OCEANSIDE, California – March 29, 2014 - The fourth annual Hobie Fishing World Championship (HFW4), presented by Rhino-Rack™ and hosted by Hobie Kayak Europe, will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands, October 6-10, 2014.

Anglers from over twenty countries are expected to compete in Europe’s first-ever HFW4 for the chance to be crowned this year’s Hobie Fishing World Champion.  All competitors will fish for pike, zander and yellow perch from identically rigged Hobie Mirage® Pro Angler 12’s provided by Hobie Kayak Europe and outfitted with Lowrance® Electronics, Ram® Mounting Systems and Power-Pole® MICRO™ Anchors.

A series of four qualifying events to be held in the U.S. and one in Canada will give anglers the opportunity to qualify for five coveted spots on the North American team. See details below:

May 15-18 - Kayak Fishing Classic, Jamaica Bay, New York – http://www.Captainkayak.com

May 30-June 1 - Hobie Bass Open, Kentucky Lake, Kentucky – http://www.hobiefishing.com

June 22 - IFA Kayak Tournament, Jacksonville, Florida – http://www.ifatours.com

June 28 - Border City Classic, Windsor, Ontario, Canada – http://www.bordercityclassic.com

July 12 – Oregon Rockfish Classic, Depoe Bay, Oregon  - http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com

The tournament will be a traditional CPR (Catch, Photograph and Release) format in which each competitor will enter his or her three best lengths in aggregate each day.  The angler with the highest cumulative length over the three day period will be crowned Champion.  Prizes will also be awarded to the top team representatives. Each participating country will be represented by at least one two-person team and combined measurements will be added to determine the Team Champion. 

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and quality products. From their world 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.