Fishing Team – Pro Team

Hobie Fishing Team 2025

In honor of Hobie’s incredible 75th anniversary, Hobie and its dedicated specialty dealer network have brought together the most skilled and passionate kayak anglers—true masters of their local waters—to form an elite team that proudly represents the very essence of the sport.

These exceptional anglers aren’t just experts; they are adventurers at heart, fueled by an unshakable love for the great outdoors and a deep-rooted passion for kayaking and kayak fishing.

Our mission: To inspire and share the Hobie Way of Life with you—an exhilarating blend of water, nature, innovation, community, and personal growth. Join us in celebrating the adventure, the camaraderie, and the thrill of the sport that connects us all!                                                   

Hobie Fishing Team 2025
Dealer Pro Staff

Brandon Barton

Florida

Hailing from Pensacola, Florida, my heart beats for the thrill of landing substantial catches from a small boat. I’m fortunate to call the Gulf Coast of Florida my home, a region where you can pursue a wide array of formidable fish species right from a kayak. The opportunities are endless, from the exhilarating chase of monstrous tarpon along the beach to the hunt for big bull redfish in the shallow waters, all contributing to the extraordinary fishing experiences that Pensacola has to offer.

As the owner and operator of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters, my guide service specializes in targeting impressive catches such as red snapper, king mackerel, mahi, and even Sailfish, all within a mile off our pristine white sand beaches and the crystal-clear emerald green waters. On the flip side, we also venture after inshore species like redfish, trout, and others in the serene shallows of grass flats.

Beyond the thrill of the catch, I have an immense passion for sharing my addiction to kayak fishing.

Specialty Retailer

Hobie Fishing Team 2025
Dealer Pro Staff

Brian Nelli

Florida

My deep-seated passion for kayak fishing was ignited back in 2006. Ever since then I’ve dedicated myself to making kayak fishing my profession and my greatest passion. In the present, I operate Pushin’ Water Kayak Charters in South Florida, where I offer fellow anglers the chance to immerse themselves in the sport of kayak fishing.

Fueling my competitive spirit, I actively engage in various kayak fishing tournaments throughout the year, constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to excel in this sport.

Specialty Retailer

Hobie Fishing Team 2025
Dealer Pro Staff

Ewing Minor

Tennessee

I was born and raised in Charlottesville Virginia where I first fell in love with Kayak fishing! I now reside in East Tennessee, whether I’m traveling the country competing in tournaments or simply enjoying the day on the water, I love taking my Hobie Kayaks to new and unfamiliar waters.

Specialty Retailer

Dealer Pro Staff

Jay Wallen

Kentucky

I’m a proud Kentuckian with 15 years of experience fishing from Hobie kayaks across the state’s diverse waters. From chasing bass in hidden creeks and rivers to tackling the world-renowned fisheries of Kentucky Lake and Dale Hollow, my passion for fishing knows no bounds. I’m also fortunate to share my life with my wife, Casey, our daughter, Emma and our 2 dogs Hobie & Winnie. While I’m rooted in Kentucky, I love traveling the country to compete in tournaments, from the Great Lakes to Florida and everywhere in between. The Hobie way of life is not just a hobby for me—it’s the way I live every day!

Specialty Retailer

Hobie Fishing Team 2025
Pro Team

Ronnie Robinson

Maryland

I’m an avid kayak angler, competitive tournament fisherman, and devoted bass fishing enthusiast who loves chasing adventure from my Hobie kayaks.
I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, surrounded by some of the best freshwater and saltwater fishing. Bass fishing is my passion, and I compete in local tournaments, primarily with the RiverRunnerZ Kayak Bass Club, as well as other local clubs on open weekends. On the national level, I focus on the Bassmaster Kayak Open Series. In 2024, I was proud to win the Maryland Bass Nation State Championship.

What makes this journey even more special is that my wife, Becky, and I both compete in these tournaments together. Beyond bass fishing, we also enjoy chasing saltwater species from our Hobie kayaks just for fun.

Specialty Retailer

Hobie Fishing Team 2025
Dealer Pro Staff

Weslie Gray

Texas

Raised in the piney woods of East Texas, I discovered my love for fishing on the backwaters of local lakes and rivers. That passion led me to the world of kayak fishing, where I now compete at the national level and represent Hobie Fishing with pride. For me, it’s about more than just tournaments—it’s about the excitement of traveling to new fisheries, the friendships formed at the boat ramp, and the lessons learned from every fish that bites (or doesn’t). My drive on the water is matched by a quick wit and a positive mindset, traits I believe keep me focused through both wins and losses. I believe the outdoors is where you can find both challenge and inspiration. My hope is that by following along, others will feel encouraged to chase their own adventures.

Specialty Retailer

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