Tournament Team

I am all about fishing, and fishing is all about me. My soul finds a deep connection with the earth and all its living creatures, and when I’m out on the water, I feel like an integral part of that natural world.

Dustin Murguia, also known as Dusty Yakker, is a former educator and current full-time, national kayak tournament angler. Dusty is native of Chicago, IL, and has cultivated a lifetime of passion in pursuit of both large and smallmouth bass. The affable “Yakker” is known for his unique writing style, strong camera presence and overall advocacy of the outdoors on social media.

I’m a small-town guy with grand aspirations in the world of kayak fishing! My journey with fishing began at a young age, accompanying my grandpa and dad in pursuit of panfish. However, during my high school years, my best friend persuaded me to give bass fishing from a kayak a try. From the very first trip, I knew I had discovered my lifelong passion.

I initially honed my skills by participating in local kayak fishing trails for several years. Then, in the 2022 season, I took a significant step by venturing into the Hobie BOS (Bass Open Series), a national trail series. In my debut year on the national stage, I achieved commendable results, including multiple top 30 finishes and a remarkable 2nd place at Chickamauga, which earned me a coveted spot in the Tournament of Champions.

In 2023, I expanded my horizons by competing in various events, including the Hobie BOS, BassMasters series, and the TN BASS Nation. I secured a notable 2nd place finish at the Gunterville’s No Limits tournament and, most impressively, clinched the title of TN BASS State Champion for the 2023 season. This achievement qualified me for the upcoming BassMasters Kayak Championship in March.

As I look ahead to the 2024 season, my plans include continued participation in the Hobie BOS and a substantial presence in the BassMasters series. I’m eagerly anticipating the challenges and adventures the next season will bring, and I’m ready to make it another memorable year on the water.

Currently, I’m an active member of the fishing team at Carson-Newman University, participating in both boat and kayak tournaments. In addition to my university involvement, I also take part in the Hobie Bass Open series, alongside various other local, state, and national fishing competitions. When I’m not on the road for a tournament, you’ll find me immersed in hunting and fishing activities. While my primary focus is freshwater fishing, I seize any opportunity to venture into saltwater environments. Throughout all my outdoor pursuits, my trusty Hobie kayak serves as an essential means of transportation for both hunting and fishing. Although I’ve enjoyed kayak fishing for most of my life, it was only in 2021 that I truly delved into the world of competitive kayak tournaments.

I’m an Alabama native who has maintained a deep connection to the great outdoors throughout my life, having served as a former US Army Green Beret and Delta Force Veteran. In addition to my professional role as a real estate developer, I find solace and happiness in the world of kayak fishing and married to soulmate, Towana aka “Ms T. I actively participate in various fishing tournaments each year, including the Hobie Bass Open Series and numerous regional events, all of which allow me to blend my love for the outdoors with my passion for angling.

For the past decade, I’ve immersed myself in the world of kayak tournament fishing, and over the last five years, I’ve become one of the most prolific participants in this realm. I embark on journeys across multiple regions, engaging in over 45 tournaments annually. Additionally, I’ve launched a podcast that has garnered significant popularity within the kayak fishing community, despite the relatively large number of episodes produced. My home base is in East Tennessee, where I’ve accumulated seven years of experience closely collaborating with numerous dealers across various regions. Throughout this journey, I’ve owned a total of six Hobie Pro Anglers and have extensively explored models like the Outback, Compass, and Lynx. Among my most notable achievements is qualifying for Hobie Worlds 9, held in Amal, Sweden.

As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I’ve always harbored ambitious dreams of competing against the best in the world of fishing. Despite my deep-rooted family connections, much of my life was spent simply enjoying fishing trips across the country. It wasn’t until 2019 that I received an invitation to my very first bass boat tournament, where I surprised everyone by finishing 5th and later clinching the club’s Angler of the Year title. During that same season, I managed to secure victory in only my second kayak competition at the state level.

Although I had some lingering doubts, 2020 marked a turning point when I successfully cashed a check in my inaugural National Trail competition. From that moment on, I never looked back. I went on to claim a national victory in the BASSMASTER BASS NATION Kayak Series and emerged as the champion of the 2022 BASS Nation Georgia State Championship, with other accolades quickly following suit. I am proud to exclusively participate in the Hobie Bass Open Series and BASSMASTER kayak circuits, piloting a Hobie PA14 360.

Now, I am based in Grovetown, Georgia, where I spend my time with my wife, daughters, and two beloved dogs. I also cherish the opportunity to travel with my wife and continue pursuing my passion for competitive fishing.

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Lifelong angler and currently a Fishing Coach for Salt Strong Saltwater Fishing Club. Fishing in a Hobie Outback. I love fishing of all kinds, and it has always been my passion, but chasing spot tails (redfish for the lay person) is what I do best.

I’ve managed to win and cash checks in inshore fishing events such as the Florida Redfish Series, Rocking Reds, CCA Eggnog, Rock the Dock, and many others, including a victory over 40 boats as the sole kayaker while in my Hobie Outback.

Having the freedom to fish from a kayak that I can take anywhere has changed my life. I want to continue to share my passion and adventure with others, helping them make memories with their friends and family on the water for a very long time. Calling Shots and Snatching Slots!

I’ve been engaged in kayak fishing for over a decade now. In 2018, I began exploring local kayak tournaments, but it wasn’t until 2022 that I acquired a Hobie and participated in the Hobie Bass Open Series, where I achieved remarkable success. This year, I’ve also had some great achievements and recently relocated to coastal North Carolina, primarily for the abundant saltwater fishing opportunities.