Texas anglers earn their place and prepare to compete in San Diego this August

USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing Regional Tournament Director Chris Castro is proud to announce the athletes who have qualified to represent Team Texas at the 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship, taking place August 14–16, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Following a highly competitive regional season, the following anglers have officially earned their place and will advance to the national stage:

2026 Team Texas

Adam Pena

Angel Nguyen

Barbie Garcia

Bryan Richter

Chris Castro

Freddy Garcia

Kyle Llehnick

Lisa Garcia

Mark Garcia

Orlando Pena

Tod Johnson

Tommy Burgin

Travis Brown

These athletes represent the very best of Texas saltwater kayak fishing and have earned the opportunity to compete against the nation’s top kayak anglers for a chance to qualify for Team USA.

Team Texas enters the championship with strong momentum. During the 2025 National Championship, Texas anglers delivered an outstanding performance, placing six athletes on Team USA and establishing Texas as one of the strongest kayak fishing regions in the country. Expectations are high once again as this talented group prepares to compete in San Diego.

“Texas continues to produce some of the strongest kayak anglers in the nation,” said Chris Castro, USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing Regional Tournament Director. “Last year Team Texas made a major impact at nationals, and we expect this year’s team to come ready to compete. We’re proud of these athletes and excited to see them represent Texas in San Diego.”

The 2026 USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing National Championship officially begins with a mandatory captains meeting on Friday, August 14, followed by two days of competition on August 15–16. Top-performing anglers will earn the opportunity to  represent the United States on the international stage as members of Team USA.