USA Kayak Fishing Saltwater Team Gears Up for 1st FIPS-Mer World Championship in Valencia, Spain
USAngling proudly announces the U.S. Kayak Fishing Saltwater Team members who will represent the United States at the 1st FIPS-Mer World Championship of Sea Kayak Fishing, to be held in Valencia, Spain, from October 26-31, 2024. This prestigious event marks a significant milestone in international kayak fishing, with top anglers from around the globe competing for medals in a catch-and-release format.
The U.S. team, led by Team Captain Robert Field, includes a dynamic group of athletes who have worked tirelessly to earn their spots through dedication and passion for the sport. Team USA is made up of anglers from across the country, bringing a diverse set of skills and experience to the world stage.
TEAM USA MEMBERS
- Robert Field – Team Captain
- Guy Marsh – Team Coach
- Lance Clinton – Team Coach
- Michael Bartgis
- Jim Davis
- David Elgas
- Elsa Flores
- Eric Harrison
- Tristan Marsh
- Allen Sansano – Alternate
The team will be divided into three competitive groups:
- TEAM RED: Elsa Flores, Robert Field, David Elgas
- TEAM WHITE: Jim Davis, Eric Harrison, Michael Bartgis
- TEAM BLUE: Lance Clinton, Tristan Marsh, Guy Marsh
The competition will take place off the coast of Valencia, Spain, with anglers fishing for a wide variety of Mediterranean species, such as pompano, sole, sea bream, sea bass, rays, and eels. The event will utilize a catch-and-release format, with fish measured by length and released as soon as possible. The scoring system awards points for fish over 18 centimeters, with bonus points for fish exceeding 50 centimeters. Each day, the top-scoring anglers will contribute to both individual and team rankings, with the ultimate goal of taking home medals for Team USA.
“It is such a privilege to work with the athletes. These guys—from Texas, from Hawaii, from all the qualifiers—they really want this,” says David “Boogie-D” Elgas, Vice-President of USA Saltwater Kayak Fishing. “They’ve waited forever for this and are fired up to represent Team USA. It’s an honor to work with such passionate anglers who have earned their spots. This opportunity we’re building is long overdue and much anticipated.”
The U.S. team will face off against competitors from across the globe, all aiming to be crowned world champions. As a catch-and-release tournament, the event emphasizes the conservation of marine resources, reflecting USAngling’s commitment to ecological stewardship.
Stay tuned for updates as Team USA embarks on this exciting journey, bringing their best to the international stage. Follow the USA Kayak Fishing Saltwater Team on Facebook and visit usangling.org for more information.
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