The USA Surf Fishing Team has announced the athletes selected to represent the United States at the 2026 FIPS-M World Shore Angling Seniors Championship, scheduled for November 7–14, 2026, in Arborea-Oristano, Sardinia, Italy.

Recognized as the world’s premier competitive shore angling event, the FIPS-M World Championship brings together the leading national teams to compete under international FIPS-M rules in one of the most technically demanding disciplines in surf fishing.

Success requires casting expertise, rigging innovations, efficient fresh bait management, extensive target species knowledge, tactical decision-making, and the ability to consistently perform under changing conditions across multiple sessions.

Representing Team USA is a group of accomplished anglers whose combined experience spans competitive surf fishing, guiding, tournament leadership and international competition.

Over the coming months, the team will undertake a structured training and preparation program as it prepares to compete against the world’s best shore anglers on the Mediterranean coast of Sardinia.

Matt Bryson – Pennsylvania (Team Captain)

Matt Bryson returns to the international stage as Team Captain following appearances at both the Pan-American Championships and the FIPS-M World Shore Angling Pairs Championship. A Pan-American team silver medalist and United States Marine Corps veteran, Matt combines international experience with a disciplined, analytical approach to competitive angling.

His background in leadership, technical fishing, and international competition provides a strong foundation as he leads Team USA into one of the sport’s most demanding championships.

Bob Zak – Delaware

A lifelong angler and captain of Team One More Cast, Bob Zak has developed extensive experience across a wide range of East Coast fisheries. He is recognized for his ability to read beach structure, tides, and changing shoreline conditions while consistently adapting to different fisheries and target species.

Bob’s technical rigging knowledge, strategic approach, and competitive experience provide valuable depth to Team USA as it prepares for international competition in Italy.

Chad Bayless – Delaware

Since beginning his competitive surf fishing career in 2011, Chad Bayless has established himself as a technically skilled angler with exceptional casting ability and meticulous attention to preparation. His experience targeting multiple Atlantic coast species has been complemented by years of tournament competition.

Chad’s disciplined approach, technical rigging expertise, and consistency under pressure make him well suited to the demands of FIPS-M international competition.

Paul Chapman – Rhode Island

Paul Chapman is one of the Northeast’s most accomplished competitive surf anglers, with numerous tournament victories, Angler of the Year honors, and multi-species championship titles throughout his career. In addition to his competitive achievements, Paul serves as a surf fishing association chairman and is an Eagle Scout, educator, and conservation advocate.

His broad competitive experience, leadership, and technical versatility make him a valuable member of Team USA for the 2026 World Shore Fishing Championship.

Shannon Ferguson – Virginia

Based in Virginia Beach, Shannon Ferguson is widely respected for his ability to interpret beach structure and consistently locate fish under changing conditions. An experienced tournament angler with pegged-format competition experience, he combines careful preparation with a tactical approach to competition.

His adaptability, local knowledge across multiple fisheries, and competitive experience make him a valuable addition to the United States squad.

Tracy Mastin – North Carolina

Tracy Mastin is a professional fishing guide and owner of Faith Surf Fishing, bringing more than a decade of experience targeting a wide variety of species along North Carolina’s coastline. He is recognized for his custom rig-building expertise, practical knowledge, and commitment to developing effective surf fishing techniques.

His guiding experience, technical proficiency, and strong work ethic add valuable versatility to Team USA as it prepares for the World Championship.

The USA Surf Fishing Team believes this roster represents a strong blend of competitive experience, technical ability, leadership, and dedication to the sport.

The organization would like to thank every athlete who submitted an application to represent the United States. The depth of talent within American competitive surf fishing continues to grow, providing a strong foundation for future international success and more opportunities as we expand our roster.

The USA Surf Fishing Team is grateful for the following support:

Bass Pro & Cabelas:
Bass Pro Shops continues to play a vital role in supporting American anglers through its longstanding commitment to conservation, education, and competitive fishing. As one of the most recognized outdoor retailers in the world, Bass Pro’s investment in the team reflects its dedication to growing the sport and advancing opportunities for U.S. anglers on the international stage.

PENN:
The team will compete equipped with rods and reels from PENN – the brand synonymous with strength, durability, and performance under pressure. For decades, PENN has set the standard in saltwater tackle, and its equipment is engineered to withstand the rigors of long-distance casting and high-intensity competition on beaches worldwide. Competing with PENN Carnage rods plus Spinfisher Long Cast and Fathom reels ensures the team is outfitted with trusted, battle-tested gear built to win.

Fishbites:
Fishbites provides innovative bait technology trusted by anglers worldwide. Known for durability, consistency, and fish-catching performance around the globe, their continued backing of the USA Surf Fishing Team underscores their commitment to saltwater fishing worldwide.

Cox & Rawle:
Cox & Rawle is internationally recognized for producing premium, precision-engineered terminal tackle designed specifically for demanding saltwater applications. Trusted by competitive anglers around the world, Cox & Rawle products are known for their strength, quality and reliability when targeting powerful surf species. Their support of the USA Surf Fishing Team reflects a shared passion for innovation and the advancement of competitive shore angling.

Varivas:
Varivas is globally respected for producing premium fishing lines and leaders engineered for strength, sensitivity, and reliability in demanding saltwater environments. Known for meticulous manufacturing standards and advanced line technology, Varivas products deliver the casting performance, abrasion resistance, and knot strength required by competitive anglers. Their braid main lines and fluorocarbon leaders are trusted by professionals worldwide to maintain consistent presentation and control when targeting powerful coastal species.

The team is actively seeking further supporters, donations and sponsorships from brands able to help with equipment or monetary donations. Please contact the team listed below for details.

Stay updated on the team’s journey by following the USA Surf Fishing Team on social media: https://www.instagram.com/usasurffishingteam/ or https://www.facebook.com/USASurfFishingTeam/

Media Contact

Ryan Lambert
Vice President, USA Surf Fishing Team
Email: rlambert@usangling.org

Ben Hervey-Murray
President, USA Surf Fishing Team
Email: bhervey-murray@usangling.org
WhatsApp: +1 (714) 642-5770

About US Angling

USAngling is a 501c3 charitable organization that provides leadership for our U.S.A. National Fishing Teams as they compete worldwide, shares our love of Competitive Angling by engaging America’s youth, supports Conservation actions, and empowers local Community angling groups.

For more information on USAngling go to www.usangling.org