CAN Australian Scott Baker reclaim the title as Hobie Fishing World Champion from returning United States Champion Marty Mood?
Baker’s knowledge of the Victorian waters and the fish in question, black bream, will give him a competitive edge against the returning champion and the 43 other contenders from the around the world poised to compete in the upcoming 3rd Hobie Fishing World Championships from October 30-November 3 at Bemm River and Marlo in Victoria’s East Gippsland.
Anglers competing will be in search of black bream, one of Australia’s most challenging game fish, kitted out with identically rigged Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14s, propelled by Hobie’s patented MirageDrive system and fitted with Lowrance electronics, Ram Mounting Systems and Power-Pole micro-anchors.
Bakert will face stiff competition from the 44 other competitors from four continents and 17 countries vying for the chance to win the coveted World Champion title in the third annual event presented by Daiwa and hosted by Hobie Cat Australasia.
When asked about the competition, Baker said “he would leave the smack talk for the event but would say that winning the title once was sensational and to have the opportunity to win it a second time is just awesome!”
The USA is currently the largest international contingent followed by China, Thailand, Great Britain and New Zealand with competitors from four of the six populated continents making up the remaining places and competing in the three day competition.
Team Australia is made up of 13 qualifiers from the Australian kayak fishing community, all of whom are aiming for a shot at the top spot. The team
includes:
• Bryce Beechey (Central Coast, NSW)
• Chris Burbidge (Ferntree Gully, Victoria)
• Dave Hedge (Woy Woy, NSW)
• Grayson Fong (Hendra, Queensland)
• Jason Meech (Woy Woy, NSW)
• Kevin Winchester (Chittaway Bay, NSW)
• Richard Somerton (Melbourne, Victoria)
• Rick Massie (Patterson Lakes, Victoria)
• Ronnie Sonter (Umina, NSW)
• Scott Baker (Mornington, Victoria)
• Scott Lovig (Mornington, Victoria)
• Wade Mobbs (Port Macquarie, NSW)
• William Lee (Redcliffe, Queensland)
Live weigh-ins will take place on each of the three days of the Hobie Fishing World Championships with anglers weighing three fish per day.
For information between now and the event please visit: http://hobiefishingworlds.com & http://hobiefishing.com.au
