The June 21-22 Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam in Ocean City Maryland is set to launch the 5th Regional Qualifier in the Regional Qualifier Series. The top 10 anglers from this event will receive a direct invite to the USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship. Anglers can sign up here: https://fishnpaddle.com/sign-up

Anglers at the Fish n Paddle will have several divisions and means to qualify for the National Championship. The format below will determine the top 10 selection.

• Top 3 from CnR division
• Top 3 winners of Fish N Paddle
• Top 3 heaviest fish division B
• #1 winner division C
  

The USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship will be held alongside Extreme Kayak Fishing’s Summer Slam 2 on August 9th in Pompano Beach Florida. Other top 10 regional anglers from across the nation, current USA Team members, select Wild Cards, and Ocean City’s top anglers, will all battle it out at the National Championship for a coveted spot on Team USA.

The National Championship will help shape the 2026 USA Team. The top 4 athletes from Nationals will receive an invite to both the 2026 Pan American Championship and the 2026 World Championship. Athletes who place 5-8th at Nationals will only receive an invite to the 2026 Pan American Championship. With limited positions available, the stakes are high for the opportunity to represent Team USA on the World Stage

A big thanks to Tournament Director Brian Roberts and the Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam family who have a long history of running high quality events. This very organized tournament offers big prizes, great fishing, good causes, and a shot at qualify for the National Championship. USAngling is honored to be working alongside such a prestigious event.

Mark your calendar:

• June 21-22 Ocean City Maryland Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam (Regional Qualifier)
• August 9th Pompano Beach Summer Slam 2 (National Championship)

Texas, Maui, and Southern California, have each hosted a Regional Qualifier and have successfully qualified 30 anglers to the National Championship. The last 3 tournaments of the Regional Qualifier Series are:

• June 7 –  Pompano Beach, Florida
• June 21-22 – Ocean City, Maryland
• July 26 – Depoe Bay, Oregon

For more information about Team USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing call David Elgas (808) 234-4047 or visit us at https://usangling.org/saltwater-kayak-fishing/ and on social media @USASaltKayakFishing