Ocean City, MD – The fifth stop of the USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing Regional Qualifier Series delivered high-stakes action and breakthrough performances as the Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam unfolded on June 21–22 in Ocean City, Maryland. Ten of the East Coast’s top kayak anglers earned their shot at national glory and a potential place on Team USA.

 

Leading the pack was Cape May, NJ native Charles Breon, who took home 1st Place and a $4,000 prize after a dominant two-day performance. Brian Reynolds and Mike Rosa rounded out the podium, earning $2,000 and $1,000 respectively—each securing official Team USA Regional Qualifier Certificates.

 

Also advancing was John Stackhouse, who claimed Division B with the heaviest fish of the tournament—a massive 11.6-pound black drum that sealed his bid for Nationals.

 

“Fish N Paddle is a great tournament that’s attended by skilled anglers,” said Breon. “It’s an honor to be on the podium—much less qualify for a chance to represent the USA at such a high level.”

 

Qualifying anglers were selected from four divisions:

• Top 3 from the Catch & Release Division
• Top 3 Overall Finishers
• Top 3 Heaviest Fish (Division B)
• Winner of Division C

 

Congratulations to all the top finishers:

• Charels Breon
• John Stackhouse 
• Brian Reynolds
• Mike Rosa
• Rob English 
• Garry Ward
• Larry Newman
• Sean Hitchens
• Russ Merrit
• Mario Teixeira
• Dean Lokey   wild card 
• Rahmir Ford  wild card 

 

Each of these competitors now advances to the USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship, taking place August 9th in Pompano Beach, Florida, alongside Extreme Kayak Fishing’s Summer Slam 2. The National Championship will determine who earns a place on the 2026 Team USA roster, including invitations to both the Pan American Championship and the World Championship.

 

Following successful qualifiers in Texas, Maui, Southern California and Florida, the Ocean City event marked the 5th installment in the nationwide Regional Qualifier Series. The final chance to qualify will be held July 26 in Depoe Bay, Oregon.

 

USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing extends its sincere thanks to Tournament Director Brian Roberts and the entire Fish N Paddle crew for their continued excellence. With big prizes, clean competition, and a true pathway to international competition, the Saltwater Slam continues to raise the bar for kayak fishing in America.

⸻

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

    •    July 26 – Depoe Bay, OR – Final Regional Qualifier

    •    August 9 – Pompano Beach, FL – Extreme Kayak Fishing Summer Slam 2 (National Championship)

⸻

For more information on Team USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing, contact David Elgas at (808) 234-4047.