that he would have otherwise never had targeted such as striper, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striper, trout, halibut and sturgeon.

Angel Sanchez-Figueras, Jr., D.D.S.

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Angel Sanchez-Figueras, Jr.

Home Water(s): Long Beach, CA

Experience:

Angel came to the U.S. in 1961 after the Castro takeover of Cuba together with his brother Al, and their mother and father. After pursuing a career in motor sports which included racing both motorcycles and cars, he opted for a career in dentistry and has been in that profession since 84’.

He grew up in the large fishing shadow of his brother, Albert who to use Angel’s words, “Al is a fantastic and phenomenal fisherman”; “My brother got me into fishing after I suffered a large personal loss and you could say fishing and my brother saved my life!”. Angel and his brother began fishing out of a center console in saltwater around Southern California in 1988, targeting inshore species. In the late 80’s Angel began to fish WON Bass, ABA and other freshwater bass tournaments with one win and several top five finishes to his credit. The freshwater career however took a back seat to the raising of a family for a number of years. Once the kids entered college, Angel and Al decided to take up a new and novel way to fish that had caught their interest; kayak fishing. The rest is history. Both Angel and Al have been fishing various kayak fishing tournament series since 2009 with multiple top ten finishes. They are fanatical, enthusiastic and focused kayakers and anglers.

Angel and Al absolutely love kayak fishing. The bass boat is largely left at home. Kayak fishing has motivated them to improve their level of fitness so that they can pedal long distances in as quick a period of time as possible. “Physical fitness is key” says Dr. Figueras.

Beth Read

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Beth Read

Home Water(s): New Hampshire Lakes Region

Experience:

With her love for the outdoors and her pursuit for adventure, it is no wonder Beth has jumped into the kayak fishing scene like a fish in to water. Living in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains she enjoys hiking, biking, snowboarding, canoeing and fishing. With her husband by her side she has hiked the Appalachian Trail, traveled the US national parks, toured Europe, and is now planning some kayak fishing trips with their Hobie Revolution kayaks. For the last 15 years she has enjoyed freshwater fishing around New England and Idaho, specializing in bass, and it wasn’t until 2009 when she started kayak fishing in saltwater that she immediately became addicted to striper fishing. It is apparent that with Beth’s eagerness to learn and her dedication on the water she is one to look out for. It’s all about having fun and that’s what she does best. She is looking forward to getting her girls out fishing the lakes in their own Hobies in the future.

Bob Bramblet

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Bob Bramblet

Home Water(s): Southwest Florida from Pine Island to the 10,000 Islands

Experience:

Bob Bramblet is an avid tournament angler, competing in local, regional and national events. He is the President of the Southwest Florida Kayak Angler’s Association and Captain of the Blue Line Fishing Team. Bob also writes kayak fishing articles and reviews for several online resources and kayak fishing magazines. He can usually be found fishing his home waters of Estero Bay or Pine Island Sound, where he has been fishing for over 20 years.

Brad Kirn

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Brad "BK" Kirn

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle

Experience:

A Florida resident for over 40 years, Brad’s Love of fishing began before he was 10 years old. He began scouring the local ponds, lakes, canals, and creeks of Broward & Dade counties in pursuit of anything that would chase a lure. Over the past 20 years his focus has been fishing the Florida Panhandle in both freshwater and saltwater. His love of fishing and his appreciation of nature spawned his venture into kayak fishing. Whether he’s tossing a fly for Largemouth Bass, or stalking Redfish and Trout with artificials in the backwaters of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, you will find Brad on the water every chance he gets. When not on the water, you can find Brad at Forgotten Coast Kayak Anglers”:http://www.fcka.net/home/ participating in demos, monthly tournaments, and spreading the word about kayak fishing!

Brian Oakland

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Brian “'Yak Monkey” Oakland

Home Water(s): Ketchikan, AK (summer); Bellingham, WA (winter)

Experience:

Northwest Washington local and fisherman for most of his adult years, Brian Oakland has adapted his knowledge of Pacific Northwest waters, both big and small, to kayak fishing. Exploration and wanderlust are key elements of his nature and this takes him all over the Northwest in his pursuit of good fishing.

Ketchikan, Alaska is Brian’s second home and this is where he enjoys the busy summer season working as a kayak fishing guide. Teaching others how to safely and effectively fish from a kayak has become his passion. Brian enjoys his outings with experienced friends and newcomers alike. He takes great pleasure in fielding questions from curious fishermen young and old, and feels great satisfaction sharing the stories of the day.

In particular, Brian enjoys the challenges presented by the array of techniques employed to fish the wide variety of species. His neighborhood salt water offers access to several species of salmon, as well as bottom fishing for rockfish, lingcod, and halibut. The freshwater opportunities run from cold water species such as kokanee, trout and steelhead to the warmer water spinyrays such as perch, bass and walleye. The adaptability of the kayak to the many different environments still fascinates him every time he goes out.

Bryan Duval

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Bryan “BDUV” Duval

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle/Northern Gulf Coast

Experience:

Bryan is an avid kayak angler and an extraordinarily active member within his local kayak fishing club, Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association. If you’re in search of kayak rigging, Bryan Duval is your man! He travels throughout the Northern Gulf Coast with his club, putting on demos and rigging clinics that astonish even the most weathered kayak angler. Most often you’ll find Bryan on his Hobie Mirage Outfitter, guiding the next generation of Duval’s, his two twin daughters. However, when he’s not honing the knowledge of the next generation, nothing gets Bryan’s blood pumping more than hearing his drag scream as he’s towed around the gulf by monstrous King Macs, Reds, Sharks or Jack Crevalle. Look out power boaters—Duval’s on a high-octane sleigh ride!

Cameron Schurlknight

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Cameron Schurlknight

Home Water(s): Southwest Florida Flats

Experience:

Cameron Schurlknight was born in Naples, Florida and has been fishing since the day he could walk. He started out fishing the mangrove mazes of the Ten Thousand Islands and surrounding waters. From there on out he has been hooked on fishing the shallow flats and bays of Florida’s West Coast for redfish, snook, trout and tarpon. His real passion is sight-fishing redfish in shallow water. The sight of watching a redfish eat his artificial bait in shallow water is what keeps him coming back every time and his kayak provides the ultimate platform for this addictive technique. Recently, he crewed on a tarpon boat in Boca Grande and his love for big game grew. You may find him off the beach flying tarpon in the summer months or waiting for the sizzling strike of the kingfish in the fall. Cameron is a passionate tournament angler and has many tournament victories and top finishes from the yak. He has also been featured in many magazine and newspaper articles in his young career.

Capt. John Skinner

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Capt. John Skinner

Home Water(s): Central Gulf coast

Experience:

As a young boy growing up in the Hawaiian Island in the early 1960’s, John Skinner walked by Kewalo Basin watching boats like the COREEN-C (which landed the famous 1,805-pound blue marlin near Honolulu in 1972), GOLDEN MARLIN, WICKED WAHINE, BLACK BART, NO PROBLEM and many more returning to part day after day. Between surfing and fishing, John found it hard to hold down a full-time job so he set a goal to become charter boat captain. After mating on many boats in the Hawaiian Islands, and fishing many tournaments there, he moved his operation in1984 to Florida. Since, he’s had numerous overall and divisional wins in billfish and other bluewater tournaments through out the years.

Now, with 35 years of sport-fishing to reflect back on, John still continues to place in the winner’s circle. Still fishing and delivering boats. John now has a business; Hobie Kayak Fishing and Adventures out of John’s Pass on the Central Gulf coast.

To book a trip with Capt. John Skinner (a.k.a. The Jolly Big Man) and co-captain and mate, Mike Blaut aboard their 46-foot Bertram, MEGU contact them via email at JSKI855850@aol.com.

Chris Holmes

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Chris “Where Y’ak” Holmes

Home Water(s): Chalmette, LA

Experience:

Born and raised in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, Chris Holmes grew up fishing some of the best inshore waters Louisiana has to offer. Having fished for many years in a traditional Louisiana pirogue, kayak fishing was a natural progression for Chris.

Chris has decades of experience working for recreational fishing and other environmental issues. As an award-winning outdoor writer and photographer, Chris has photo and story credits in State, Regional and National publications. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association.

Chris’ vast fishing experience includes many U.S. states and also Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica. While primarily targeting spotted sea trout and redfish, he has extensive experience with a wide variety of fresh and salt water game fish. A self proclaimed “top water nut,” Chris says there is nothing better than the explosion of a hungry fish on a top water lure.

An avid kayak fisherman, Chris is a member of several kayak fishing organizations including the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club, Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association and the Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association.

Chris Howie

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Chris "frogman" Howie

Home Water(s): South Shore, MA

Experience:

Chris has been fishing since being a young boy growing up in the small New England coastal town of Hull. He got into paddling after building his own cedar strip kayak. Putting the two together was just the next step to what has become an obsession. He has been kayak fishing for the last ten years. Chris fishes for pretty much anything that swims, whether it’s striped bass in the salt to largemouth bass in the fresh.
Chris finds great pleasure in promoting the sport of kayak fishing, especially introducing new comers to the sport.
He is an active member (board of directors) of the New England Kayak Fishing club and web site. He is also a chapter leader with the “Heroes on the Water” organization, that helps in rehabilitation of wounded soldiers by getting the out on the water to fish.

Clayton Shilling

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Clayton Shilling

Home Water(s): South Louisiana

Experience:

Clayton was raised in South Louisiana and fishing has always been second nature, from his first Bluegill off a pier to now chasing the Specks and Reds in the Gulf Coast kayak tournament scene, there is not many places he would rather be than sitting in his Outback casting away. Clayton considers himself an ambassador of the sport and has inspired many fellow anglers into giving it a try. He says 'you will always remember your first sleigh ride! Mine was in the dark on a 27’’ Red on a top-water lure, it was unreal’. Most of his fishing is done in the vast marsh systems of the Louisiana coast catching Specks, Reds, and Flounder, but on occasion you can find him trolling for Kings and Spanish Mackerel in Florida or maybe hunting for that Big Mule Trout in Alabama.

Dan Roudebush

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Dan “Aloha Dan” Roudebush

Home Water(s): Island of Hawaii

Experience:

Dan has fished most of his life for trout, bass, perch, sunfish and other freshwater species. So when he retired on the Big Island, he looked forward to encountering some large fish. An experienced paddler and canoe racer, Dan wanted a craft with more capacity than his single OC-1 canoe. One look at the Hobie Mirage Adventure and he knew this was a kayak for big fish. Dan has fished up and down the West Side of the Island, from Upolu Point to South Point, catching Ono (Wahoo), Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin, Skip Jack, Ulua and other Hawaiian species. He has made it a point to develop techniques for fishing to take advantage of the Adventure’s sailing capability. Initially using the Sidekick to roam far offshore to Hawaiian Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs), Dan quickly realized the potential of the Adventure Island relative to trip range and trolling techniques.

Dan White

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Dan White

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle/Northern Gulf Coast

Experience:

Once a freshwater bass fisherman, Dan converted to saltwater fishing targeting smoker kings, cobia, snapper, redfish, and speckled trout all along the Gulf Coast. Thanks to the versatility of his Hobie Outfitter Dan fishes the surf, near shore wrecks, and inshore flats and bayous for a wide variety of pelagic and reef dwelling fish. As an active member of Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association Dan helps share the sport of kayak fishing with the entire region through rigging clinics and as an active volunteer for local kayak fishing tournaments.

Daryl Terry

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Daryl “kayakcatch” Terry

Home Water(s): North Georgia Freshwater Impoundments

Experience:

Daryl started fishing for catfish and bream in local creeks and rivers with his grandfather and father as a child. Later he began canoe fishing which then lead to kayak fishing. These days Daryl spends his time chasing Striped, Large Mouth and Spotted Bass. He also serves on the Leadership Council of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association and enjoys introducing new people to the sport of kayak fishing – helping folks get their first “striper sleigh ride” is what he is all about.

David Elgas

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: David "Boogie-D" Elgas

Home Water(s): North Shore, Oahu

Experience:

Born in 1967, David Elgas grew up surfing and fishing the waters of Southern and Central California. At age 20 he moved to the Hawaiian Islands in search of the perfect wave and was soon branded “Boogie-D” for his bodyboarding skills. In the Islands Boogie-D found an ocean lover’s paradise and quickly excelled at a wide variety of ocean sports. With countless hours in the water and extensive American Red Cross training, David has become a respected waterman, regarded by his peers as one of the top kayak anglers in the state of Hawaii.

Boogie-D can typically be found on the North Shore of Oahu, fishing, guiding and sailing with his company, Coastal Kayak Tours. The Island waters David fishes are filled with big pelagics as well as a variety of inshore species. Boogie-D’s favorite targets include ahi, mahi, ono, striped marlin and sail fish as well as grey snapper, giant trevally, amberjack and barracuda. If you want to fish Oahu, he’s the man to talk to. Whether Boogie-D is sailing a Hobie AI or pedaling a Hobie Adventure, he’s usually catching large fish.

Doug Schallmoser

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Doug Schallmoser

Home Water(s): Southwest Florida

Experience:

Growing up in Chicago and vacationing in the Florida Keys as a kid, it was only a matter of time before Doug decided to make the move to Florida. Currently an FGCU student, Doug has spent the last 5 years kayak fishing the waters off the southwestern coast of Florida. He devotes his summer to chasing tarpon and sharks and the rest of the year fishing for snook, redfish, and trout. His passion for kayak fishing comes from showing others how to locate and catch fish in places that are often overlooked or are simply inaccessible by boat. He actively competes in inshore tournaments around the state of Florida with several top 10 finishes. He is an amateur photographer and enjoys sharing his adventures on the water with the world.

Drew Clark

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Drew Clark

Home Water(s): North County San Diego

Experience:

A willingness to share information and grow the sport of kayak fishing prompted Drew to form Plastic Navy , one of Southern California’s premiere inshore fishing sites. Having played host to over 600 kayak anglers in 20+ large tournaments, Drew has worked hard to create a fun and friendly atmosphere for new kayak anglers. When he’s not organizing the Plastic Navy Tournament Trail, Drew can be found pursuing saltwater bass off the coast of California.

Dustan Atkinson

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Dustan Atkinson

Home Water(s): Georgia

Experience:

Dustan is a native Georgian who frequently travels the southeast fishing, snorkeling, and taking photographs while pedaling his Hobie MirageDrive kayak.

He has been fishing for nearly 25 years and kayak fishing for approximately15 years and is equally at home chasing freshwater trout in the mountains, jackfish in the swamps, redfish and sheepshead on the Georgia coast, or snook in south Florida.

As a member of the Georgia Kayak Fishing Association, Dustan greatly credits the group with significantly improving the breadth of his kayak fishing skills and general enjoyment of the sport via fellowship with like-minded anglers.

Eric Albert

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Eric “Kayak Fisherman” Albert

Home Water(s): Eastern Long Island, NY

Experience:

Eric Albert has been plying the waters in and around New York for nearly 40 years. As an offshore commercial and sport fisherman, Eric has amassed a wealth of knowledge regarding the varied species of game fish that populate the region. As a third generation fisherman, his pedigree became apparent when he began winning awards and catching trophy bass and bluefish at the age of six. He’s never looked back since. His knowledge of the inland streams, bays, and rivers of eastern Long Island is unsurpassed.

Eric is an expert freshwater and saltwater angler, equally adept in streams and surf. After making the transition to kayak fishing in 1999, he quickly established himself as one of the premier kayak fishermen on Long Island. He is one of the only New York State DEC licensed kayak fishing guides in the region, sharing his knowledge as a kayak-fishing and eco-tour guide for Captain Kayak in Quogue, NY.

Fred Trahan

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Fred "WACT" Trahan

Home Water(s): South Louisiana

Experience:

Born and raised in Louisiana, Fred Trahan is married to “a wonderful bride with our two fabulous kids, and they have a great understanding of my addiction to kayak fishing.” Fred has fished from state line to state line, jumping at any opportunity to hop in his Hobie and go fishing. It doesn’t matter if it’s a freezing 24 degrees in the middle of winter, or a sweat drenching 104 degrees on a summer day, “WACT” will be fishing if he has the day off. “I do prefer when the winds are under 20mph though.” says Trahan who has been kayak fishing since 2007. He admits that he has become “Wild About Catching Trout” (hence WACT), as well as catching a good Cajun sleigh ride by a nice redfish. For Fred, “nothing compares to the serenity of being on the water in a kayak.”

George D. White

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: George D. White

Home Water(s): Long Island’s North and South Shore Waters

Experience:

George has lived on the South Shore of Long Island his whole life. At the age of 13 he started culling clams for a local Bayman. At 16 he purchased his first clam boat working during the summer and on weekends. Being a Bayman granted him an intimate knowledge of the South Shore Bays. Later George operated a lobster boat on the Long Island Sound.

Fishing has always been a major part of his life. Being on the water both commercially and recreationally for the past 42 years has given him a deep respect for this resource. George fishes fresh and salt, competent on the rivers of Montana or the surf at Montauk.

George transitioned to kayak fishing as his main platform in 2004 and was totally hooked. He is a founding member and current treasurer of the Kayak Fishing Association of NY (KFA-NY.org) which in three years has grown from an idea of 6 kayak fishermen to a 501©7 non-profit organization with 75 dues paying members and 100s that visit and contribute to its forum.

He likes to speak at KFA-NY meetings and other seminars educating “newbies” and promoting the methods of kayak fishing and its rewards. George is a licensed New York State guide using Hobie Kayaks as his platform and has been actively providing guide service for Captain Kayak. He is a member of Long Island Trout Unlimited, Long Island Fly Rodders, LIBBA and Great South Bay Anglers. He plans to retire from the Suffolk County Police Department in two years and guide full time.

Gilbert Hernandez

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Gilbert “The Rockit” Hernandez

Home Water(s): Hesperia, California

Experience:

Gilbert “The Rockit” Hernandez has been fishing his entire life. From lakes to bays to open water, this team captain is an all-around angler. A float-tuber-turned-kayak-fisherman, Gilbert started fishing at the age of 10 and has been hooked ever since. This sponsored angler’s main focus has swung to the bays on The Plastic Navy trail, giving his fellow anglers a run for their money. Drawing on his freshwater experience, Gilbert has been perfecting his technique in California’s bays and harbors. From Calicos to Sand Bass to Spotties, he’s determined to dominate the sport.

Greg Sonnier

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Greg “Flounderpounder” Sonnier

Home Water(s): Central/Southwest Louisiana Marshes, Bays and Bayous

Experience:

Greg “Flounderpounder” Sonnier uses his Outback in Southwest Louisiana waters to chase Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Largemouth Bass. This versatile platform allows him to catch fish in all sorts of applications; whether it’s peddling miles of open water to chase speckled trout, poling and sight-casting for tailing redfish in the shallow marsh or flipping worms against Cypress trees for lunker largemouth bass.
Sonnier is an avid promoter of kayak fishing in “Cajun Country”. He is one of the original founders of the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club in 2007 and was instrumental in establishing many of the club’s practices, meetings, website, events and tournaments. His passion now is spending time fishing with his wife and twin 3 year old boy and girl who have just begun to learn how to fish out of a kayak.
Future plans are to continue the promotion of kayak fishign through the club’s events/tournaments and also administer the club’s website. You may also catch Sonnier Cajun fiddling at some of the local jams in the Acadiana area.

J. Harness

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: J. "Capt. Wade" Harness

Home Water(s): Lake Erie, Canada. The Keys, Florida. San Diego, California.

Experience:

Capt. Wade was born and raised fishing on the Great Lakes of Canada. After moving to New Jersey and transitioning from fresh water, J. Wade’s father Chuck began showing him the Salt water ropes on the Atlantic Ocean. J. Wade changed ports again to Miami Florida, where he really started to refine catching big game like larger model bull and hammerhead sharks. He also began a full on assault of the reefs & wrecks in search of kings, cudas, groupers, snappers and all the numerous and delicious species the Gulf has to offer up. After many salty excursions, Chuck finally gave his son his “hand me down” kayak, and the rest is history. Capt. Wade can be found almost every day in and around Baja Mexico & Southern California’s waters, searching for his #1 favorite exotic: the elusive white seabass (aka the King Croaker). Make room for Wade’s sled, drawing serious wakes from trophy fish such as the homeguard mossbacks (yellowtail) and thresher sharks that he frequently targets.

When Capt. Wade isn’t producing Dub Music for his Production Company, he can be found advocating Catch & Release kayak fishing whenever applicable. “There is no better feeling than safely releasing a fifty plus pound monster from the kayak.” Keep a look out for Wade guiding clients out of Oceanside California getting towed around at high speeds.

Jared Lane

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Jared Lane

Home Water(s): San Diego, CA

Experience:

Jared Lane, a San Diego native, is both a skilled surfer and kayak fisherman. Jared has had the chance to fish everywhere from Mexico to Fiji, catching monster Yellowtail, huge Rock Fish, “mondo” Halibut, and aggressive Tuna. His love for the water started at a very young age and has since grown into a tremendous passion and excitement that continually drives him to catching trophy game. You’ll find Jared at San Diego’s own Fastlane Sailing Center, installing and rigging some of the sweetest fishing kayaks on the water.

Jeff Anderson

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Jeff “rawkfish” Anderson

Home Water(s): Portland, OR

Experience:

Jeff’s passion for fishing started out when he was a young boy. His dad took him trout fishing in the mountain streams of Wyoming, and his older brother showed him the ropes at catching bass, panfish, and northern pike in the lakes of Minnesota. After relocating to San Diego for a four year tour of duty in the Navy, he discovered kayak fishing. He spent most of his time exploring the bays of the San Diego area and soaking up the peaceful kelp beds of Point Loma and La Jolla. During his time in San Diego, Jeff also worked as an installation technician for OEX Kayak Fishing and Anglers’ Yakshack, installing everything from bungees and rod holders to depth finders and internal live-wells.

In 2007, he moved to Oregon where a very different kayak fishing environment awaited. Jeff now spends his time chasing fish all over the Willamette Valley and Oregon coastline. As a member of the Next Adventure Fishing Team, Jeff is focused on expanding the sport of kayak fishing in the greater Portland area. He is also a regular contributing member of Northwestkayakanglers.com where he helps people that are new to kayak fishing get ready and rigged up to head out on the water and put fish in the boat. Jeff loves competing in local tournaments whether they are out on the rolling ocean or in a little trout lake in the hills. But what he loves even more is getting a chance to talk with someone when they ask, “How can I get setup to fish in one of those Hobie kayaks?”

Jeff Wall

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Jeff “Nomad” Wall

Home Water(s): Southern Ontario Peninsula

Experience:

Having grown up on the shores of Lake Huron, Jeff has witnessed the evolution of this Great Lake from a once dominant salmon fishery to the trout mecca that it is today. Now living in Waterloo, a region surrounded by three Great Lakes, Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe, he has had the opportunity to ply many tactics to the diversity of species available. After given up “stinkboat” fishing to pursue adventure racing, Jeff’s first kayak happened to be a 14’ SOT that lent nicely to his fishing and training passions. There was no turning back then! Jeff’s Hobie Adventure has led way to covering a much great expanse of water than conventional paddling kayaks in search of his big water quarry.

Being partial to powerful migratory salmon and trout, Jeff can often be found on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River chasing down Atlantic-Chinook-Coho Salmon, Brown-Lake-Rainbow(steelhead) Trout in spring and fall. He also offers many other various guided kayak fishing opportunities into the more remote areas of Central and Northern Ontario too. In 2009 Jeff’s company, Nomad Adventures has put together the Ontario Kayak Fishing Classic and River Smallies Weekend. These are the first two fresh water kayak fishing competitions in Canada, and he hopes to build on those for 2010.

As an avid promoter of kayak fishing in Ontario and Canada, Jeff attends trade shows and runs beginner clinics that appeal to all ages and abilities. He feels Ontario is now on the cusp of an explosion of the sport in an area of unlimited possibilities.

Jerry Adams

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Jerry Adams

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle

Experience:

Growing up in northwest Florida, Jerry took every opportunity to fish for bass in the Sandhill ponds. He fished several bass tournaments until catching his first redfish in 1996. He was hooked and bought a flats skiff within that week! Jerry fished the FLW and IFA tournament trail up until 2010 when he was introduced to kayak fishing. Now, 3 Hobies later and no skiff, he is enjoying it all over again. With the Redfish Tour approaching he looks forward to some friendly competition. Teaming up with Sunjammers Watersports and Grassy Flats Charters will definitely keep him busy chasing redfish!

Joe Petralia

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Joe Petralia

Home Water(s): Orange County, CA

Experience:

Joe has been mountain biking and backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains to fish for trout for years. One day a friend of his invited him to go kayak fishing out a Hobie for the first time several years ago, and from that day I was totally hooked. Immediately Joe recognized that the combination of fishing and peddling was the best of both sports.

John Ceviche

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Johnny Ceviche

Home Water(s): San Diego

Experience:

John, better known as Johnny Ceviche in the kayak fishing world is an avid kayak angler who frequented La Jolla kelp beds in search of any fish that will bite. He started kayak fishing in San Diego Bay area fishing for Spotted Bay Bass, Bonefish and Halibut in year 2000. Soon after he started exploring the inshore waters of San Diego from Point Loma to La Jolla kelp beds, where he became versed in catching White Sea Bass, Yellow Tail and Thresher Sharks.
Johnny enjoys both conventional type fishing as well as fly fishing from the kayak. It is his great pleasure to be able to assist anyone catch their trophy fish.

Josh Harvel

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Josh Harvel

Home Water(s): Southwest Florida

Experience:

Josh Harvel was born in Crystal Lake, IL. He started fishing freshwater lakes and rivers at the age of three. In 1990, he moved to Ft. Myers, FL with his family and dove head first into saltwater fishing from Lee County down to the Florida Keys. Five years ago a friend gave Josh an old kayak, and kayak fishing quickly became Josh’s favorite way to fish. He now owns Yaknitup Kayak Charters specializing in back country kayak fishing adventures for snook, redfish, spotted sea trout, tarpon, and just about every other toothy creature the pristine waters of Lee County, FL has to offer. At the age of 12 he won his first ice fishing tournament, since then he has competed in various tournaments ranging from ice fishing to high end redfish tournaments. Since then, Josh has moved on to fishing competitive kayak fishing tournaments around Florida where he has always been a top finisher in the field. He is an amateur photographer and enjoys capturing the excitement and beauty of his surroundings and the fish his clients catch when on guided kayak fishing trips. Josh’s articles and pictures have been featured in several local, regional, and national publications. You can book a kayak fishing trip with Josh by visiting Yaknitup Kayak Charters.

Justin Fesler

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Justin "Chester" Fesler

Home Water(s): Southern New Jersey

Experience:

Justin Fesler grew up in the Park City area of Utah. From a young age, he loved outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, hiking and rock climbing. He especially enjoyed fishing the local streams and lakes of the Uinta and Rocky Mountains, targeting trout.

In 1997, Justin moved to southern New Jersey, where he quickly acclimated to salt water sports. The “locals” taught him to surf, which he picked up rather quickly, drawing from the skills he acquired during his days on the snowy mountains. But he found that the challenge of salt water fishing was really what he enjoyed most. Justin purchased a boat and honed his ocean and back bay fishing skills each summer. A few years later, he took to surf fishing, which quickly became one of his favorite past times.

Each spring and fall, Justin can be found most days knee deep in the surf gathering bait, or speeding down the beach in his Toyota, chasing diving birds to lead him to the catch of the day. Justin has also participated in many surf fishing tournaments, placing numerous times. However, when Justin was introduced to kayak fishing by George and Kathy Algard from Sterling Harbor Bait & Tackle in Wildwood, NJ he knew he had found his calling. Now Justin enjoys the thrill of the up close and personal experience kayak fishing gives him, both on the water and when fighting a fish. In 2008, Justin started competing in kayak fishing tournaments, and won the 1st ever kayak division of the highly prestigious Duke of Fluke Fishing Tournament. Justin enjoys introducing others to the sport by assisting with Hobie demos at Sterling Harbor’s tackle shop, showing the local anglers just how much fun can be had from kayak fishing.

Justin “Lost@Sea” Carter

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Justin Carter

Home Water(s): Charleston, SC - Coastal Waters

Experience:

Justin Carter has been fishing all of his life and has been kayak fishing since 2005. He was introduced to the benefits of “hands free” kayak fishing several years ago thanks to the Hobie Mirage Adventure and he has been hooked ever since. Justin can be found in Charleston’s local waters chasing everything from tailing redfish on the grass flats to trolling for kings well beyond the beaches. His favorite fishing methods are polling the flats on his Pro Angler while sight fishing for shallow water reds and targeting tarpon with live bait in the surf. He also enjoys sharing his passion for kayak fishing with anyone interested in the sport and offers his very own guided kayak fishing business.

Kelly Phillips

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Kelly Phillips (Grand Slammer)

Home Water(s): Tampa Bay FL

Experience:

Kelly Phillips started fishing at a young age with his grandfather in fresh water lakes and phosphate pits located in and around his hometown of Lakeland, Florida. He developed a great passion for fishing and has been very successful at it throughout his life. For the past twenty years, Kelly has been fishing the waters of the west coast of Florida, and like most anglers, he’s always looking to break his own personal records. Transitioning from using the flats boat, Kelly has been fishing from his kayaks now for the past three years: “To be honest with you I have never caught more fish per trip than out of my kayak”.
In 2010 his friend and Pastor Charles Asbridge of Lakeland, FL said to Kelly “You need to enter the kayak tournaments as you are very good at the sport”. So, with his advice, Kelly entered the IFA Kayak Tournament. He won first place in his second tournament event, also earning the top award for “Big Redfish”. This qualified him to fish in the National Championship held in Orange Beach, Alabama in November which he ended up winning with a redfish that measured 43 inches. He earned the title of “2010 IFA KAYAK TOUR CHAMPION”

Ken Rosburg

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Ken Rosburg

Home Water(s): San Diego, CA

Experience:

Growing up bass fishing the local lakes around San Diego, Ken Rosburg has attained a plethora of fishing knowledge throughout the years. He mastered the skills of freshwater bass fishing at a young age and has since stepped into the saltwater environment where he discovered the addiction of kayak fishing. After his first kayak fishing trip, Rosburg was hooked. When he is not fishing the local bays, Ken is out fishing at La Jolla. The enjoyment of feeling a nervous bait taken by a large grade yellowtail or white seabass and hearing the clicker scream as line peels off a pinned drag is what Ken has come to thrive upon. Despite catching these hard pulling fish, Ken’s favorite fish to target in the salt is the calico bass. Watching these predators inhale plastics and topwater lures while fishing in the kelp forests that surround the San Diego coastline is hard to beat. He started tournament fishing in 2007 and has loved every minute of it.

Kevin & Gareth Uyeda

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: The Uyeda Brothers

Home Water(s): Oahu, Hawaii

Experience:

Kevin and Gareth started kayak fishing many years ago. After shore fishing with their family they started wading and swimming out to small offshore reefs. This led to them fishing off of surfboards, which was followed by fishing off of inflatable rafts, with their final transition landing them in some borrowed kayaks before they finally purchased their own kayak, the Hobie Tandem Island. The element of human power is what created their love for kayak fishing: “There’s no engine exhaust, we can launch from almost any beach, it’s great exercise, and most of the time we come home with something good to eat too!”

The Uyeda brothers love to fish for big fish, with their most outstanding catch to date being a 194 lb Pacific Blue Marlin, which they hope to improve upon fishing from the Hobie Tandem Island.

Kevin Nakada

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Kevin “The Kid” Nakada

Home Water(s): La Jolla, California

Experience:

Kevin Nakada has fished since he could walk. After mastering baitcasting reels at the age of 6, his fevered passion for fishing quickly became an obsession. Constantly learning and adapting with the dynamic sport of fishing has allowed “The Kid” to become a sure shot. Kevin was a passionate bass fisherman for the early part of his career, but it was surface iron fishing that made “The Kid” into a die-hard California inshore fisherman.

Some time later, Kevin was shown by a close friend the effectiveness of kayak fishing. From then on, he did not hesitate to take every opportunity to pursue inshore game. After mastering the technique of surface irons and applying that knowledge on his new fishing platform, he has become an expert.

“The Kid” is the owner and head guide for Sea Samurai, an established kayak fishing guide service in California. He has several videos on Youtube which capture intense strikes that no other person has yet to record from a kayak fishing perspective.

Kevin puts on several kayak fishing seminars throughout the year, runs on-the-water fishing clinics, and is a Pro-Staff member for Seeker Rods and Fastlane Sailing Center.

Larry Laumann

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Larry “Blackcloud 9” Laumann

Home Water(s): San Diego, CA

Experience:

Larry Laumann is “The La Jolla Legend”. With one of the biggest (51 lbs.) Yellowtail ever caught from a kayak, Larry has proven himself time and time again to be one of the best big game kayak fisherman to date. Larry, or “Blackcloud 9”, as he’s commonly referred to, has dedicated the majority of his angling career to a search-and-destroy mission, wreaking havoc in the waters off the coast of Southern California. Wicked weather and enormous surf are simply icing on the cake for Laumann as he fishes nearly every day of the year in search of monster pelagics that cruise the deep, rich upwellings of the La Jolla Canyon.

Lee Trahan

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Lee “leetrout” Trahan

Home Water(s): Central/Southwest Louisiana Marshes, Bays and Bayous

Experience:

Lee was born in Louisiana and has fished much of the Gulf Coast including Texas, Louisiana and Florida. Lee is married to Trudy and has four daughters, all of which have shared in his craze of fishing. His early training started with his father on B.A.S.S. masters tournaments where he developed and improved his skills for fishing.
He now fishes primarily out of his Hobie Revolution for Trout, Redfish and Flounder in coastal marshes and lakes. By fishing such a large area he has become friends with many saltwater fishing guides and consults with them regularly to learn new techniques and to get tips on where to fish.
“Kayaking is a great sport and every time I go out I try to learn something new. The Hobie Revolution is such a versatile boat, it truly is where fun meets form and function”.
Lee has been on the Board of the Acadiana Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) for many years and is dedicated to the conservation of Louisiana’s marine resources for all future generations to enjoy.

Mark Attardo

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Mark Attardo

Home Water(s): Central New Hampshire

Experience:

Growing up on the coast of Massachusetts, Mark has been drawn to the water for as long as he can remember. Learning how to fish was a natural progression. Eventually, he was introduced to kayaking and just paddled to explore and for relaxation. As with others, being on the water without a rod didn’t last too long.

Mark has participated in east coast tournaments as far south as Florida; meeting like minded individuals and experiencing new areas that have captivated his enthusasim for the love of kayak fishing.

As Marks skills developed and his kayak fishing experience matured it became evident to Mark that there was a lack of online information for kayak fishing in the New England area. This led Mark to co-found newenglandkayakfishing.com back in 2005, and today he the site is stronger than ever with well over 2500 members!

Marshall Hosea

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Marshall Hosea

Home Water(s): Galveston Bay Area, Texas

Experience:

Marshall’s love of the water goes back as far as he can remember. Some of his first memories are of fishing and learning about the water with his father and grandfather. Shore and wade fishing were his earliest experiences; as he grew, he started experimenting with canoes to enhance his fishing activities. Marshall bought his first Hobie – a Revolution – in 2003 and was hooked.
Marshall has found that kayaks offer that up-close experience with nature and the environment in a way that no other watercraft he has used. There is no better way to spot fish than to be as close to them as possible – and you can’t get any closer to them than you do in a Hobie. He bought his first Pro-Angler in 2010 and recommends it to his clientele as a “fishing machine” and his kayak of choice.
Marshall is a full-time, fresh- and saltwater licensed kayak fishing guide in the state of Texas and is an ACA certified kayak instructor with over 30 years of experience on the water as both an angler and nature enthusiast. He is an active member in the CCA and TU and actively participates in and promotes conservation and membership activities with both groups such as coastal clean-up days, fish releases and grass roots conservation and information efforts. Marshall hopes to introduce folks to the simplicity of Hobie kayaking and spread the word about the quality and experience of owning and operating a Hobie.

Mary Dugas

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Mary Anne

Home Water(s): Northern Michigan

Experience:

Mary Anne’s first recollection of fishing is as a young girl fishing with her dad in Southeast Texas. As an adult she continued to experience her love of the outdoors through camping, hiking and snow skiing. Several years ago when she met her fiancé, Todd, their shared love of the outdoor life instantly rekindled her love for the sport of fishing and she’s been catching ‘em ever since!

Mary Anne left the Lonestar State a few years ago to become a resident of the beautiful north woods of Michigan where thousands of gorgeous lakes and streams fill the country side. It was here that both she and Todd were introduced to the marvels of the Hobie kayak and kayak fishing. They experienced their first Hobie adventures in the summer of 2009. These included numerous fishing days & evenings on Lake Ogemaw, as well as some of the neighboring lakes. The highlight of the year was three days of camping and kayak fishing on the Manistee River. “Being able to float downstream and then pedal back upstream more than impressed the occasional on-looker.”

Since moving onto Lake Ogemaw in 2008 and living on a lake for the first time, she and Todd have become regular fixtures on the water, fishing primarily for bass, pike, and walleye. They can be found almost every evening out on the water fishing in their Pro-Angler and Outback.

Matt Baden

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Matt "CB Kayak 02" Baden

Home Water(s): Chesapeake Bay, MD

Experience:

Matt is considered an energized “young gun” by his kayak fishing community in the Delmarva Region. At the age of 22 he has gained the respect from his mostly older comrades for consistency, effort, and willingness to promote kayak fishing. He is a director for Chesapeake Bay Kayak Anglers, est. 2011. He grew up fishing local farm lakes for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill and later graduated to the larger waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding tributaries. He worked for a number of summers during college at Rod 'N’ Reel Marina learning how to fish from the experienced charter captains as a dockhand, mate, and fish cleaner.

Matt and his kayak mates are proving that Hobie kayaks provide awesome platforms for fishing the “structure-based” environment of the Chesapeake. When Matt is not fishing, you can usually find him on his local kayak fishing forums. He is also a proud owner of three Hobie Cat 16’s and currently sails a Tequila Sunrise sail. He is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland and is currently pursuing a degree in nursing.

Micah Pignolet

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Micah Pignolet

Home Water(s): Haleiwa, Hawaii

Experience:

Born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore, Micah Pignolet started fishing at an early age from his father’s hand built wooden boat near Haleiwa Harbor. He is equally at home body boarding in 12 foot shore break or paddling far offshore from the Hawaiian Islands in search of the giant pelagic species that call the waters home. Originally talked into buying a kayak by fellow team member Boogie-D less than two years ago, he and his close knit group of friends have carved out a name for themselves as some of the premiere kayak anglers in the state. Pedaling in some monster fish and having respectable showings in all tournaments entered.

Michael Rischer

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Michael “Jammer” Rischer

Home Water(s): Pacific Northwest / Portland, Oregon

Experience:

Michael “Jammer” Rischer grew up alternating between homes in Seal Beach, California and Salt Lake City, Utah. Both locations provided ample opportunities for sport and adventure. Michael began fishing as a young boy with his father. Freshwater, saltwater and fly-fishing were topics of many a fishing lesson from Michael’s father – a lifelong fisherman and college biology professor. These lessons gave Michael a solid groundwork on which to build his own fishing experiences.
Always the outdoor adventurist, Michael did not stop at fishing. He found other ways to enjoy the outdoors he loved so much: surfing, sailing, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, windsurfing and kite boarding. But fishing has always been a constant.
In 2003, Michael relocated to Portland, Oregon and has been enjoying fishing the rivers, bays, lakes and ocean of the great Northwest ever since. Three years ago, Michael inherited his first Hobie Outback. It was love at first pedal. It didn’t take long for kayak fishing to become his sport of choice.
Michael is a prolific fisherman, targeting Rockfish, Lingcod, Flatfish, Chinook, Coho, Steelhead, Sturgeon, Bass, Walleye and Trout. He is a member of the Next Adventure fishing team, a local Portland sporting goods store and kayak center. He is also a member of Northwest Kayak Anglers (NWKA) online forum and enjoys competing in local tournaments, especially the yearlong “Angler of the Year” tournament.
Currently, Michael lives within 10 minutes of Portland’s three major rivers. He can be found most weekends pedaling the rivers and ocean for new fishing areas and educating other outdoor enthusiasts about the benefits and sheer joy of fishing from a Hobie.

Nathan Clookie

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Nathan “Steamroll” Clookie

Home Water(s): North County San Diego

Experience:

Nathan “Steamroll” Clookie has been fishing Southern California for years and knows the local waters better than most of the old salts at your local tackle shop. If you’re looking to pick someone’s brain about the local waters in and around San Diego, Nathan’s your man. If Nate’s not out on the water whacking bass, you’ll most likely find him hooking up local anglers at OEX Oceanside in North County. Nathan’s also a huge threat to be reckoned with on the tournament trail. In fact, if you notice his name on the sign-up roster, you may want to think twice before signing up yourself. This angler’s on a mission!

Nathaniel Olken

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Nathaniel “ndogg” Olken

Home Water(s): Portland Oregon

Experience:

Nathaniel grew up in Massachusetts fishing in local lakes for bass and trout. He took to the sport of canoeing at a young age, and over the years realized that kayaks and canoes made great fishing platforms. In 2004, he purchased a Hobie fishing kayak and now he spends most of his time on the water chasing sturgeon and salmon. Since moving to Oregon, Nate has picked up on new fishing tactics and he enjoys combining what he has learned form his experience from both coasts to catch fish. When not working at a local kayak shop he spends most of his time on the Willamette River fishing for whatever is in season. He also plans and competes actively in local tournaments. In addition to fishing, he has spent the last 8 years as a fisheries engineer helping to protect and preserve fisheries resources.

Pam Funk

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Pam 'SheaManiYak' Funk

Home Water(s): Georgetown, KY

Experience:

Hailing from Hartford KY, Pam Funk was casting a rod and reel before she started preschool. She grew up fishing with her father in western Kentucky farm ponds and strip pit lakes fishing primarily for pan fish, crappie and catfish. She also spent many summer mornings on creeks and rivers running trout lines. She remembers the anticipation, “waiting to see what you were going to pull up on the other end of that line. Gar, dogfish, huge carp, eel, even more huge catfish, and paddlefish. It was anybody’s guess!”
In 1995 after moving to Shelbyville, KY she tried her hand at bass fishing. Subscribing to angler magazines and watching the greats like Hank Parker and Bill Dance, she studied the baits, techniques, and strategies to chase bass. Going to the local creek or a farm pond every morning after leaving work allowed her to hone skills and gain confidence.
Pam is a kayak fishing addict. In fact after buying her Hobie she says she turned a “life long hobby into full-scale obsession.” She’s since added a fly rod and the pursuit of trout rounds out her fresh water resume.
In 2011 Pam became the first director of the Kentucky Kayak Fishing Association. She’s a pro staff member at Yakangler.com, and is a part of Frankfort’s Canoe KY team as a writer and fishing team member.

Patrick Leepin

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Patrick “Holy Toledo" Leepin

Home Water(s): Northern California

Experience:

Lucky to have come from a family of great fishermen and outdoorsmen, Patrick spent his youth tagging along and absorbing all he could. Living up and down the coast of California his entire life, he has never been without a new species to challenge.

Some of Patrick’s favorite haunts include the coastal rivers chasing steelhead and Chinook, the San Francisco bay battling white sturgeon and flatties, and the rocky coast searching for lings and reds.

Taking full advantage of the diversity of Northern California waters Patrick is a participant in NCKA’s Angler of the Year tournament, and has proven himself as one very tough competitor.

Paul Winkel

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Paul Winkel

Home Water(s): South Western Ontario, Canada

Experience:

Paul Winkel’s occupation as a dairy farmer left him with very little spare time, so his wife gave him a kayak for his birthday insisting he needed a hobby as a break from work. Since then his life has been more focused on spending time on the water fishing from his Hobie.
Paul is a fan of top water frog fishing and considers himself a multispecies angler fishing from ‘ice in’ to ‘ice out’. His favorite quarry includes largemouth bass and musky, but he is also a keen hunter of smallmouth bass, pike, brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon. He fishes with a few local buddies on a weekly basis; they have a multitude of fishable waters all within an hour of the farm. His greatest achievement to date has been the catching of two 40” plus musky within one month.
An active member of the Lake Huron Fishing Club; he feels that “In southwestern Ontario we are blessed with some of the best multispecies angling in Canada.”

Ralph J Tislaretz

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Ralph J "Rustyrazor" Tislaretz

Home Water(s): Southwest Oregon

Experience:

Razor’s two favorite targets that pulls up the 'can’t enough of switch’ are rockfish and trout. Ralph pulls up some unusual catches from the deep…the most unusual catch was a Stetson cowboy hat…and darn-it, it was too big! Only two years into the Yak, and he can only say, once ya go yak you’ll never look back.

Rashid Knight

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Rashid Knight “hobie1kenobie”

Home Water(s): South Louisiana

Experience:

Rashid grew up fishing the South Mississippi coast. After serving abroad in the military he settled down in South Louisiana. You can find him in the marsh’s and bayou’s hunting redfish, trout and flounder during his weekly jaunts to the local boat launches and road sides that allow him access to his favorite frustrations. Known around as hobie1kenobie, he is very active in multiple clubs and organizations. Most recently he has undertaken to bring the Heroes on the Water charity to Louisiana.

Shortly after being introduced to kayak fishing he became addicted. Quickly catching the Hobie “bug”, he currently fishes out of either a Hobie Outback or his Pro Angler. Living in South Louisiana affords him the opportunity to fish year ‘round, which gives him plenty of time to practice new techniques and brush up on old ones. Rashid enjoys the tranquility of a quiet morning in the swamp just as much as he likes the competitive aspect of tournament fishing. He particularly enjoys bringing new people out and introducing them to the sport.

Rick Engle

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Rick Engle

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle/Northern Gulf Coast

Experience:

Rick spends countless hours scouring the Northern Gulf Coast in his Hobie Adventure (Big-A) for King Mackerel, Spanish, Cobia, Tarpon, and occasionally reef dwellers. As a standing member of his local kayak club, Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing whether at demos or on the water, Rick is always ready to share his techniques with anybody willing to listen.

Rob Garber

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Rob "hot h2o" Garber

Home Water(s): South Georgia

Experience:

One of Rob’s earliest memories is fishing with his grandfather, in a creek under a bridge. Most of his best memories tend to revolve around fishing. Rob was lucky to have lived all around the country. He got to fish with his father in Pennsylvanian trout streams, Canadian lakes, both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, as well as, numerous ponds, lakes and rivers in between.

In high school and college he lived in Pensacola, Florida. It was here that he became surf and pier rat. Rob says he spent a lot of his free time, and truthfully time he was supposed to be in class, fishing from every pier and dock between Panama City FL and Bay Minute AL.

Rob loves kayak fishing for the simple reason it gets him out fishing. Since buying his first kayak, he says he has been out fishing more than the ten years previous. He also finds that you meet the best people.

“Everyone I have met fishing out of a kayak was top notch.” Rob considers himself an expert in neither kayaking nor fishing, but he does love this sport/hobby/addiction! Introducing people to the sport has been the most rewarding for Rob.

Robert Neuweiler

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Robert “SpinfisherBob” Neuweiler

Home Water(s): New Gretna, New Jersey

Experience:

In 1953 Bob’s dad sat him on Jones’s Beach, Long Island, with a bucket and a sand spike while he went to cast plugs for striped bass and bluefish. Bob’s job was to dig a hole deep enough in the sand so that water came seeping through to keep the fish his dad caught fresh. Before long, Bob was catching those fish himself. He graduated from University of Hawaii in 1974 as one of the 5 original students of the Marine Option Program (MOPS) under Dr. John P. Craven. After graduation he was a commercial bottom fisherman, and captained the long line tuna vessel TARUS. He served as a consultant to NMFS in developing commercial fisheries on the outer islands of Hawaii. As an associate editor of Hawaii Fishing News and a crew member of the charter vessel KALOHI, Bob made appearances on KHON TV’s “Lets Go Fishing”, showcasing the fishing lures he designed and manufactured. He continued to work in the marine industry becoming a Lead man for Viking Yachts, New Gretna, NJ. Over the years he worked for John Leek of Ocean Yachts, and as Production manager for Bob Walker of Bimini Marine, Point Pleasant NJ. He achieved a lifetime goal of landing every known species of billfish in 1992, with a 147 lb broadbill swordfish. In September 2008, he tested out a Hobie “Hank Parker” Outback for the first time, fishing for striped bass. Since then, kayak fishing has been his passion. “This just isn’t fair, I can get on top of bass without a sound and present my lures like a surgeon.” Since that time he has spent many days on his Outback, landing scores of striped bass and numerous other fish in fresh and salt water.

Roger Gossett

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Roger "NH Explorer" Gossett

Home Water(s): Central New Hampshire

Experience:

Roger has been fishing since he was old enough to wrap his little fingers around his first fishing rod. Growing up in Southern California, he went through the natural transition of fishing piers and back bays while vacationing with his parents, to fishing from private boats and large sport fishing fleets. Working the deck for a year on long-range boats out of San Diego is a fishing highlight he will never forget. He also enjoyed freshwater fishing whenever he had the chance. When he moved to New Hampshire in 2002, he and his wife bought kayaks to explore the many area lakes. Roger soon felt lost on the water without a fishing rod…and so began his kayak fishing endeavor. Today he enjoys fishing the many lakes and streams of central New Hampshire. He gets his saltwater fix fishing the coast of New England as far south as Manhattan, adapting his existing skills while learning new techniques from the kayak fishing community. Last year he started fly fishing as another means to satisfy his angling fix. Roger enters tournaments for the camaraderie, education and, of course, the excitement of knowing that one day his time on the water will pay off when he tops the leader board.

Ron C. Hustvedt, Jr.

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Ron C. Hustvedt, Jr.

Home Water(s): Minnesota, Wisconsin & Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Experience:

A Minnesota boy born and raised Ron has been fishing ever since he could hold a fishing pole. Born a city kid, Ron was fortunate to grow up in Minneapolis-the city of lakes. Once he was old enough to work, Ron got a job at a resort in central Minnesota and spent as much time as possible learning how to improve his skills as an angler. Ron’s love for writing and photography somehow came together with his love of the water and combined for a decade long career as an outdoor writer and photographer. Ron is now getting into the world of videography and video editing.

Owner and founder of WriteOutdoors.com, Ron writes and takes photographs for numerous regional and national publications including In-Fisherman, Outdoor News and Game & Fish Publications. He runs a regular podcast at Write Outdoors and makes regular appearances on KFAN’s morning outdoors radio program. Ron is also a member of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers.

No stranger to the motorized fishing craft, Ron truly enjoys the silence and solace of canoes and kayaks. A frequent visitor to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Ron took to the kayak like a fish to water and enjoys plying the thousands of hard-to-reach lakes throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He is also known to take a kayak out onto Minnesota’s more heavily fished, and much larger, bodies of water including Mille Lacs, Cass, Minnetonka and Vermilion.

Rory Gregg

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Rory “Weekend Warrior” Gregg

Home Water(s): Northern Florida

Experience:

As true passionate waterman, Rory has been fishing and surfing the waters of Northern Florida as well as numerous remote locations around the world his whole life. Growing up under the tutelage of Hobie Regional Pro, Frank “The Mayor of Chicopit” Gregg, Rory has watched, listened, and learned all of the ways to carry himself in and out of the water as a professional inshore angler. Targeting the slam is the name of his game! You can find Rory launching at dawn patrol putting together treks in upwards of 5 miles to slay the redfish, gator trout, and flounder. He finds time between fishing trips to surf waves at his home breaks in Atlantic Beach, FL, and shooting professional outdoor and action sports photography. The “Weekend Warrior” is an active member on the Jacksonville Kayak Fishing forum, and a top finisher in many flats fishing tournaments over the past decade.

Roy Marcum

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Roy "coosbayyaker" Marcum

Home Water(s): Southern Oregon

Experience:

Roy Marcum has been fishing for many years, mostly off the rocks catching near shore rockfish species. After discovering Kayak fishing and Hobie kayaks in late 2007 he knew this was the sport for him. He dove in head first with the purchase of a Hobie Outback and hasn’t looked back since. He spends most of his fishing time on the ocean and bays on the central Oregon coast catching Rockfish and Lingcod. As a relatively new Kayak fisherman he looks forward to learning more and spreading his knowledge to new people just starting.

Scott Romero

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Scott Romero

Home Water(s): Flint River, GA

Experience:

Scott has been fishing since he was 5 years old. ”I have fished the Flint River for close to 40 years; I am an all species angler; love fishing for “shoalies”, large mouth bass, crappie and bream, but I am not to proud to tight line for a catfish either.”

Romero has been in the retail boat sales market for 23 years. It has given him the opportunity to fish with some of Americas top bass anglers like Rick Clunn, Kevin Van Dam, Woo Daves and Larry Nixon just to name a few. “I can truly say though in 2009 when my Kayak career started, I was boosted into a league of my own catching more fish than I had ever caught running and gunning the big waters. It made me realize that I had passed up plenty of fishable water that I had never seen until I got eye level and down where the action is. This really opened my eyes to the advantages of fishing from a kayak, especially one with a MirageDrive.”

“Every day kayak fishing is a new adventure. Don’t listen to the “nay sayers” Come on in to a new world of fishing and find out what all this “yakin'” is about…you’ll be glad you did!”

Shaun Russell

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Shaun Russell

Home Water(s): Central Texas

Experience:

Shaun grew up camping and fishing with his parents in Texas while still in diapers. Most weekends were spent either camping and fishing with his parents at a local lake or fishing with his grandfather at one of his many cattle tanks. “I can’t remember the first time I picked up a fishing pole, I just can’t ever remember there not being one in my hands”. He grew up and went from fishing for bluegill and catfish to concentrating his efforts on studying the habits of large mouth bass. Feeling grateful to have a wife of 19 yrs and a family that understands the fishing addiction, most weekends he can be found on one of the many beautiful lakes that Texas has to offer. Like most of the bass fisherman around him he bought a bass boat, joined the local bass club and began fishing tournaments. He sold the bass boat a couple years ago and bought his first kayak. What a culture shock it was not being able to run and gun like he did with the bass boat! After a couple months he found the flexibility of the kayak allowed him to fish the areas he had jumped over so quickly before more thoroughly now. He also found he was catching much larger bass than he did while fishing from a bass boat. Although not having to worry about the cost of gas, oil, maintenance, insurance, etc… of the bass boat was a major reason why he sold the bass boat, he found kayaking to be a more rewarding way to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the waters he fished. “I’ve made some great friends through kayak bass fishing that share the same beliefs and respect for the waters we share and the fish we pursue. I enjoy helping new kayakers get into this great sport and look forward to the opportunity to help grow the sport of kayak fishing in the north Texas area.”

Shawn Neurath

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Shawn 'fish on' Neurath

Home Water(s): Central Florida

Experience:

Captain Shawn (Fish on) Neurath was born and raised in Connecticut until the age of 19. Shawn’s passion for fishing comes from a long family line of fishermen. Shawn has been fishing since he was old enough to hold a rod with his own two hands. During Shawn’s time in Connecticut, Shawn spent most days fishing rivers, lakes, and the Long Island sound. Shawn moved to the Florida Keys where he continued to fish and expands his knowledge base. Shawn used these opportunities to increase his proficiency in catching Tarpon, Snook, and Bonefish. Shawn then moved to the Tampa area and continued to improve on his already vast knowledge base. Shawn was able to continue to increase his proficiency while mastering Snook, Red Fish, Trout, and Tarpon. Eventually his passion for fishing leads him into a more professional atmosphere as an angler. In the last two years Shawn has added kayak fishing to his attributes. In this short time frame Shawn has placed many times in tournaments with his kayak despite being new to it. Shawn has developed quite the passion for kayak fishing in comparison to fishing from a boat.

Steve McDonald

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Steve McDonald

Home Water(s): Long Island Coast & the Lower Hudson Valley

Experience:

Steve is a New York State licensed Fishing Guide and has spent decades fishing local waters. Since his first kayak fishing experience in 2004 he has landed more than 20 species of salt and freshwater fish, including many with his fly rod. He has lectured on kayak fishing and presented on-the-water demonstrations on kayak safety. As of April 2008 Steve took the reins as President of North Atlantic Canoe and Kayak . Steve is also a member of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the Kayak Fishing Association of New York.

Ted J. Gorder

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Ted J. Gorder (A.K.A. “THEOG1”)

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle/Northern Gulf Coast

Experience:

Ted is one of the founding fathers and key members of the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association. Along with the GCKFA, Ted is currently setting the precedent for kayak fishing tournaments in and around the Gulf Coast of Florida. Aside from hosting one of the world’s best kayak fishing tournaments, Ted and his associates host dozens of demos and outdoor events throughout the Gulf, educating and sharing their love for the sport with anyone interested. If you’re new to kayak fishing, considering getting into the sport, or a seasoned vet in search of the latest and greatest, Ted and his associates are definitely the pros you want to contact. If haven’t been lucky enough to meet Ted and his associates in person or attend one of their high-quality demos, you should definitely take time to check out their website, where you’ll be able to ask questions and share everything imaginable related to kayak fishing.

Thomas Alexander

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Thomas Alexander (A.K.A. Lost4Reason)

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle/Northern Gulf Coast

Experience:

As a well rounded angler and an esteemed member of the Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Association you’ll find Thomas in pursuit of just about anything that inhabits the waters in the south east region of our country. From Bass, Catfish, and Bluegill, to Redfish, Specs, and Flounder, to Spanish and King Macs; Thomas has ripped up more lips than a dentist in the old wild west – fish everywhere beware!

Thomas Buckalew

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Thomas “HobieTom” Buckalew

Home Water(s): North County San Diego

Experience:

The whiplash you’d feel from being slammed into by a semi at 60 mph is nothing compared to what the local bass experience when Thomas throws down the hammer and rares back to set the hook. This man is a fishing “machine”, and when armed with an arsenal of Hobie Mirage Outbacks, there’s no stopping him. Like many of his local compadres, Thomas is a bass fishing fanatic! From Calicos to Spots and Sand Bass to Largemouth, Thomas is armed with the knowledge and tools necessary to get the job done. A threat on the tournament trail? You’d better believe it! HobieTom continues to pedal his way straight to the top.

Tim Landry

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Tim Landry

Home Water(s): Gulf Coast

Experience:

Tim “tland15” Landry was born in New Hampshire and grew up in Virginia Beach, VA where he began fishing for largemouth bass in the local lakes. It was not until he moved to Fort Myers, FL when the fishing bug really bit him hard. This is also when he bought his first kayak and started exploring the area. He quickly found out that the backwater estuaries and mangrove shorelines were home to some hard hitting fish. Tim’s favorite kind of fishing is sight casting for snook and tailing redfish. These ambush predators occasionally smash topwater lures on the surface and always put up a hard fight. The toothy speckled trout is another fish Tim likes to target, as well as the acrobatic and extremely strong tarpon. The occasional offshore trip in search of kingfish, cobia and sharks is what Tim enjoys when he is not fishing the inner coastal waterways. He also participates in many kayak fishing tournaments throughout Florida and enjoys trying new areas, and meeting new people.

Tim Salmon

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Tim “Salmontim” Salmon

Home Water(s): Long Island Sound

Experience:

Tim is a lifelong saltwater angler who developed his keen fishing skills growing up in Southern California. Tim started fishing out of San Pedro on day boats to Catalina Island, where he established himself with a 52 pound California Halibut. Later it was Albacore on long-range trips from San Diego and summers spent fishing the waters off Ensenada. After serving in the Navy, Tim settled in Southeastern Connecticut, a fishing Mecca for Striped Bass and other species. When he caught a 35” bass from his kayak, the hook was set. Tim is an avid promoter of kayak fishing and safety.

Tina Engle

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Tina Engle

Home Water(s): Florida Panhandle/Northern Gulf Coast

Experience:

Tina spent her younger years freshwater fishing some of the local lakes in the panhandle and gulf coast region of Florida. Later on she began pier fishing a fair amount, but it wasn’t until she met her husband that she really became an avid fisherwoman. Her husband Rick introduced her to the saltwater environment and she embraced it with wide open arms. Now she spends most of her time kayak fishing the salt for larger species of fish that put her tackle to the ultimate test. Tina and her husband bought Hobie kayaks some years ago, and have never looked back. This year she really focused in on kayak fishing and spent some quality time with her husband on the water. From fishing some of the major tournaments and finishing in the top rankings, to spending relaxing days exploring new areas, Tina has become and expert fisherwoman and ambassador for the sport of kayak fishing. Tournament anglers beware, because you can count on Tina fishing for the gold.

Todd Hart

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Todd “Legocrusader” Hart

Home Water(s): Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast

Experience:

Todd began fishing for bass, northern pike and walleye in the multitude of freshwater lakes of Michigan. During the late 1990’s he relocated to the great state of Texas and caught his first redfish. This catch sparked his addiction to salt water fishing. He now spends many weekends fishing the numerous marshes of Texas and Louisiana targeting redfish and speckled trout.
Todd enjoys the competitive side of saltwater fishing as well. He participates in many of the salt water kayak tournaments throughout the gulf coast region. On most internet kayak fishing sites you can recognize him by the unique screen name “Legocrusader”. If you are looking for someone to fish with in the western gulf coast area contact Todd. He is always ready to explore the coastal waters and wrangle with some fish.

Todd Lewis

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Todd “Yak-a-Lou” Lewis

Home Water(s): South/Central Louisiana

Experience:

Todd is known as the unofficial “Godfather” of Louisiana kayak fishing and is one of the most experienced paddle fishermen in the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club. He started fishing as soon as he was old enough to hold a cane pole and by the time he was ten he was fishing from pirogues (Cajun canoes). He’s spent countless hours introducing people to the sport and helping them get started.

Todd’s passion is to haunt the ultra-shallow marshes of coastal Louisiana while sight fishing for redfish. He often compares his style of fishing to squirrel hunting and cautions “stealth is your friend.” He’s landed more than sixteen redfish in as little as two hours from his kayak.

Todd and his lovely bride are raising three teenaged boys and the whole family is actively involved in the kayak-fishing scene in the Sportsman’s Paradise. All five members of the household drive Hobie Revolutions! Their family IS its own mini-Hobie Nation! Todd is a boating safety instructor for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division where he currently serves as a Sergeant.

Todd Miller

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Todd Miller

Home Water(s): Wisconsin and Lake Michigan

Experience:

I grew up fishing Lake Winnebago for Walleye and Bass. I got into kayak fishing two years ago with the purchase of my Mirage Adventure. Now I spend my time fishing for walleye, bass, perch, salmon, Brown and Rainbow Trout in Northern WI and Lake Michigan. The Mirage Adventure allows me the flexibility to cast or troll on any lake in that state and get a workout at the same time. The Mirage Drive allows me to use fishing tools on Lake Michigan not available to the rest of the kayak anglers I fish with, which allows me to go farther, fish longer and catch more fish than others. I am an active member of the Great Lakes Sport Fisherman Milwaukee Chapter.

Todd Witzman

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Todd Witzman

Home Water(s): Michigan

Experience:

Todd began fishing as a child amongst Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes. He quickly became a multi-species fisherman taking every opportunity to fish a multitude of lakes, rivers, and streams in Minnesota, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Along his fishing journey, Todd discovered a love for fly fishing and now enjoys tying his own flies in the winter when it’s too cold to fish. Todd now calls Michigan home, where he is fortunate enough to fish his way to and from work every day along the local marina. Kayak fishing is a natural progression for this avid outdoorsman. It allows him to combine his entire lifestyle and love of fishing, camping, and photography with his new-found favorite recreational activity: kayaking.

Troy Eastman

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Troy “YakontheFly” Eastman

Home Water(s): The Lowcountry, South Carolina

Experience:

Troy has been fishing for more than 40 of his 45 years. He started fishing in his native San Diego, California waters for Bluegill, Trout, Catfish and Bass. His grandparents introduced him to Striper, Sturgeon, Sand Shark, Halibut, Salmon and Lingcod fishing in Northern California, while on vacations to their homes. He picked up his first fly rod at 8 years of age, and caught his first fish, a Brook Trout, that same day.

He joined the Army in 1982, and served for 20 years, being stationed in The Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Arizona, Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina… Taking his fly and spinning rods with him wherever he went, he fished these places, as well as another 21 countries, and every state in the union during his travels.
When he retired from the Army in 2003, he moved to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where he immediately bought a Sit on Top kayak to pursue the local Redfish, Flounder, Seatrout, Spanish Mackeral, Sharks, Rays and Cobia (The latter he has yet to catch, but is still trying…)

Troy is one of the founding members of the Beaufort Area Redfish Flotilla, an informal fishing club of like minded kayak fishermen. He has organized one Official BARF Kayak Fishing Tournament in his local waters, and five other kayak fishing gatherings, since moving to the Lowcountry. He is currently planning to organize BARF Kayak Fishing Tournaments every year on Veteran’s Day Weekend, in the Beaufort, Savannah and Charleston areas.

Troy also travels to Alaska every summer for a two week kayak fishing vacation to target Halibut, Lingcod, Rockfish and Salmon, and to Florida two or three times a year to target Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Bonita, Grouper and Mangrove Snapper form a kayak.

Tyler Dunn

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Tyler Dunn

Home Water(s): Northern Ontario

Experience:

Tyler is a resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and spends countless hours fishing and guiding throughout northern Ontario’s inland lakes and world famous Lake Superior for a variety of freshwater species. Tyler is an enthusiastic young guide with a plethora of experience throughout the entire province of Ontario. Aside from guiding, Tyler is an accomplished outdoor freelance writer and has been published in various online and print publications. He is working on bringing the sixth stop of the Ontario Kayak Fishing Series and the first kayak fishing tournament to northern Ontario.

Valerie Billeaud Gonsoulin

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Valerie “Saltwater Siren” Billeaud Gonsoulin

Home Water(s): Coastal Louisiana Marshes and Bays

Experience:

As a young child, Valerie fished in the coulees and bayous of coastal Louisiana, but as she grew up, her interest in fishing seemed to disappear. For many years she did no pick up a rod and reel, but on her 50th birthday, she started fishing again and has not stopped since. Her main focus nowadays is catching grand slams, trout, flounder and redfish. When she is not looking for an array of species, she likes to target trophy trout. You can usually find her spending her spare time on her kayak fishing anywhere from the Pearl River to the Sabine River in the estuaries of Louisiana. She has also fished in and around the Texas coastal bend area. Valerie enjoys competition in the form of kayak fishing tournaments, but she also enjoys the camaraderie that kayak fishing with others has to offer and teaching people how to fish out of a kayak. One of her favorite things to do is to take someone out kayak fishing for their first time and put them on the fish. When the fish aren’t biting, Valerie relaxes by simply pedaling, paddling or taking photographs on the water. She is a member of the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club, Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club and the Coastal Conservation Association. She also established a foundation to aid the Fisherman in coastal Louisiana affected by the oil leak called Gulf Aid Acadiana. Its mission is to assist in restoring the ecological, economic and social wellbeing of coastal Louisiana.

Vlad-Adrian Moldoveanu

Hobie Fishing Team - Local

Angler: Vlad-Adrian Moldoveanu

Home Water(s): Mobile Bay, AL

Experience:

Vlad is a regular contestant to the kayak fishing tournaments in the south-west. He participates along with other members of Mobile Bay Kayak Fishing Association in an assortment of tournaments throughout the South. Since he left his home of Romania several years ago, Valad has found his new home and in Mobile, AL and has stood out as one of the most active members of the MBKFA. If you’re looking for up-to-date information you can be sure to find it through Mr. Moldoveanu’s posts! He is constantly keeping those in the South provided with some of the detailed fishing reports around.