The USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing Team proudly represented the United States at the 2nd FIPS-M World Championship of Sea Kayak Fishing, held September 20–25, 2025, in Piombino, Italy. Hosted by FIPSAS and organized by Toscana Kayak Fishing, the event brought together elite kayak anglers from around the world to compete on the beautiful Tuscan coast in a three-day, catch-photo-release format.

Unpredictable weather created major challenges throughout the week. Day One was canceled due to high winds, Day Two was delayed and cut short due to lightning with restricted boundaries, and Day Three saw a fishing zone change as strong winds returned. After the first day of competition, Team USA B held second place overall and Team USA A sat in third, with Italy leading and Spain just behind. By the end of the tournament, Italy secured gold and bronze overall, while Spain made a big comeback to secure silver.

Despite the obstacles, Team USA delivered a performance marked by resilience, teamwork, and heart. “So much work goes into these events long before we even arrive,” said Annie Nagel, gold medalist at the 2025 Pan American Championship and Team USA Secretary. “The planning, weekly meetings, group chats, and prep all build up to this really big moment. We didn’t come out on top this time, but I couldn’t be more proud to stand beside this group of anglers.”

Team Captain Robert Field echoed that pride. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” he said. “The other nations all verbalized how impressive it was for us to come here from the other side of the world and be so competitive. My teammates represented the USA with respect, humility and an effort level that was unmatched. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to compete alongside them as Team Captain.”

For USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing Vice-President, and member of Team USA competing in Italy, David ‘Boogie’ Elgas, the experience was about more than standings. “It truly is a humbling experience representing your country doing a sport you love,” he said, reflecting on the pride of walking with his teammates in the opening parade through Piombino’s historic castle and competing against the world’s best.

While Team USA fell short of the podium, they left Italy proud of their effort and grateful for the opportunity to compete at the international level. The team extends sincere thanks to USAngling and all supporting sponsors including Rapala, Sufix, VMC, OKMO, YakAttack, and Railblaza for making international competition possible. Representing the United States in the World Championship is an honor, and Team USA remains committed to competing with integrity, passion, and respect for the sport that connects anglers around the globe.

Team USA: 

• Jim Davis
• Lance Clinton 
• Annie Nagel 
• Robert Field 
• David Elgas  
• Sean Lawless 
• Eric Harrison
• Bill Barbe 
• Wes Calvan

Media Contact:

Annie Nagel
Team USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing
(707) 495-2625
usakfs@usangling.org

Follow the team and learn how to support their journey at:
usangling.org/saltwater-kayak-fishing
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