Third Annual Hobie® World Championship Winner is Crowned
Oceanside, California – November 11, 2013 – After yielding fish, fun and friendships with a few cold ones and barbies thrown in, 10 Hobie Fishing Team members have just returned from representing the USA in the HFW3, third annual Hobie Kayak Fishing World Championship. Presented by Daiwa Australia and hosted by Hobie Cat Australasia, participating anglers from across the globe included 46 competitors from four continents and 17 countries. The invitation-only international event was held October 30—November 3 on the Bemm and Snowy Rivers in Victoria, Australia. All countries competed for the chance to crown one of their own as World Champion. Deservedly, Aussie Richard Somerton claimed the top prize. Just as soon as handshakes and pats on the back were over, the other competitors started planning on how the crown could be theirs at the 4th Hobie Fishing World Championship to be held in Europe in 2014.
The anglers were in search of the feisty black bream; pound for pound one of Australia’s most challenging game fish. Everyone competed in identically rigged Hobie Mirage® Pro Angler 14’s propelled by Hobie’s patented MirageDrive® system and fitted with Lowrance® electronics and Ram® Mounting Systems.
The weather gods were not kind on the final day, serving up some treacherous conditions. “Someone’s going over today. It’s going to get nasty,” commented Richard. “We’re going to get pasted!” In U.S. English that meant that somebody would be going for a swim and that everyone would get creamed. Competition was cut short by two hours with winds reaching 40+ MPH, adding a much greater degree of difficulty for all anglers, especially those unfamiliar with the area. Local knowledge delivered the goods in the end with the Australians taking eight spots in the top 10 and Richard Somerton going on to take the title of “Hobie Fishing World Champion” with a total weight of 6.15kgs for seven fish over the course of the tournament.
When questioned further about the conditions on the last day, he went on to say “It’s probably the worst wind I’ve ever fished in and I’m just glad that my one fish was enough to get me over the line.” All competitors agreed that the Pro Angler 14 and Power-Pole® combination were essential for fishing the conditions with the 14’s providing the stability needed in these kind of winds and the ease of dropping the Power-Pole to peg against the wind and focus on fishing.
Americans Justin Carter and Tom Michael took out respectable places seven and nine in the top 10 with 4.16kg and 3.52kg bags respectively which is testament to their skills as both were new comers to fishing for bream.
Stay tuned to hobiefishingworlds.com for news of 2014.
Watch the 3rd Hobie Worlds Presentation
Photos from the 3rd Annual Hobie World Championship
Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of eco-sensitive watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats and stand-up paddleboards plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.
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