Some of Damian's earliest memories are fishing for panfish with the Thao family in California's Central Valley, where he grew up. His desire to compete in tournaments was kindled at an early age. In 2016, a close friend introduced him to kayak fishing. Soon, other friends urged him to try his hand at kayak tournament tournaments. Right out of the gate, Damian placed fourth. By the end of that year he'd won his first kayak bass fishing tournament.
Since his first taste of kayak fishing competition, Damian has amassed an impressive record that includes at least 15 first place finishes. He's been runner-up 16 times and placed third ten times. Add to that another 31 (or more) top-ten finishes, and you'll realize why he's considered a contender whenever other kayak anglers see his name on the registration list.
In 2020 Damian earned three AOY (Angler of the Year) titles with Yak-A-Bass, Wild West Bass Trail and Kayak Bass Fishing West Region. He repeated as Yak-A-Bass' Angler of the Year in 2022.
Among his recent accolades are 2021 Wild West Bass Trail Kayak Champion, 2022 Hobie Iron Man Champion, 2022 Yak-a-Bass TOC Champion and this year he was Runner-up at the Bassmaster Kayak National Championship. Damian's credentials as a top-tier angler, not only in Western U.S. circuits but nationwide, earned him a slot on the 2023 USA Kayak Fishing Team.
Damian and friends made a fishing road trip to Cookeville for the Kayak Fishing World Championship. He arrived in Tennessee without a kayak. Music City Outdoors TN in Nashville stepped up, providing him with the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 with MirageDrive 180 that he used in practice and competition on Center Hill Lake. Thanks, MCO!
Damian promotes several sponsors through pro staffs and fishing teams: • Kayak City, LA Custom Jigs, P-Line, 559 Fresno Bait and Tackle LLC, DUO Realis USA, 1st Gen Fishing, Power-Pole Total Boat Control, Wild West Bass Trail, and TM Custom Lures.
Big CONGRATS to Power-Pole Total Boat Control Pro, Kayak Pro Tour 's Damian Thao!
Outstanding job! You are certainly the BEST IN THE WEST! What a finish!
Damian placed 2nd in the 2023 FIPSed II Kayak Fishing World Championship! Huge HECK YES to Team USA Kayak Fishing Team!!!!
Let's hear it for him!
Damian you exemplify the best. Keep it up!
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