John Clark Wins Paralyzed Veterans
Angler of the Year Award

Congratulations to paralyzed veteran angler John Clark, of Bossier City, LA, for landing the coveted 2009 Paralyzed Veterans of America Angler of the Year Award.  An avid outdoorsman, Clark clinched his position as overall winner of this year’s PVA Bass Tour at the Mid-America “Okie Open” Tournament in Mannford, OK. The tour consists of six two-day tournaments held at various locations throughout the country. Participation is offered through PVA’s robust Sports and Recreation programs designed to improve the quality of life for paralyzed veterans and people with disabilities.

As Angler of the Year, Clark had the opportunity to compete against 54 other anglers in the 2009 Bassmaster Federation Nation Championships held on the Harris Chain of Lakes in Tavares, FL, October 28-30, 2009.

"I've already fished on the Harris Chain a week this year and a week last year, so I feel I know it pretty well," Clark said. "I've been practicing up on Caddo Lake in the grass. There is a lot of grass in Florida."

Clark needed to win his division in that competition to secure a place in the prestigious 2010 Bassmaster Classic, with its Grand Prize of $500,000. "That would be beyond my wildest dreams…it would be fantastic," Clark said. "Not many get a shot at that."

Unfortunately the fish just weren’t biting for John in Florida where he finished 49th overall. But the uncooperative fish didn’t stop him from having “the experience of a lifetime.”  Paralyzed Veterans wishes John Clark the best of luck on all his future fishing endeavors.

Learn more about the PVA Bass Tour>