ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL —  The stars and stripes are heading back to the world stage. USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing proudly announces the 2026 Team USA delegation selected to represent the United States at the FIPS-M World Championship of Sea Kayak Fishing in Albufeira, Portugal, September 19–25, 2026. Nine athletes and coaches from across the United States will come together on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean with one goal: to represent their country, compete against the world’s best, and bring home a World Championship medal for Team USA.

The championship, officially recognized by FIPS-M as the 3rd World Championship of Saltwater Kayak Fishing, will bring national teams and elite kayak anglers from around the world together to compete at the highest level of international saltwater kayak fishing.

The championship is conducted under the international sport fishing structure of CIPS/FIPS-M, with FIPS-M serving as the international governing federation for sea sport fishing. The Portugal event represents the next chapter in the rapidly growing international sport of competitive sea kayak fishing, following previous World Championship events in Spain and Italy.

A World-Class Atlantic Venue

Competition will take place along the spectacular coastline of Albufeira in Portugal’s Algarve region, where the Atlantic Ocean meets a rugged landscape of golden limestone cliffs, rocky shorelines, secluded coves, and underwater reef structure.

For the world’s top kayak anglers, the Algarve presents a unique saltwater challenge. The Atlantic waters off Albufeira support a diverse marine ecosystem and a variety of reef and coastal species, requiring competitors to adapt to changing conditions, structure, tides, currents, wind, and ocean movement.

The combination of open Atlantic water, rocky habitat, changing conditions, and unfamiliar fishery will test every aspect of an angler’s ability. Kayak control, fish-finding, lure and bait selection, fish handling, decision-making, and the ability to adapt from one competition day to the next will all be critical.

The World Championship

The competition will be conducted under FIPS-M rules using a catch-and-release format. Anglers will measure and photograph eligible fish before releasing them back into the ocean as quickly as possible.

Multiple competition rounds will determine both individual and national team standings, with consistency across the championship playing a critical role in the final results.

For Team USA, the mission extends beyond individual performance. Every fish, every decision, and every point contributes to the overall United States team effort.

“This is another major opportunity for Team USA to continue building on what we’ve accomplished internationally,” said David Elgas, Vice President of USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing. “The World Championship represents the highest level of sea kayak fishing competition, and every athlete who earns the opportunity to represent the United States carries that responsibility with tremendous pride. We are honored to wear the USA colors and compete against the best anglers in the world.”

2026 Team USA Roster

The 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing World Championship delegation includes:

• Robert Field — Texas, Team Captain
• Jim Davis — Washington, Team Coach
• Kristie Cronin — Washington, Angler
• David Elgas — Hawaii, Angler
• Wes Calvan — Hawaii, Angler
• Donald Hunt — Texas, Angler
• Joshua Hunt — Texas, Angler
• Jonathan Bielmeier — California, Angler
• Allen Sansano — California, Angler

The roster represents an impressive geographic cross-section of American kayak fishing, bringing together anglers from Washington, California, Hawaii, and Texas.

Each member brings unique experience, regional knowledge, competitive skill, and a shared commitment to representing the United States on the international stage.

“This team represents an outstanding combination of experience, talent, preparation, and commitment,” said Coach Jim Davis. “We are proud to represent the United States, and we are looking forward to competing alongside some of the world’s best anglers in Portugal.”

Team USA will enter the championship carrying the pride of the United States and the support of the American kayak fishing community. The team will compete not only for individual success, but for national team honors and the opportunity to bring home a World Championship medal for the United States.

USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing extends its appreciation to USAngling, FIPS-M, the Portuguese Federation of Sport Fishing, event organizers, sponsors, supporters, athletes, and families whose dedication makes international competition possible.

The 2026 World Championship represents another important milestone for the growth of competitive saltwater kayak fishing in the United States and around the world.