August 2025 – US Angling is proud to announce the official roster of the USA Surf Fishing Team heading to Costa Rica this fall to compete in the 2025 Pan-American Surf Fishing Championship.

Representing America’s best land-based saltwater anglers, this diverse and talented squad brings together proven international medalists, state champions, decorated veterans, and first-time competitors — all united by one goal: bringing home America’s first gold medal from the surf.

The Pan-American Surf Fishing Championship is a catch-and-release, points-based competition utilizing only artificial baits that takes place in September (13-14th) at Jalova Beach on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Teams consist of ten men, three women, and an under-21 representative.

2025 TEAM ROSTER

Phil Porter – Florida
Lifelong angler Phil has spent years chasing tropical gamefish such as snook, tarpon, and jacks along Florida’s inshore waters. Known for his expertise in targeting powerful fish with artificials in any conditions, Phil also serves on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard — bringing discipline, resilience, and adaptability to the team. Follow Phil on Instagram.

Brandon Sausele – New York
A lifelong surf fisherman, Brandon has honed his skills along the legendary shores of Montauk, NY, where he has claimed nine regional and state surfcasting titles. Known for his extreme angling style and relentless drive, Brandon joins the USA team for the first time in Costa Rica. Follow Brandon on Instagram.

Caleb Hood – Florida
Born and raised in central Florida, Caleb has built his fishing life around the pursuit of snook. From the winding backcountry waters to the open stretches of Atlantic beach, he’s spent countless hours honing his craft, with 30-pound class snook on artificial baits remaining his ultimate target and benchmark. Caleb joins the team for the first time in 2025, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the beach for Costa Rica. Follow Caleb on Instagram.

Dante Bruschi – Massachusetts
Based out of Nantucket, Dante is USA’s new under-21 representative. With a focus on striped bass, bluefish, bonito, and false albacore from the shore, he has an enviable tournament record –  despite his youth – that’s indicative of an outstanding talent. Known for covering ground fast and putting in long hours on the water, Dante pairs his angling passion with a triathlete’s endurance and winning mentality. Follow Dante on Instagram.

Christopher Salomoni – Florida
Christopher’s surfcasting journey began at age seven on the sands of Montauk and Martha’s Vineyard. After relocating to Florida, he shifted focus to tarpon, sharks, jacks, snook, redfish, and barracuda — all from shore with artificials, his greatest passion. Widely traveled, Chris has also mastered jigging and popping techniques while targeting exotic species worldwide, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the group for 2025. Follow Christopher on Instagram.

Neil Krauter – New Jersey
An IGFA World Record holder from the surf and the 2022 Massachusetts State Saltwater Derby Angler of the Year, Neil is a proven competitor. With multiple tournament wins and top finishes across the East Coast, Neil’s disciplined approach and wealth of experience make him an invaluable asset to the national team, which he joins for the first time. Follow Neil on Instagram.

Matt Bryson – Pennsylvania
Originally from Franklin, NC and now based in Harrisburg, PA, Matt is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose discipline and focus carry over into his surfcasting. With extensive experience fishing the East Coast, he combines technical expertise with a deep passion for the sport and his country, which he represents in a sporting capacity for the first time this year. Follow Matt on Instagram and TikTok.

Ben Blegen – Minnesota
Making his 19th international appearance, Ben is one of America’s most experienced competitive anglers. He has represented US Angling in five disciplines across 14 countries, helping the USA earn silver medals at the Pan-American Surf Fishing Championships in both 2021 and 2024. A dedicated leader and advocate, Ben continues to grow and support the sport at every level. Follow Ben on Instagram.

Saul Osorto – Texas
A famously relentless competitor with deep experience in Central American tournament fishing, Saul has helped USA secure silver medals at the 2021 and 2024 Pan-American Championships. Returning to Costa Rica, his steady presence and knowledge of regional waters will be critical to the team’s success.

Michelle Mitchell – Louisiana
Michelle has represented the USA at two Pan-American Surf Fishing Championships, earning silver medals in both. She has also competed in the Major League Fishing Toyota Series and is now coaching and mentoring young female anglers. A leader both on and off the water, she helps keep the team motivated and connected. Michelle has recently announced her retirement from competitive fishing, and this will be her last tournament for the team – US Angling are thankful for her service in representing her country so admirably over many years. Follow Michelle on Instagram.

Nicole Hambrick – Minnesota
Nicole was part of USA’s silver medal squads in 2021 and 2024 and has also represented the U.S. in Big Game World Championships. Competing across hard and soft water tournaments nationwide, Nicole is known for her skill, competitive spirit and unwavering support for her teammates.

Joshua Edgerton – North Carolina
Fresh off retiring after 20 years of service in the Marine Corps, Joshua was also part of USA’s silver medal run in 2024. He serves as the team’s health, fitness, and safety director – bringing military-level dedication and global fishing experience to the squad. Follow Joshua on Instagram.

Ben Hervey-Murray – California
Returning as team captain, Ben is a professional saltwater fishing guide and lifelong angler, now based on the shores of Southern California. A team silver medalist in 2024, he leads the team into Costa Rica with a singular focus on bringing home America’s first ever gold medal in competitive surf fishing. Follow Ben on Instagram.

With a roster that blends international experience, youth, and competitive grit, the USA Surf Fishing Team is ready to take on the best from the Americas at the 2025 Pan-American Championship in Costa Rica over two days in September, with support from our valued partners and sponsors.