Fishing Team – Tournament Team

I’ve always been around water — fishing the Tennessee River during my childhood and surfing the waves of the California coast as a young man. Once returning to Tennessee, I jumped into kayak tournaments and now am a fishing guide that looks for every extra opportunity to explores waters in a Hobie Kayak.

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.

I was born and raised in East Tennessee, and I continue to call it my home. Fishing is my passion, and I spend the majority of my time indulging in it. I’ve had the privilege of embarking on exciting adventures that have led me to explore various parts of this incredible country. I I have been an ambassador for the Hobie brand and enjoy being a highly successful competitive angler. Whether it’s fishing standing timber in Texas or catching massive Smallmouth Bass in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York, I’ve had some unforgettable experiences that I owe to the Hobie brand.

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.

Francis Tran, born and raised in Pass Christian, MS, cut his teeth salt water fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2015, he graduated at Mississippi State University as an electrical engineer. He began working in Baton Rouge, LA performing contract work for utility companies. During that time, he bought his first kayak, Hobie Pro Angler 14, and joined the Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club. After three years of working in Baton Rouge, he moved back to Starkville, MS to work alongside his brother, renovating properties. Too distant from salt water, Francis began fresh water fishing for bass. In 2020, he fished his first bass tournament, the Hobie BOS on Lake Fork. Since then, he has qualified for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Hobie Tournament of Champions and the 2021 Bassmaster Kayak Championship where he placed 4th overall.

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!

I am originally from northwest Pennsylvania and was immersed into the world of fishing by my father who guided for walleye on Lake Erie.

My true passion for fishing was not re-ignited until I moved to the Tampa Bay area of Florida and a co-worker took me out kayak fishing. I immediately fell in love and did tons of research and went to every demo day available. That is when I found Hobie and quickly saw they had the best product on the market.

Currently, I travel across Florida & Louisiana competing in fishing tournaments. In general, I just enjoy getting outdoors and find that fishing or not, the Hobie experience is my favorite way to enjoy it.

I’m passionately committed to the sport of competitive kayak fishing! I began my kayak journey in 2018 and have fished over 150 tournaments to date. I fish all of the National, many Regional, and a few Local tournaments annually. Last year I traveled over 80,000 miles fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass all over the USA. I am honored to support new kayak anglers and help them “Chase Their Dreams”!!!! Competing against the best anglers in the world keeps me “young” for sure!!
Proud to support Hobie as a Hobie Fishing Team Member for the third season!! As I compete across America and Mexico, I will be proudly flying my Hobie flag high!!!!
LET’S GOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kurt Smits, known to his friends as Smitty, is a renowned kayak fisherman with a lifelong passion for the sport. Inspired by the thrill of competition, he quickly rose through the ranks, culminating in a 2017 Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship title. He consistently ranks among the top anglers in the nation, competing in prestigious events like the Hobie BOS series and KBF tournaments.
Beyond competition, Smitty is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and passion with fellow anglers. He conducts in-person demonstrations and workshops, offering valuable insights on techniques, gear selection, and location scouting. 

I grew up in North Texas with a passion for fishing that started at the age of 2 years old thanks to my dad. My dream as a boy was to be like Bill Dance, Jimmy Houston, Roland Martin, Kevin Van Dam, and all the greats I grew up watching on the Outdoor Channel… nothing has changed in my 38 years on this earth. In February of 2022 I started pursuing my fishing dream! Everyone who knows me knows that I love to fish with a jackhammer 365 days a year looking for Monsta bass!