The North American qualifying spots for the prestigious 2016 Hobie Fishing Worlds 6 are filled! Teams USA and Canada are stacked with a diverse crew of anglers from every corner of the continent. Eric Harrison is a master striped bass technician from salty New England. Ron Champion is a through and through bass man from the old south. Florida resident Benton Parrott specializes in bull reds. Canadian Dave Poole chases pike and smallmouth.
Along with their fellow members of Team North America, they’re headed to Lafourche Parish, Louisiana December 4-11. Once there, they’ll take on an international field of elite kayak anglers from 18 countries across the globe, including last year’s world champ, Xiaohong Ma of China. After three days of fishing, only one will raise the Hobie Fishing Worlds 6 Championship trophy.
“You couldn’t ask for a better venue,” says North America team captain Parrott. “The fishery is amazing, the food is top notch and I have always been welcomed with warm hospitality.”
The event will be headquartered at Moran’s Marina near legendary Leeville. The waters for miles around teem with redfish, speckled trout and flounder, the target species for Hobie Fishing Worlds 6. Each contestant will compete aboard an identically and lavishly rigged Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14.
The invitations to represent the United States and Canada didn’t come easy for the members of Team North America. Every one was earned through the gauntlet of high level competition. The team is populated with champions, the winners of diverse tournaments held across the continent.
“Reds are on my bucket list. I’m looking forward to checking them off,” says Canadian Tim Percy. Percy is making a repeat Hobie Fishing Worlds appearance. He competed last year in China. He’s looking forward to the experience, to seeing old friends and making new ones.
For more information and to follow the international competition, visit www.hobiefishingworlds.com.
Angler – Qualifying Event
United States
Brendan Bayard, Baton Rouge LA – Louisiana IFA Kayak Tour Angler of the Year
Ron Champion, Savannah GA – Hobie Bass Open Champion
Guillermo Gonzalez, Ft. Worth TX – Yak4It Tournament of Champions at Large Selection
Eric Harrison, Boston MA – Jamaica Bay Kayak Classic Champion
Joe Komyati, Raleigh NC – IFA Kayak Tour Sarasota Champion
Steve Lessard, Baton Rouge LA - Hobie Fishing Worlds 4 Champion, 2014
Tom Mullins, Trenton MI – Border City Classic US Qualifier
Benton Parrott, Jacksonville FLA – IFA Kayak Tour 2015 Champion
Mathew Scotch, Richmond TX – Hobie Bass Open Runner Up
Aaron Spry, Kyle TX – Yak4It Tournament of Champions Winner
Matthew Vann, Pensacola FL – IFA Kayak Tour 2016 Champion
Canada
Dave Poole, Woodstock ON – Border City Classic Champion
Tim Percy, Windsor ON – Runner Up, Border City Classic
For complete and up-to-the-minute details, log onto hobiefishingworlds.com.
