Tracy Mastin will fish in World Shore Angling Seniors Championship
The Carolinas are home to many excellent fishermen, from freshwater, to the backwaters, through the surf and in the nearshore and offshore ocean. In the past, these fishermen have secured numerous tournament wins, series wins and championships. Now, one more has been selected to represent the United States in the 2026 World Shore Angling Seniors Championship.
Tracy Mastin of Faith Surf Fishing wasn’t born in the Carolinas. He didn’t have the opportunity to grow up between the mountains and the ocean, but moved to Boiling Spring Lakes, NC after life dealt him a tough blow following a mining accident in his native Kentucky. He then leaned heavily on his faith and a strong determination to overcome his injuries, and has done it well.
Once relocated to the Cape Fear region of NC, Mastin discovered surf fishing and set out to learn all he could about it. A few years ago he founded Faith Surf Fishing (www.faithsurffishing.com) and became a guide. He’s been doing an excellent job too, as he has an extensive list of satisfied clients. However, his most recent accolade stands as his most prestigious as he has been selected to represent the United States as a member of the USA Surf Fishing Team at the 2026 World Shore Angling Seniors Championship in Arborea-Oristano (Sardinia), Italy. The tournament will be November 7-14.
Dedicated angler
In a United States Angling Confederation press release announcing the 2026 team, Mastin is described as: A professional fishing guide and owner of Faith Surf Fishing; Tracy Mastin brings more than a decade of surf fishing experience targeting a variety of species from the beaches of North Carolina. Known for his custom rig building, dedication to the sport, and strong work ethic, Tracy adds valuable practical knowledge and versatility to the roster.
Mastin’s contemporaries know him as much more. He is a dedicated and professional fisherman that gives whatever it takes to teach his Faith Surf Fishing clients about surf fishing while they enjoy a day of fishing. In addition to operating Faith Surf Fishing, Mastin is the instructor for the surf fishing classes offered by the Oak Island Recreation Department and the surf fishing instructor for the popular Oak Island Fishing School presented each winter by the Oak Island Friends of Parks Foundation. He also works part-time at Mad Kingz Tackle in Ocean Isle Beach. His friends all say they are sure he will be an asset to Team USA Surf Fishing.
This prestigious international championship brings together the world’s top shore anglers to compete under FIPS-Mer rules in one of the most technically demanding formats in competitive surf fishing. Success requires exceptional casting ability, bait management, fish identification, adaptability, teamwork, and the ability to consistently produce results under changing conditions. Mastin will be a key part of a talented group of anglers whose combined experience spans competitive surf fishing, conservation, guiding, tournament leadership, and international competition, that are proud to represent the United States.
Other team members
Mastin’s teammates on Team USA Surf Fishing will be: Matt Bryson – Pennsylvania (captain); Paul Chapman – Rhode Island; Bob Zak – Delaware; Chad Bayless – Delaware and Shannon Ferguson – Virginia.
USA Surf Fishing and the United States Angling Confederation believes this group represents a strong blend of competitive experience, technical skill, leadership, and dedication to the sport.
Over the coming months, the team will begin structured training and preparation as they work toward representing the United States against the world’s best shore anglers in Italy in November. Congratulations and good luck to them all. ■
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