Ocean City, Maryland – USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing is proud to announce that the 8th Annual Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam will serve as the Maryland Regional Qualifier for the USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship.

The Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam will take place June 27-28, 2026, in Ocean City, Maryland. Hosted by Tournament Director Brian Roberts, the event is recognized as one of the premier saltwater kayak fishing tournaments on the East Coast, offering anglers the opportunity to compete in both the back bays and Atlantic Ocean waters surrounding Ocean City.

Competitors will target a wide variety of species including striped bass, flounder, bluefish, sea trout, cobia, drum, sheepshead, black sea bass, triggerfish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and other qualifying species. Anglers may fish from kayaks or stand-up paddleboards in a unique two-day format that combines the weight of their top three qualifying fish to determine the overall champion.

As an official USAngling Regional Qualifier, the top ten eligible anglers will earn invitations to compete at the 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship in San Diego, California, August 14-16, 2026. Top 10 athletes who are unable to attend the 2026 Championship due to time restraints will be invited to the 2027 National Championship. A limited number of wild card selections may also be awarded in Maryland. The top athletes from the National Championship will have the opportunity to advance and represent the United States in future international competitions.

“The Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam has built a strong reputation for competitive kayak fishing, outstanding tournament organization, and a commitment to safety on the water,” said David Elgas, Vice President of USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing. “We are stoked to continue our partnership with Brian Roberts and Fish N Paddle as we expand opportunities for anglers throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.”

The tournament features $7,000 in guaranteed cash payouts and additional prizes, creating one of the most exciting events on the USAngling Regional Qualifier schedule.

“We are excited to offer this Regional Qualifier to mid Atlantic kayak anglers” said Regional Director Brian Roberts. “And we look forward to seeing more east coast anglers competing on the world stage.  

Registration and tournament information can be found at https://fishnpaddle.com/

2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing Regional Qualifier Series

• South Carolina – March 7, 2026
• Louisiana – April 18, 2026
• California – May 1-3, 2026
• Florida – June 2026
• Maryland – June 27-28, 2026
• Oregon – July 11, 2026
• Florida — August 29, 2026

The 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship will be held August 14-16, 2026, in San Diego, California.