When Justin won the 2011 Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) kayak national title and “Angler of the Year”, he became a nationally-recognized kayak angler. This recognition provided him the opportunity to represent South Carolina and the USA on the Hobie Fishing Team Hobie World Championship in Texas, fishing for freshwater bass. Justin knew this event would take him out of his comfort zone, so to prepare his focus was more in learning about the largemouth bass, and he fished a lot more freshwater in preparation for the event. This dedication to learning a new species proved to work, as he placed fifteenth.

While fishing for bream in Australia as a team member for the USA Team in the Hobie Fishing World Championship, Justin was the leader of the field after day one. Day two he dropped to fifth place. On day 3 Justin finished in seventh place, landing him in the unofficial position of number one American at this event.

For the next Hobie Fishing World Championship Justin was named Captain of the USA Team due to his performance in Australia. Fishing for pike, perch and zander in the Netherlands, Justin started off after day one in seventh place. Day two he dropped to twelfth, and Justin finished in seventeenth place after day three.

I know that you will enjoy YakAngler’s interview with Justin Carter. Sit back and listen as he shares his thoughts on safety, kayak fishing, and lessons learned over his experiences with fishing and kayaking.