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USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing Announces Team California for the 2026 National Championship

San Diego, California – USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing is proud to announce Team California, the athletes who earned their invitations to the 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship following the highly competitive San Diego Regional Qualifier held in conjunction with the Tom Troop Tribute Tournament.

Known throughout the kayak fishing community as one of the most competitive regions in the country, San Diego once again produced an outstanding field of anglers. With exceptional talent, local knowledge, and years of saltwater experience, Team California enters the National Championship as one of the strongest teams in the field.

The following anglers have qualified to represent Team California at the 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship:

Team California– 2026 National Championship Qualifiers

  1. Chad Gierlich – 256 points
  2. Ron Lee – 157 points
  3. Brian Coble – 128 points
  4. Cash Brecht – 116 points
  5. Julian Jones – 110 points
  6. Tony Souza – 96 points
  7. Adam Dunaway – 75 points
  8. Frank Santiago – 75 points
  9. Panfilo Bascar – 74 points
  10. Shane Yellin – 66 points


Wild Card Selections

  • Derwin Chang
  • Jarred Brecht
  • Dale Shaw


These athletes will advance to the 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship, to be held August 14–16, 2026, in San Diego, California. There, they will compete against the top regional qualifiers from across the United States for the opportunity to earn a place on Team USA and represent the United States in international competition.

“The level of competition at the San Diego Qualifier continues to set the bar high for saltwater kayak fishing,” said David Elgas, Vice President of USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing. “Congratulations to every angler who  qualified. Team California has earned a reputation as one of the premier regional teams in the country, and we look forward to seeing them compete against the nation’s best at the National Championship.”

USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing extends its sincere appreciation to F.I.S.H. (Fishing Initiative for Stewardship & Habitat), the nonprofit organization that has proudly supported the San Diego Regional Qualifier and is serving as the host organization for the USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship in San Diego, California.
 
Through the dedication of the F.I.S.H. Board of Directors and the many volunteers who generously give their time, anglers and their families are welcomed to San Diego with an outstanding tournament experience. Their commitment to organizing exciting competition, coordinating activities throughout the event, and showcasing the beauty of San Diego’s world-class fishery continues to strengthen the sport of competitive saltwater kayak fishing and create a memorable experience for all who attend.
 
USAngling is grateful for F.I.S.H.’s continued partnership and unwavering support in helping grow the sport while providing first-class events for anglers from across the country.
 
Event Information & Registration

2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship:

https://fishinginitiative.org/tournaments/DQexv9ZkAr8HECE4HCgH 

USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing Official Website:

https://usangling.org/saltwater-kayak-fishing/

ABOUT USANGLING SALTWATER KAYAK FISHING

USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing serves as the national governing body for competitive saltwater kayak fishing in the United States. Through its Regional Qualifier Series and National Championship, USAngling provides a clear and competitive pathway for anglers to advance to the highest levels of the sport.

USAngling Contact:
David Elgas
(808) 234-4047
guides@coastalkayaktours.com

For additional information, please visit:

Website – https://usangling.org/saltwater-kayak-fishing/ 
Instagram – USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/USASaltKayakFishing

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