INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA — US Angling and the Pan American Sportfishing Federation are pleased to announce that the 6th Pan American Surf Fishing Championship will take place November 5 – 8, 2026, at Sebastian Inlet State Park in Indian River County, Florida.

The tournament will make history as the first Pan American Surf Fishing Championship hosted in the United States – bringing together national teams, athletes, officials, and supporters from across the Americas for several days of elite competition and conservation-led sport fishing on an iconic beach.

The championship will feature four competitive sessions contested over two days to determine the continental champions. Conducted under a catch-and-release format, anglers use artificial lures exclusively and earn points based on fish species and total measured length to determine placings in team, individual and under-21 categories.

Mexico enters the championship as defending team and individual champions after their victorious 2025 campaign, while the United States returns as defending under-21 champions and will be aiming to capture their first-ever senior team and individual gold medals after earning double silver in 2025. Costa Rica will also be among the favorites following their 2024 team triumph, alongside tropical gamefish specialists Cuba, Guatemala and Honduras. The venue, Sebastian Inlet State Park, is widely recognized for its exceptional fishing opportunities and is considered one of the signature coastal destinations along the scenic Atlantic coastline. Located on Florida’s central east coast, Sebastian offers miles of sandy beachfront adjacent to the biodiverse Indian River Lagoon and Sebastian Inlet system, creating a world-class arena for international surf fishing competition.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome teams from across the Americas to Sebastian, Florida for this historic event,” said Ben Hervey-Murray, President of the USA Surf Fishing Team. “The 2026 tournament marks a major milestone for competitive surf fishing in the Americas and provides a unique opportunity to unite anglers through competition, sportsmanship, and the camaraderie that makes this rapidly growing sport so special.”

“USAngling is very excited about growing international surf fishing and providing opportunities to showcase our amazing USA angler-athletes. The USA Surf Fishing Program is building great momentum thanks to our dedicated volunteers and sponsors,” commented Tony Forte, President of USAngling – the governing body for competitive angling teams and athletes in the States.

“Hosting the Pan American Surf Fishing Championships at Sebastian Inlet State Park in Sebastian, FL and Indian River County is an incredible opportunity for our region and a testament to the Treasure Coast’s reputation as a premier destination for outdoor and sports tourism,” said Rick Hatcher, President/CEO of Play Treasure Coast Sports.

“Sebastian Inlet offers a truly unique setting with its world-class fishing conditions, natural beauty, and rich outdoor heritage, making it an ideal venue for this championship. We are excited to partner with US Angling, Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and Discover Indian River County to deliver an exceptional experience while highlighting the Treasure Coast as a premier destination for sports tourism and outdoor recreation.”

Opening ceremonies will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Capt. Hiram’s Resort in Sebastian, Florida, which will also serve as the event operations headquarters throughout the championship. Competition sessions will occur Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8 on Sebastian Inlet State Park beach.

In addition to competition activities, visiting teams and supporters will have access to a variety of local attractions, museums, nearby fishing retailers – including the legendary Bass Pro – and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the spectacular Indian River County and Treasure Coast region.

Target species at Sebastian include snook, tarpon, redfish, jacks, various snapper species and 15 or so others also commonly caught from shore in the area on lures. Each fish caught is measured by a beach judge, who translates the catch into a points total which is used to determine placings. In 2024 and 2025 editions, just one fish separated each of the top three team placings after more than 20 hours of fishing between over 50 competitors.

Final registration for participating federations and competitors closes October 1, 2026.

For media inquiries, federation participation, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer applications or event information, contact:

Ben Hervey-Murray
Email: bhervey-murray@usangling.org
WhatsApp: +1 (714) 642-5770

Ryan Lambert VP
Email: rlambert@usangling.org

Neil Krauter VP
Email: nkrauter@usangling.org

About US Angling
US Angling serves as the national governing body for international competitive angling disciplines in the United States, promoting responsible fishing, conservation, and international competition opportunities for American anglers.

About the USA Surf Fishing Team
The USA Surf Fishing Team represents the United States in international land-based fishing competitions, and works to promote sustainable shore-based angling, youth participation, conservation awareness, and international sportsmanship through competitive fishing.

About Play Treasure Coast Sports
Play Treasure Coast Sports promotes the Treasure Coast as a leading destination for sporting events, outdoor recreation, and tourism. The organization works with local partners to attract and support events that showcase the region’s venues, natural resources, and coastal lifestyle.

About Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce
Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses, tourism, and community events throughout the Sebastian River area while helping promote the region’s outdoor lifestyle and visitor experiences.

About Discover Indian River County
Discover Indian River County is the official tourism organization for Indian River County, Florida – highlighting the area’s beaches, fishing, outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, dining, and coastal attractions. Visit their website to learn more about planning your stay and exploring everything Indian River County has to offer.

Picture Credit: Joe Semkow and Visit Indian River County