The stage is set for the 2012 Hobie Fishing World Championship, presented by Daiwa, as 42 anglers from 13 countries descend on Lake Bastrop, Austin, Texas. Tuesday, November 6 is the first day of competition and the first step to the title of World Champion. Each angler will compete from identically rigged Hobie Pro Angler 12’s equipped with Lowrance Electronics mounted by RAM Mounting Systems.
The event itself is unique in that each year not only the location of the event changes but also the continent and species. After last year’s saltwater Bream quest in Port Macquarie, Australia, anglers will welcome the challenge of Texas Trophy Bass. The Australian contingent, led by reigning Champion Scotty Baker from Victoria, has traveled 1400 miles to defend the title and grab a taste of what Texas has to offer. Steve Fields, Managing Director of Hobie Cat Australasia, put it best as he commented with a big grin that “Bass and BBQ, how much better can it get?”
After Day One on Lake Bastrop, anglers will move to Fayette County Reservoir for the final two days of competition. The scoring will be “Catch, Photograph, Release” or CPR. Anglers will turn in their best three fish each day and the champion will be determined by the best three-day aggregate.
The Hobie Fishing World Championship, presented by Daiwa, is made possible through the sponsorship and strong support of the following premier brands: Hobie Cat Company kayaks, Daiwa fishing, Lowrance Electronics, RAM Mounting Systems, Hobie Polarized Eyeware, Gamakatsu/ Spro, Columbia Sportswear, Gene Larew lures, Bass Assassin lures, Chums, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Smokey Denmark Sausages BBQ.
The United States team includes the following list of thirteen elite anglers from nine different states:
Brendan Bayard – Louisiana
Justin Carter – South Carolina
Jose Chavez – Florida
John “JD” Donahue – Florida
Keeton Eoff – Texas
Brad Kirn – Florida
Dave Maynard – Colorado
Rob Milam – Texas
Marty Mood – Florida
Benton Parrott – Alabama
Morgan Promnitz – California
Michael Rischer – Oregon
Jackie Smith – Missouri