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Ebare is on track to qualify for his second Bassmaster Classic in 2 years on the circuit. He's compiled two Top-10 finishes this year, including a runner-up showing in the Classic on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
"It's an honor to be considered for Team USA in any year, but with our country's 250th birthday this year, it's a special opportunity," he said. "Those are a bunch of great guys and I'm just very thankful to get the opportunity."
He has a history of performing well on Lake Hamilton – he was 3rd in the 2019 Forrest Wood Cup at that venue. The lake is a 4 1/2-hour drive from his home in Brookeland, Texas.
"With the experience I've had on that lake and it being fairly close to home, you can't beat that," he said.
Team USA coach Kevin VanDam, who'll also compete in the World Championship, said Ebare was a logical choice to take Wheeler's slot.
"We'd love to have Jacob on the team because he's been such a big part of its success in the past, but we're totally supporting his decision and everybody in the bass-fishing world is thinking about their family and supporting them any way they can," VanDam said. "When he came to me with this, Dakota was right there to step up.
"Dakota's really outgoing, he's super-talented and well-versed in a lot of different fishing techniques and he has a lot of experience. Team dynamics are a really important thing here and you've gotta have somebody who works well with others. My comfort leve is really high with him and he'll fit right in with the team."
Wheeler gave Ebare's selection his full endorsement.
"Dakota will be a great asset to the team," he said, "but I'll be back."
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