State College, PA — US Angling and the USA Surf Fishing Team today announced the roster of anglers chosen to represent America at the Pan American Surf Casting Tournament, scheduled to take place in Costa Rica over October 19-20.

The event will see the USA Surf Fishing Team – with support from Fishbites and Bass Pro as founding sponsors – fishing for international honors on the South Caribbean shores of Jalova Beach in a two-day tournament against the best anglers from South, Central and North American countries.

Leading the team is Ben Hervey-Murray of California, a professional fishing guide and lifelong angler with over three decades of experience. Joining him is Vice President Ryan Lambert of North Carolina, the current U.S. distance casting record holder, and Michelle Mitchell of Louisiana, who previously helped secure a silver medal at the 2021 Pan American Championships.

The team’s depth is further enhanced by the inclusion of Ben Blegen of Minnesota, Shawn Hennings of North Dakota and Brett Ericksen of Illinois, all of whom bring extensive experience and previous success in surf fishing competition.

Nicole Hambrick of Minnesota and Blake Abbey of Florida add their unique strengths and specialist tactical skills, with each having a deep passion for saltwater fishing and tournament medals in their trophy cabinet.

New to the squad are Joshua Edgerton, a serving Marine with a global fishing background, and Lydia Basnite of Florida, a seasoned angler with over 30 years of experience and a host of big surf-caught fish to her name.

Rounding out the team – and bringing both youth and talent to the beach – are Brody Chait, the fishing phenom from California, and Hunter Hennings of South Dakota, who is eager to continue his family’s legacy of international competition and score Gold.

With a formidable mix of talent, experience, and skills on tap, USA are poised to make a significant impact at this year’s Pan American Surf Fishing Championships.

The full squad is (First Name A-Z):

• Ben Blegen (MN)
• Ben Hervey-Murray (CA)
• Blake Abbey (FL)
• Brett Ericsson (IL)
• Brody Chait (CA)
• Hunter Hennings (ND)
• Joshua Edgerton (NC)
• Lyd Basnite (CA)
• Michelle Mitchell (LA)
• Nicole Hambrick (MN)
• Ryan Lambert (NC)
• Shawn Hennings (ND)

The group will spend the coming weeks preparing to compete in the catch-and-release points competition with an artificial-baits-only rule. USA won Silver in the 2021 edition at the same venue, and hope to go one better this year.

However, America’s participation in the Pan American Surf Casting Championships is not just about competition; it is also about promoting the sport of surf fishing and fostering international camaraderie, whilst furthering US Angling’s wider missions around Competition, Conservation and Community.

Unlike many other competing nations, the U.S. does not receive government funding for sports development. This means that the USA Surf Fishing Team and US Angling relies solely on the generosity of corporations, foundations, and individual athletes to fund their participation in representing America on the international stage.

Anyone interested in supporting the squad in their quest for Gold in Costa Rica through a direct donation or learning more about Team USA Surf Fishing’s journey to the Pan American Surf Casting Championships, should visit: https://usangling.org/surf-fishing or contact usasurfishingteam@gmail.com

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.

The team comprises passionate leaders and anglers who excel in their craft and work together to represent our home country whilst spreading the positive aspects of fishing to all in an ethical and positive spirit.

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 usasurffishingteam@gmail.com

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