USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing is proud to announce the athletes who have qualified through the Saltwater Kayak Series Regional Qualifier events held in South Carolina and Louisiana. Under the leadership of Regional Tournament Director Joe Komyati, these regional qualifiers showcased the talent, determination, and sportsmanship that continue to elevate competitive saltwater kayak fishing across the United States.

The South Carolina and Louisiana Regional Qualifiers provided athletes with the opportunity to earn invitations to the 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship, to be held August 14–16, 2026, in San Diego, California. There, they will join the nation’s top regional qualifiers as they compete for the opportunity to represent the United States as members of Team USA in future international competition.

The Saltwater Kayak Series has become one of the nation’s premier offshore kayak fishing tournament organizations, creating a competitive pathway for anglers to advance from regional competition to the national stage. Through professionally organized events and a strong commitment to the kayak fishing community, the series continues to develop elite athletes while promoting sportsmanship, conservation, and excellence in the sport.

“The Saltwater Kayak Series continues to demonstrate its commitment to growing competitive kayak fishing by providing outstanding opportunities for anglers throughout the Southeast,” said David Elgas, Vice President of USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing. “Joe Komyati has built a respected regional series that prepares athletes to compete at the highest level. We congratulate each of these qualifiers and look forward to welcoming them to San Diego for the National Championship.”

2026 Team Saltwater Kayak Series National Championship Qualifiers

(Listed alphabetically)

• Chad Willard
• Joe Komyati
• Keith Smith
• Kenny Vazinski
• Nathan Joel Rich
• Pam Wirth
• Patrick Souto
• Wallace Pressley
• Will Niemann

USAngling congratulates each of these athletes on earning their place at the 2026 National Championship and applauds the continued success of the Saltwater Kayak Series in building one of the nation’s strongest regional qualification pathways.

The 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship will take place August 14–16, 2026, in San Diego, California, bringing together the top qualifying anglers from across the country. The championship will determine the next athletes selected to represent the United States on Team USA at future international competitions.