I am all about fishing, and fishing is all about me. My soul finds a deep connection with the earth and all its living creatures, and when I’m out on the water, I feel like an integral part of that natural world.
I am all about fishing, and fishing is all about me. My soul finds a deep connection with the earth and all its living creatures, and when I’m out on the water, I feel like an integral part of that natural world.
Dustin Murguia, known as Dusty Yakker across the fishing world, is a former middle-school teacher turned national kayak tournament angler. A native of Chicago, IL, Dusty has enjoyed a lifetime of experience in pursuit of both large and smallmouth bass across the country. Passionate and approachable, “Yakker” is best known for his impactful writing style, strong camera presence and for emphasizing the power of the outdoor experience.
Over the past decade, developing and sharing strategies for kayak bass fishing and competing in tournaments has been an area of focus. Dustin is an Illinois Kayak Bass League Champion and Angler of the Year recipient, a two-time Michigan Kayak Trail Championship winner and a recent qualifier for the prestigious Hobie Worlds Competition. Dusty has also enjoyed success as a two-time Hobie Tournament of Champions qualifier and is considered to be one of the more consistent kayak anglers in the nation.
Dusty Yakker is a valued member of both the national Hobie Fishing Team and is a kayak fishing consultant for Quest Watersports in Ottawa, IL. He also enjoys positions as a Pro Team Angler for Dakota Lithium Batteries and Ketch Products. He also shares his love for photography and videography as a content creator for Ketch Outdoors.
Lifestyle is chosen, not given. So, the water is where you’ll find him, some 200-plus days a year – kayaking into the heart of another adventure!
Currently, I’m an active member of the fishing team at Carson-Newman University, participating in both boat and kayak tournaments. In addition to my university involvement, I also take part in the Hobie Bass Open series, alongside various other local, state, and national fishing competitions. When I’m not on the road for a tournament, you’ll find me immersed in hunting and fishing activities. While my primary focus is freshwater fishing, I seize any opportunity to venture into saltwater environments. Throughout all my outdoor pursuits, my trusty Hobie kayak serves as an essential means of transportation for both hunting and fishing. Although I’ve enjoyed kayak fishing for most of my life, it was only in 2021 that I truly delved into the world of competitive kayak tournaments.
Fishing has been an enduring passion throughout my entire life, tracing back to my earliest memories of fishing trips with my Papa at our family farm ponds. During my early teenage years, I had the privilege of relocating to a place near the river, allowing me to indulge in fishing almost daily.
As a late teenager, I took a significant step by joining a bass boat club, where I acquired the fundamental skills of tournament fishing, participating in local and state-level events. However, after the birth of our first child, I made the difficult decision to temporarily set aside competitive fishing to focus on providing for my young family.
Around three years ago, I stumbled upon the world of kayak bass fishing and made an impressive debut by securing a top 5 finish in my very first national event. Since then, I’ve been unwavering in my pursuit of this newfound passion. I’ve achieved notable milestones, including winning two KBF Challenge Series Angler of the Year (AOY) titles, a Challenger Series Championship, and consistently landing in the top 10 in all three major national trails. Additionally, I’ve successfully qualified for the Hobie Bass Open Series -Tournament of Champions in both years I’ve been part of the trail.
Beyond my personal accomplishments, I derive immense joy from sharing my love for fishing with my 11-year-old son, taking him along on fishing adventures, and offering guidance on fishing techniques and equipment to those I encounter along the way.
My passion for fishing ignited at the age of 5, and it has been a constant in my life ever since. In 2010, I made a significant step by purchasing my very first kayak, a Hobie Revolution, and my journey into the world of kayak fishing began. Since then, I have never looked back.
In 2017, I delved into the world of competitive kayak fishing on the West Coast of California, and I quickly developed a deep love for the thrill and challenge it offers. Whenever the opportunity arises, I find myself on the road, traveling to participate in the prestigious Hobie Bass Open Series, which is considered the pinnacle of kayak tournament trails.
Even when I’m not actively competing, you’ll still find me exploring different bodies of water, continually refining my techniques and skills in preparation for the next tournament. As a U.S. Marine Veteran, I bring a strong competitive mindset to the world of kayak fishing.
When I’m not fishing at all, my wife Becca and I are bowling league tournaments together. Nothing makes me happier than to compete in anything that I love to do because I’m always looking for improvement.
I’m an Alabama native who has maintained a deep connection to the great outdoors throughout my life, having served as a former US Army Green Beret and Delta Force Veteran. In addition to my professional role as a real estate developer, I find solace and happiness in the world of kayak fishing and married to soulmate, Towana aka “Ms T. I actively participate in various fishing tournaments each year, including the Hobie Bass Open Series and numerous regional events, all of which allow me to blend my love for the outdoors with my passion for angling.
Lifelong angler and currently a Fishing Coach for Salt Strong Saltwater Fishing Club. Fishing in a Hobie Outback. I love fishing of all kinds, and it has always been my passion, but chasing spot tails (redfish for the lay person) is what I do best.
I’ve managed to win and cash checks in inshore fishing events such as the Florida Redfish Series, Rocking Reds, CCA Eggnog, Rock the Dock, and many others, including a victory over 40 boats as the sole kayaker while in my Hobie Outback.
Having the freedom to fish from a kayak that I can take anywhere has changed my life. I want to continue to share my passion and adventure with others, helping them make memories with their friends and family on the water for a very long time. Calling Shots and Snatching Slots!
My passion lies in black bass fishing, and I’ve been a dedicated black bass boat fisherman alongside my father, Miguel Angel Garrido. My journey into the world of fishing began at the age of 5 under my father’s guidance. He introduced both my brother and me to boat fishing, focusing on black bass. We also ventured into kayaking with Hobie kayaks. I’ve been kayaking for a wonderful 5 years now, and my first kayak was a Hobie Passport 12.
To this day, I continue to enjoy fishing, both from the boat and from my kayak, a Hobie Lynx. My father remains my trusted teacher, and I’m constantly learning valuable lessons about fishing and the world of Hobie kayaks from him. Fishing for black bass from my Hobie Lynx brings me immense joy, as it’s a species I have a deep affinity for.
From Richmond Hill Georgia, USA, a seasoned Bass fishing, tournament angler, with over 30 years of competitive fishing experience. Coming over to kayak fishing from bass boats, it did not take Champion long to make an impact in the kayak world. Since 2013 he has competed in over 300 kayak tournaments and over half of those have been top 10 finishes. He has won several major events fishing including the Hobie Bass Open Series & the KBF Trail Series in the USA. Champion was the runner up for Angler of the Year in 2020 in the Hobie Bass Open Series and also won Gold & Silver Medals in the USA Bass Pan American in 2019.
Champion has been happily married for 15 years to his wife Chrissy. Together, they have two children, Branton age 17 and Makayla age 13. Champion’s family is his rock, the foundation that keeps him strong and competitive.