MARBURY, Md. — Rain clouds hovered, grills smoked, and rods flew as veterans from across the country gathered for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Capital Clash—the culminating event of the national Bass Tour and a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and patriotism.
Held June 13–15 at Smallwood State Park, the tournament drew 72 anglers and boat captains to the Potomac River, including 28 competing by boat and 13 from the bank. The B.A.S.S.-sanctioned event pairs paralyzed and disabled veterans with volunteer captains and coaches, offering a competitive and inclusive fishing experience for all abilities.
Recognized as the “Super Bowl” of the PVA Bass Tour, the Capital Clash also marked the final points event of the season, coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army and drawing added patriotic spirit across the Charles County community.
🎣 Capital Clash Top Finishers:
Open Division (Boat):
- 🥇 1st: Tony Choe, Manassas, VA – 16.16 lbs
- 🥈 2nd: Pierre O. Larkin, Woodbridge, VA – 13.28 lbs
- 🥉 3rd: Gerald L. Brown, Park Forest, IL – 13.21 lbs
Bank Division (Shore):
- 🥇 1st: Cathy Davis, Upper Marlboro, MD – 10.53 lbs
- 🥈 2nd: Russell Obannon, Ballwin, MO – 10.51 lbs
- 🥉 3rd: Macdaniel Rogers Jr., Chesapeake, VA – 9.88 lbsCapital-Clash-Results
The event opened at Harry White Wilmer American Legion Post 82 in La Plata, where participants were welcomed with a registration dinner and hospitality provided throughout the weekend. Post 82 volunteers coordinated meal service for competitors, including grilled lunches, an awards banquet, and homemade chili prepared with elk, venison, and smoked wild boar.
The dining experience reflected long-standing military food traditions—reuniting veterans through familiar flavors, camaraderie, and shared stories. Over a dozen competitors requested the chili on its own, and multiple batches were served without leftovers.
Now in its third decade, the PVA Bass Tour continues to provide a recreational outlet for veterans living with paralysis or mobility challenges. Through adaptive equipment, skilled volunteers, and a national support network, the tour encourages recovery, independence, and community.
This year’s event was made possible with support from Maryland BASS Nation, Bassmaster, Lubriplate Lubricants Co., the Washington DC VA Medical Center, Wheelers Depot, American Legion Riders Chapter 82, Friends of Smallwood State Park, and the La Plata Police Department.
For the full standings and more information on the PVA Bass Tour, visit www.pva.org or view the complete tournament results here.
Photos courtesy of Paralyzed Veterans of America Sports and La Plata Police Department.
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