State College, PA — USAngling and the USA Surf Fishing Team are pleased to announce their full roster for the 2024 Pan-American Surfcasting Championships, scheduled to take place in Costa Rica on October 19-20.
In addition to the previously-announced members, the USA Surf Fishing Team also welcomes two seasoned anglers – Wesley Brough and Saul Osorto – to its roster for the upcoming tournament.

Wesley Brough, a renowned surf fishing guide based in Cabo San Lucas, brings over 20 years of experience targeting species such as roosterfish, snook, jacks, and snapper. Saul Osorto, who was part of the USA’s silver medal-winning team in 2021, re-joins the squad from Texas, bringing a strong track record of tournament success. Both anglers will be a major asset to the group.

The 2024 team is led by Ben Hervey-Murray of California and Vice President Ryan Lambert, a record-holding distance caster and surf angler from North Carolina. Michelle Mitchell of Louisiana, a key figure in the 2021 silver medal team, also returns.

Other team members include seasoned anglers Ben Blegen, Shawn Hennings, and Brett Erickson. Nicole Hambrick and Blake Abbey bring their tactical skills and competitive know-how to the team as well.

Newcomers Joshua Edgerton, a Marine with global fishing experience, and Lydia Basnite of California, with over 30 years of angling expertise, join the roster. The team’s youthful talent includes Brody Chait and Hunter Hennings.

The full 2024 USA Surf Fishing Team roster in full:

• Ben Blegen (MN)
• Ben Hervey-Murray (CA)
• Blake Abbey (FL)
• Brett Erickson (IL)
• Brody Chait (CA)
• Hunter Hennings (ND)
• Joshua Edgerton (NC)
• Lydia Basnite (CA)
• Michelle Mitchell (LA)
• Nicole Hambrick (MN)
• Ryan Lambert (NC)
• Saul Osorto (TX)
• Shawn Hennings (ND)
• Wesley Brough (CB)

With support from founding sponsors Fishbites and Bass Pro, the team is busy preparing for the catch-and-release points competition, which features an artificial-baits-only rule. The team secured silver at the same venue in 2021.

Beyond competition, the USA Surf Fishing Team seeks to promote the sport of surf fishing, foster international camaraderie, and further US Angling’s mission around Competition, Conservation, and Community with a full program through 2025 and beyond.

Unlike many other competing nations, the U.S. does not receive government funding for sports development, meaning that the team relies on the generosity of corporations, foundations, and individual athletes to fund their international efforts.

Anyone interested in supporting Team USA’s quest for gold or learning more about their journey to the 2024 Pan-American Surfcasting Championships can visit: https://usangling.org/surf-fishing or contact: usasurfishingteam@gmail.com.