Francis Tran
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 […]
Joe Forsythe
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 […]
Jay Wallen
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, […]
Kurt Smits
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 […]
Brian Nelli
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. […]
Eric Thomason
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 […]
Tim Percy
Raised in Southern Ontario, Canada, surrounded by the breathtaking Great Lakes, my childhood was filled with memorable moments spent fishing along the Detroit River and at my grandparents’ cozy cottage in Michigan. As my career in law enforcement approached its conclusion and my children grew older, I sought solace and stress relief through the timeless […]
Adam Riser
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.
Richard Ofner
My first kayak was a Hobie Adventure Island, which I originally purchased (2007) to sail in. In 2008 I observed people fishing from a kayak and thought I would give it a try. At 48, fishing was not a hobby I had been interested in prior to that, though I quickly became obsessed. Going into […]
Weslie Gray
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 […]