Meet The 2024 USA Surf Fishing Team
Get to know the anglers making waves for the USA Surf Fishing Team at the Pan-American Surf Fishing Championship in Costa Rica in October.
From record-breaking casting machines and big fish specialists to legendary guides, these anglers are ready to showcase their talents on the international stage. Follow their journey as they fish for Gold with support from founding sponsors Fishbites and Bass Pro!
BEN HERVEY-MURRAY
California | President
Lifelong angler Ben has more than three decades of fishing experience covering a wide range of angling disciplines with a strong competitive background. He lives by the world-famous beaches of southern California, where he runs a well-established surf fishing guiding service and tackle business alongside leading the team. Follow Ben on Instagram.
RYAN LAMBERT
North Carolina | Vice President
Based out of Angier, North Carolina, Vice President Ryan has more than 20 years of surf fishing experience along the Atlantic Coast, and has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best surf anglers and charter captains in the Mid-Atlantic. Ryan is the current United States distance casting record holder (889ft) and is the Program Director for the USA Surf Casting Team. Follow Ryan on Instagram.
MICHELLE MITCHELL
Louisiana
Lifelong angler Michelle Mitchell hails from Leesville, Louisiana. Michelle competed in the Major League Fishing Toyota Series and proudly represented the USA national team at the 2021 Pan American Surf Casting Championships, where the team brought home silver. Michelle is also the team Communications Director and a valued leader and organizer for the group. Follow Michelle on TikTok.
SHAWN HENNINGS
North Dakota
A veteran of previous Pan American Surf Fishing Championships, including the team that won Silver in ‘21, North Dakota-based Shawn is a key member of the USA Surf Fishing squad with his broad saltwater experience and skills across various disciplines. Follow Shawn on Instagram.
BRETT ERICKSEN
Illinois
When he’s not representing US Angling at Surf, Ice, and Saltwater Boat disciplines over several tournaments, Illinois-based Brett runs a farm and hunting club. Brett was a member of the Silver-winning Pan Am Surf Fishing team from 2021. Follow Brett on Instagram.
NICOLE HAMBRICK
Minnesota
Nicole’s passion for saltwater fishing has been a lifelong adventure. Her love for saltwater tournament fishing started in 2021 for US Angling, earning a team silver medal in the Pan-American Surf Fishing Championship in Parismina, Costa Rica. She has also competed in world championships in Big Game (saltwater), Nicole is also a tournament angler in the United States, fishing both hard and soft water tournaments.
BLAKE ABBEY
Florida
With two decades of East Coast fishing experience under his belt and a love of snook, tarpon and jack fishing from the sand with artificial baits, father-of-two Blake brings a wealth of technical and tactical knowledge to the team for Costa Rica. Follow Blake on Instagram.
HUNTER HENNINGS
North Dakota
From Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Hunter has been tournament fishing his whole life. He is no stranger to International-level competition, having previously medaled in saltwater Pan American tournaments. Surf fishing in Costa Rica is a challenge he’s eager to overcome to help the US bring back Gold. Follow Hunter on Instagram.
LYD BASNITE
California
Resident of California but originally from Sebastian, Florida, Lydia has over 30 years of surf fishing knowledge. An artificial lure enthusiast, she’s mastered multiple inshore species; her favorite fish to scout include silver king, snook, permit, cubera snapper, and red drum among others. Lydia has taken part in field testing of surf rods and reels for a few companies and is currently with Van Staal reels. Driven by a desire to share her love of fishing with future generations, she has volunteered with numerous kids fishing organizations to guide kids away from negativity. Follow Lyd on Instagram.
JOSHUA EDGERTON
North Carolina
Joshua is an active duty Marine with 19 years of service, and is currently stationed in North Carolina. He has been saltwater fishing all over the world in locations such as Japan, Southern California, Gulf of Mexico, Florida, and North Carolina. He brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the team, from awesome land-based fishing skills to physical training for the rigors of fighting big game fish. We are honored to have to have him on the team. Follow Joshua on Instagram.
BRODY CHAIT
California
Bringing both youth and a ton of talent to the team, Brody is currently at High School in California, where he enjoys chasing giant bass of various varieties in salt and freshwater. Brody’s love of fishing started during childhood fishing trips with both of his grandfathers – at 11, he was hooked after he caught his first largemouth at Lake Berryessa. As well as saltwater fishing, Brody deckhands on both sportfishing and commercial boats in NorCal and is on the High School bass team. Playing guitar, surfing, team roping and biking are all things he enjoys when he’s not fishing.
BEN BLEGEN
Minnesota
Representing US Angling in five different disciplines, in 14 different countries and 18 world and Pan-American Championships, Ben recently earned a team silver medal in 2021 at the Pan-American Surf Fishing Championship in Costa Rica. At home, Ben has fished multiple pro walleye tournaments and pro ice tournaments with great success. He has also conducted seminars across the United States for both kids and adults in the ice fishing industry since 2009, and has held board positions in various organizations in the fishing industry. Follow Ben on Instagram.
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