Angler:
            Thomas “HobieTom” Buckalew
Status:
            Local Team – OEX Oceanside

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.

Accomplishments:

• 17th Overall – 2007 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail
• 6th – 2007 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail (Mission Bay)
• 7th Overall– 2006 Blue Ocean Kayaks Tournament Trail 
• 2nd – 2006 Blue Ocean Kayak Tournament (La Jolla)
• 3rd – 2006 Dana Point Kayak Tournament
• 3rd Overall – 2005 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail
• Jackpot – 2005 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail (La Jolla)
• 2nd – Southwind Kayak Tournament
• 1st – 2004 Fastlane Sailing Center Kayak Tournament

Angler:
Nathan “Steamroll” Clookie

Status:
Local Team - OEX Oceanside

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!

Accomplishments:

• 14th - 2007 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail
• 2nd -  2007 Kayak Fishing Classic 5
• 3rd - 2007 West Coast Whoppers Tournament
• 17th -  2007 San Diego Angler’s Open Bay Bass Tournament
• 10th - 2006 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail
• Jackpot - 2006 Plastic Navy Cabrillo Tournament
• Jackpot - 2007 San Diego Saltwater Showdown
• 3rd & Jackpot 2005 Kayak Fishing Classic 4
• 11th – 2005 Plastic Navy Tournament Trail
• 7th 2005 Steve Moyer Memorial Kayak Tournament
• Jackpot – 2005 Plastic Navy Tournament Mission Beach

Angler:
Gilbert “The Rockit” Hernandez

Status:
Local Team – Dana Point Jet Ski

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.

Accomplishments:

• 1st – Plastic Navy Trout Experience 2008
  
  
  

Angler:
Larry “Blackcloud 9” Laumann

Status:
Local Team – Fast Lane

Home Water(s)
San Diego

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. 

Accomplishments:

• World Recordholder – 51 lb. Yellowtail from a kayak
• 2007 – Steve Moyer Tournament
  
  
  

Angler:
            Bryce "Zeelander" Molenkamp

Status:
            Local Team – Hobie Cats Northwest

Home Water(s):
            Puget Sound, Seattle

Experience:
Trolling 15 plus miles through sun, rain, wind and ripping tides for a beefy Chinook is just an average day of hunting for Bryce “Zeelander” Molenkamp. Puget Sound is where the Z-Man calls his home, and dropping a 4 pound ball off the downrigger with the "lure du jour" is his fishing style of choice. Although the Sound is where Zeelander likes to spend most of his time, he frequently finds himself chasing Lingcod, Halibut, Steelhead, Sturgeon and even Musky in some of the Nation’s finest waters. As a moderator of the largest kayak fishing community in the Northwest (NorthwestKayakAnglers.com), the Z-Man is always ready to lend a helping hand to the newbies.  It's the camaraderie, friendly competition and challenge of landing that record fish that make kayak fishing his life’s passion.

Accomplishments:

• NWKA Forum Moderator
• 5th Place 2007 Moutcha Bay Kayak Tyee Tournament
• 10th Place 2006 Paddlefest Shark Derby

Angler:
Joe Petralia

Home water(s):
Southern California

Status:
Local Team – Dana Point Jet Ski

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.

Accomplishments:

• 5th Overall – 2007 Plastic Navy Tournament Series
  

Angler:
           Morgan “Roosta” Promnitz

Status:
           Local Team – Fast Lane

Home Water(s)
           San Diego

Experience:
Hailing from South Africa, Morgan “Roosta” Promnitz has adapted quite well to the waters off California’s lush and vibrant coastline.  Taking up residence at one of San Diego’s premiere tackle shops, Blue Water Tackle, Promintz has amassed a lifetime of angling experience matched by few in the tackle industry. Utilizing his superior angling knowledge, Promintz has teamed up with one of the finest kayak fishing dealerships in Southern California, Fast Lane Sailing Center. If you’re fortunate enough to visit Fast Lane, you may get an opportunity to attend one of many kayak fishing seminars put on by Morgan himself.  If not, you can always try to get your name on the long waiting list for your own private guided trip off the Southern California coast in search of monster pelagics by contacting Morgan at kayakfishingguide@yahoo.com.

Angler:
            Forest “Mr. Turbot” Talbott
Status:
            Local Team – OEX Oceanside

Home Water(s):
North County San Diego

Experience:
Forest is a well-rounded angler who targets darn near everything that swims amongst the waters of the West Coast.  From the coastal waters and back bays of San Diego to the high country of the Sierras and deep into the heart of Mex, Forest is in search of any body of water that may be holding fish.  Like many of his fishy friends, Forest is a serious bass angler armed with the tools necessary to potentially level the tournament field.

Angler:
Scott Vaughn

Status:
Local Team – Dana Point Jet Ski

Home Water(s)
Southern California

Experience:
Scott's Love of fishing began when he was 11 years old. He began terrorizing the local ponds and lakes in search of "The Lunker"! Since then he has covered the waters from Northern to Southern California and on occasion he’ll find himself fishing the deserts of Arizona. For the past two years his focus has been fishing off his Kayak for salt water Bass up and down the Southern California coastline. At the young age of 38 Scott is still fishing the same local and coastal waters that he had fished since he was a kid and is now beginning a career tournament angler. He is also passing on his passion to his 11 year old son, who has also caught the “bug” and is also in search of "The Lunker" with dear-ol’-dad.

Angler:
            Paul Willerton

Status:
           Local Team - Gear Peddler

Home Water(s):
            Oregon Coast

Experience:
Paul is a very accomplished outdoor writer and an esteemed fly fisherman.  He specifically targets trout, salmon, and steelhead in and around his home town of Bend, OR.  However, Paul’s knowledge doesn’t stop there!  He frequently visits destinations that most of us only dream of.   He travels the country and regularly vacations in exotic locations, all in anticipation of finding that next rising fish.

Angler:
           Andy “BigDerel” Wright

Status:
           Local Team - OEX Oceanside

Home Water(s):
            San Diego/Southern California

Experience:
As an avid kayak angler, you'll typically find Andy pursuing inshore saltwater bass in the local kelp beds and bays, honing his skills with artificial lures.  He also competes actively in tournaments, focusing primarily on the Plastic Navy/Western Outdoor News Tournament Trail as well as various other events.  In addition to the local scene you may find Andy exploring the Channel Islands, Mexico and beyond, searching for a new adventure and/or new personal-best bass. 

Angler:
            Eric “Kayak Fisherman” Albert

Status:
 Local Team – Captain Kayak

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.

Angler:
Roger "NH Explorer" Gossett

Status: 
Local Team - Alden of Sunapee 

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.

Accomplishments:

• NEKF – Moderator & Secretary

Angler:
            Steve McDonald
Status:
            Local Team – Captain Kayak

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.

Accomplishments:
Steve has completed SOLO Wilderness First Aid, ACA Trip Leader and ACA Level 4 Rough Water Kayak Training. While he has received numerous awards and recognition in local competition for striped bass, bluefish and weakfish, his real goal is to get people to spend more time on the water thinking about the resource and the environment as a whole. 

Angler:
Tim “Salmon Tim” Salmon

Status:
Local Team – Megrew’s Boats

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.

Angler:
Al “YakMan” Stillman

Home Water(s):
New Jersey Coast

Status:
Local Team – Kayak Fishing Stuff

Experience:
Alan Stillman is a passionate sea kayaker and obsessive kayak angler, specializing in light tackle, small craft, inshore and offshore fishing. Al grew up on the New Jersey shore, surf fishing as a child, and party boat fishing with his father. He has spent many weeks on long-range SOLO kayak trips in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and in Maine on the Maine Island Trail. Al frequents Long Island and Montauk Point with yearly scheduled trips and also fishes the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby each year in June.

Al helped to launch fish tagging programs in his area to help manage the fisheries he frequents. His efforts include writing articles about fishing and helping to assess fish populations in his area. These experiences have made YakMan an exciting competitor, angler and a very sought-after, skilled guide.

Accomplishments:

• Founder - East Coast Kayak Fishing
  

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

Status:
           Local Team - Key Sailing

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!

Angler:
Bryan “BDUV” Duval

Status:
Local Team - Key Sailing

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!

Angler:
           Rick Engle

Status:
           Local Team - Key Sailing

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

Experience:
Rick devours the Northern Gulf Coast in his Hobie Adventure (Big-A) in search of King Mackerel, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, and the occasional reef dweller. As a standing member of his local kayak club (Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing), whether on the water or at demos, Rick is always ready to share his expertise with anyone interested in the sport of kayak fishing.

Accomplishments:

• 2nd Place - 2007 Gulf Coast Kayak Fishing Tournament King Mackerel Division

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

Status:
           Local Team - Key Sailing

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.

Accomplishments:

• GCKFA – Founding Member

Angler:
           Michael Hudson (A.K.A. “MJ”)

Status:
           Local Team - Florida Bay Outfitters

Home Water(s):
            Florida Keys/Everglades

Experience:
Michael is a Guide for Florida Kayak Tours which specializes in ecotourism and kayak fishing.  His knowledge and expertise cover a vast area in and around South Florida, including the Florida Keys, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and South Beach.  Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, Michael’s experience and local knowledge will ensure you the experience of a lifetime on your next visit to South Florida.

Accomplishments:

• American Canoe Association Instructor

Angler:
           Michael “Offshore Mike” Stillman

Status:
           Local Team – Nautical Ventures

Home Water(s)
           Southeast Florida

Experience:
“Offshore Mike”, as he’s known in Florida, holds true to his name.  Mike stalks some of the biggest game fish the East Coast has to offer. When he’s not putting the hurt on snooks, reds, permit and bones inshore, you’ll find him heading out into blue water aggressively targeting some of the East Coast’s most sought-after pelagics; kings, sails and dolphin.  The “Sleigh Ride” happens to be Offshore Mike’s primary mode of transportation, so keep an eye out when you’re out on the open ocean because Mike just may be headed your way in an all-out fish fighting fury!

Angler:
           Courtney Allee (A.K.A. “Ladybackwater”)

Status:
           Local Team – Jerry B’s

Home Water(s):
            Corpus Christi, TX

Experience:
Courtney Allee sets the water on fire!  She assaults the coastline year-round throwing an onslaught of artificials (specifically top water) in search of Red Fish, Specs, Black Drum, and Flounder.  However, when the fishing slows, Courtney takes full advantage of her surroundings. You’ll either find her out on the water shooting wildlife photography or taking aim at the local waterfowl. 

Angler:
Brendan “Choupique” Bayard

Status:
Local Team – The Backpacker

Home Water(s)
Gulf Coast Louisiana

Experience:
Brendan is known down in Louisiana as one of the “go-to-guys” for anything kayak fishing related. Whether it’s a simple tip on what lure to use for tomorrow’s trip out on the water, to the more complicated kayak rigging applications, Brendan is always looking to help his fellow kayak fisherman. As a founding member and moderator of the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club , Brendan has been at the forefront of kayak fishing since it took off in Louisiana. Brendan has coordinated and fished in many tournaments for the Louisiana club, and when he is not on the water he can often be found designing tournament shirts for various kayak fishing clubs through-out the country.

Accomplishments:

• 4th 2008 Triple Trout Challenge
• 3rd 2008 PaddlePalooza V (Leopard Red Division)
• 4th 2008 – Minimalist Challenge
• 3rd Overall – 2007 BCKFC Tournament Series
• 2nd 2007 Falln’TideII (Speckled Trout Division)
• 4th 2007 Falln’Tide II (Cajun Slam Division)
• 2nd 2007 PaddlePalooza IV (Leopard Red Division)
• 4th  2005 PaddlePalooza III (Cajun Slam Division)

Angler:
Charlie "Gone Yakin" Mitchell

Status:
Local Team- KO Sailing

Home Water(s):
Galveston Bay

Experience:
Charlie is a freshwater fisherman at heart, but quite often you’ll find him trashing around in the salt throwing an onslaught of artificials in search of the coveted “Texas Slam” (Reds, Trout and Flounder). Charlie regularly attends kayak fishing tournaments all along the Texas coast, where he has gathered a great deal of knowledge in kayak rigging and yak customization.

Accomplishments:

• 4th  Place - 2006 BTB Kingfish Tournament

Angler:
David “Boogie-D” Elgas

Status:
Local Team: Windward Boats

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, www.coastalkayaktours.com. 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.

Angler               
Dan “Aloha Dan” Roudebush

Status             
Local Team - P & P Kayak Distributors

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.