One year after making history as the first American team to win gold at the Ladies World Fly Fishing Championship, Team USA returns to defend its title at the 5th FIPS-Mouche World Ladies Fly Fishing Championship in Åkrestrømmen, Norway, July 27–August 2, 2026.

Leading the team are two of the top female competitive fly fishers in the world. Tess Weigand (Coburn, PA) claimed the individual World Gold Medal at last year’s championship in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Melissa Smith (Black Hawk, CO) took World Silver — the first time two Americans had ever held both top individual titles simultaneously. Overall, four of the team’s five anglers finished in the top 10.

“Returning to the world stage in Norway is an honor, and we’re ready for the challenge,” said Weigand. “We’re focused on fishing our best and representing the U.S. with pride.”

Norway presents a formidable challenge. The team will compete on the Atna, Glomma, and Femundselva rivers and on Storsjøen and Galtsjøen lakes over five days of three-hour sessions scored by fish count. Nine other nations will compete, including Norway, Sweden, South Africa, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Mongolia, France, and Finland.

“I think we have a great team going into this year’s Worlds,” said coach Norman Maktima (Santa Fe, NM). “With four returning competitors from last year’s gold-medal team, two new members, and several athletes with prior experience competing in Norway, we have a strong foundation. Building on last year’s gold, I’d say holding onto the title is within reach.”

The full team includes veterans Tess Weigand, Melissa Smith, Lindsay Szofran (Red Lodge, MT), and Julie Mattson (Broken Bow, OK), joined by newcomers Erica Hickey (Avon, CO) and Katie Mazzia (Eagle, CO). Coach Maktima, a nine-time Worlds competitor and 2018 National Champion, led the team to gold in Idaho last year and returns for another run at the top. For more information and to follow the team, visit: https://www.facebook.com/uswfft

The deeper motivations behind the extraordinary commitment of elite anglers

Competing internationally is not simply another tournament—it represents the highest expression of mastery, passion, and purpose in the sport of angling. Anglers dedicate immense time, personal resources, and professional skills to earn the right to represent their nation because international competition offers something no local or national event can match.

1. The Honor of Representing the United States

Wearing the U.S. flag is a profound motivator.
Anglers view international competition as:

• A once-in-a-lifetime honor
• A way to give back to the sport that shaped them
• A chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best
• An opportunity to elevate American angling on the global stage

This sense of national pride is one of the strongest driving forces in all international sports.

2. Mastery and Testing One’s Skills Against the Best in the World

Elite anglers seek challenge.
Competing internationally means facing:

• New waters
• New species
• New tactics
• New cultures and conditions
• The top anglers from dozens of nations

This level of competition tests their mastery in ways nothing else can—and fuels their desire to continually improve.

3. The Lifelong Pursuit of Excellence

Top anglers are driven by:

• Personal ambition
• Discipline and preparation
• Curiosity and passion for the craft
• A desire to achieve something at the pinnacle of their sport

For many, achieving international status is the realization of a lifelong goal.

4. Community, Friendship & Cultural Exchange

International angling is uniquely relational.
Anglers develop:

• Deep friendships with competitors worldwide
• Respect for diverse methods and fishing traditions
• A sense of shared sportmanship and camaraderie
• Cross-cultural understanding that lasts a lifetime

These relationships create a global community connected by the water.

5. Conservation and Environmental Stewardship

Competing internationally makes anglers ambassadors for:

• Sustainable angling
• Habitat protection
• Ethical fishing practices
• Global environmental values

They become stewards—not just competitors—representing responsible practices that protect fisheries for future generations.

6. The Desire to Grow the Sport for Youth and Future Anglers

Many international competitors see their role as:

• Inspiring young anglers
• Demonstrating what disciplined, ethical competition looks like
• Giving back to the sport by modeling excellence
• Strengthening the legacy of angling in the United States

International success helps shape the next generation of anglers.

7. Personal Fulfillment and Life-Enriching Experiences

International competition provides:

• Travel and adventure
• Exposure to new landscapes and ecosystems
• Memories and experiences that last a lifetime
• A deep sense of accomplishment

These are priceless rewards that cannot be replicated through money or trophies alone.

8. Building Professional and Sponsorship Opportunities

For some anglers, the international platform advances their career by:

• Increasing visibility
• Earning sponsor interest
• Building credibility and authority in the sport
• Establishing a national and global reputation

It opens doors that are not available at the local or national level.

9. The Privilege of Being Part of Something Bigger Than Oneself

International competition provides a rare opportunity to:

• Join a national team
• Work collaboratively toward a shared mission
• Uphold USAngling’s values of stewardship, integrity, and community
• Strengthen America’s presence in global angling

This connection to a higher purpose is deeply motivating.

Summary: Why Anglers Make Extraordinary Sacrifices

Anglers compete internationally because it allows them to:

• Represent their country
• Test their skills at the highest level
• Pursue lifelong dreams
• Build global relationships
• Protect and promote the sport they love
• Experience the world through the lens of angling
• Become part of a legacy that transcends individual achievement

Competing on the world stage is more than a tournament—it is a calling, and those who answer it do so with passion, dedication, and profound commitment.

The USA Surf Fishing Team is proud to announce its first-ever participation in the World Shore Angling Pairs Championship – marking an important milestone for the team on the global competitive stage.

The FIPS-M-accredited Championship will take place in the Mediterranean Sea in Gruissan, southern France, from April 11–18, 2026, where the world’s elite shore anglers will compete under demanding coastal conditions designed to test technical precision, adaptability, and consistency at the highest level.

With sponsorship from Fishbites, Bass Pro Shops, PENN, Cox & Rawle and Varivas the United States will be represented by Josh Edgerton and Matt Bryson. Both are Pan American Surf Fishing Championship silver medalists, and highly accomplished East Coast surf anglers, recognized for their expertise in dynamic shore fisheries.

The tournament format features two anglers competing as a pair against other international teams. Using fresh bait, competitors fish in pegged areas over four sessions. Pegs – 60-foot sections of beach – are drawn randomly the night before competition, adding a strategic element that demands versatility and rapid assessment of varying beach structures and tidal movements over each session.

“The chance to represent our country in this sport on such a prestigious stage is both exciting and humbling, providing an opportunity to measure ourselves against the best shore anglers in the world.” said Matt Bryson.

Josh Edgerton added: “My time as a Marine taught me that success often comes down to discipline, preparation, correct training, great equipment and the ability to adjust when conditions change. Tournament surf fishing demands that same skillset. We’re bringing our Outer Banks long-range casting techniques and finesse surf fishing experience to meet this international challenge head-on.”

USA Surf Fishing Team President Ben Hervey-Murray emphasized the broader significance of this milestone: “This entry represents a significant evolution for our team’s program. Competing in the World Shore Angling Pairs Championship demonstrates that American surf fishing is not only growing — it is prepared to compete at the highest international level.”

Ben continued: “Josh and Matt embody the professionalism, preparation, and competitive spirit that define our team. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment, as well as the support of our sponsors and partners whose investment makes opportunities like this possible – I am confident they will represent the USA with distinction and pride.”

Participation in the World Shore Angling Pairs Championship represents a meaningful step forward for American shore angling, with the team previously competing in the lure-based Pan American Championship events only. Looking ahead, the USA Surf Fishing Team will announce additional FIPS-M Shore Fishing Championship-orientated international competitions and team initiatives as the program continues expanding this year. Information will be released on the team website and social media channels when appropriate.

Bass Pro & Cabelas:
Bass Pro Shops continues to play a vital role in supporting American anglers through its longstanding commitment to conservation, education, and competitive fishing. As one of the most recognized outdoor retailers in the world, Bass Pro’s investment in the team reflects its dedication to growing the sport and advancing opportunities for U.S. anglers on the international stage.

PENN:
The team will compete equipped with rods and reels from PENN – the brand synonymous with strength, durability, and performance under pressure. For decades, PENN has set the standard in saltwater tackle, and its equipment is engineered to withstand the rigors of long-distance casting and high-intensity competition on beaches worldwide. Competing with PENN Carnage rods plus Spinfisher Long Cast and Fathom reels ensures the team is outfitted with trusted, battle-tested gear built to win.

Fishbites:
Fishbites provides innovative bait technology trusted by anglers worldwide. Known for durability, consistency, and fish-catching performance around the globe, their continued backing of the USA Surf Fishing Team underscores their commitment to saltwater fishing worldwide.

Cox & Rawle:
Cox & Rawle is internationally recognized for producing premium, precision-engineered terminal tackle designed specifically for demanding saltwater applications. Trusted by competitive anglers around the world, Cox & Rawle products are known for their strength, quality and reliability when targeting powerful surf species. Their support of the USA Surf Fishing Team reflects a shared passion for innovation and the advancement of competitive shore angling.

Varivas:
Varivas is globally respected for producing premium fishing lines and leaders engineered for strength, sensitivity, and reliability in demanding saltwater environments. Known for meticulous manufacturing standards and advanced line technology, Varivas products deliver the casting performance, abrasion resistance, and knot strength required by competitive anglers. Their braid main lines and fluorocarbon leaders are trusted by professionals worldwide to maintain consistent presentation and control when targeting powerful coastal species. The support of Varivas ensures the USA Surf Fishing Team is equipped with high-performance line systems designed to perform under the pressure of international competition. The team will be using Avani Casting SMP and Avani Casting Max Power PE braid main lines, Avani Shock Leader SMP, Absolute AAA Fluorocarbon and Shore Record Fluorocarbon leaders.

Stay updated on the team’s journey by following the USA Surf Fishing Team on social media: https://www.instagram.com/usasurffishingteam/ or https://www.facebook.com/USASurfFishingTeam/

For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or information on the team, please contact bhervey-murray@usangling.org

About the the USA Surf Fishing Team:

USA Surf Fishing is a member of USAngling – America’s national governing body for international sport fishing competition. The USA Surf Fishing Team is dedicated to representing the United States in international shore-based saltwater fishing competitions and promoting the sport of surf fishing.

For more information:

For more details, interview opportunities with the USA Surf Fishing Team organizers, sponsorship opportunities, and other enquiries, please email the USA Surf Fishing Team at bhervey-murray@usangling.org

Want to run a qualifier event for USA Surf Fishing? Contact us to see if your event can be utilized to help select our team.

About USAngling:

USAngling is a 501c3 charitable organization that provides leadership for our U.S.A. National Fishing Teams as they compete worldwide, shares our love of Competitive Angling by engaging America’s youth, supports Conservation actions, and empowers local Community angling groups.

For more information on USAngling go to www.usangling.org