The USA Surf Fishing Team is proud to announce its first-ever participation in the World Shore Angling Pairs Championship – marking an important milestone for the team on the global competitive stage.

The FIPS-M-accredited Championship will take place in the Mediterranean Sea in Gruissan, southern France, from April 11–18, 2026, where the world’s elite shore anglers will compete under demanding coastal conditions designed to test technical precision, adaptability, and consistency at the highest level.

With sponsorship from Fishbites, Bass Pro Shops, PENN, Cox & Rawle and Varivas the United States will be represented by Josh Edgerton and Matt Bryson. Both are Pan American Surf Fishing Championship silver medalists, and highly accomplished East Coast surf anglers, recognized for their expertise in dynamic shore fisheries.

The tournament format features two anglers competing as a pair against other international teams. Using fresh bait, competitors fish in pegged areas over four sessions. Pegs – 60-foot sections of beach – are drawn randomly the night before competition, adding a strategic element that demands versatility and rapid assessment of varying beach structures and tidal movements over each session.

“The chance to represent our country in this sport on such a prestigious stage is both exciting and humbling, providing an opportunity to measure ourselves against the best shore anglers in the world.” said Matt Bryson.

Josh Edgerton added: “My time as a Marine taught me that success often comes down to discipline, preparation, correct training, great equipment and the ability to adjust when conditions change. Tournament surf fishing demands that same skillset. We’re bringing our Outer Banks long-range casting techniques and finesse surf fishing experience to meet this international challenge head-on.”

USA Surf Fishing Team President Ben Hervey-Murray emphasized the broader significance of this milestone: “This entry represents a significant evolution for our team’s program. Competing in the World Shore Angling Pairs Championship demonstrates that American surf fishing is not only growing — it is prepared to compete at the highest international level.”

Ben continued: “Josh and Matt embody the professionalism, preparation, and competitive spirit that define our team. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment, as well as the support of our sponsors and partners whose investment makes opportunities like this possible – I am confident they will represent the USA with distinction and pride.”

Participation in the World Shore Angling Pairs Championship represents a meaningful step forward for American shore angling, with the team previously competing in the lure-based Pan American Championship events only. Looking ahead, the USA Surf Fishing Team will announce additional FIPS-M Shore Fishing Championship-orientated international competitions and team initiatives as the program continues expanding this year. Information will be released on the team website and social media channels when appropriate.

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 support of Varivas ensures the USA Surf Fishing Team is equipped with high-performance line systems designed to perform under the pressure of international competition. The team will be using Avani Casting SMP and Avani Casting Max Power PE braid main lines, Avani Shock Leader SMP, Absolute AAA Fluorocarbon and Shore Record Fluorocarbon leaders.

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/

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or information on the team, please contact bhervey-murray@usangling.org

About the the USA Surf Fishing Team:

USA Surf Fishing is a member of USAngling – America’s national governing body for international sport fishing competition. The USA Surf Fishing Team is dedicated to representing the United States in international shore-based saltwater fishing competitions and promoting the sport of surf fishing.

For more information:

For more details, interview opportunities with the USA Surf Fishing Team organizers, sponsorship opportunities, and other enquiries, please email the USA Surf Fishing Team at bhervey-murray@usangling.org

Want to run a qualifier event for USA Surf Fishing? Contact us to see if your event can be utilized to help select our team.

About USAngling:

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