Americans sweep the podium and claim the top eight individual positions as Team USA defeats Canada at Los Buzos 

PANAMA — USA Team delivered a dominant performance at the 2026 Nations Cup at Los Buzos Resort in Panama, defeating Team Canada and capturing the team championship by a commanding 1,740 points to 679. The Americans swept the individual podium, with USA Team Coach Lance Clinton taking first place gold with 636 points, followed by Wes Calvan with second place silver and 558 points and Paul Nixon with third place bronze and 546 points. Team USA Captain Robert Field finished fourth with 450 points, 

For the team championship, the top three cumulative scores from each nation were combined. Team USA’s winning total of 1,740 points was built by Coach Clinton, Calvan, and Nixon, compared with Canada’s 679 points from Jordan McRae, Noah Regnier and Keith Stevenson.

A NEW INTERNATIONAL RIVALRY

The Nations Cup also marked an important milestone for competitive saltwater kayak fishing as Canada fielded its first national team, establishing a new international rivalry between the United States and Canada. The competition featured three days of offshore kayak fishing at Los Buzos Resort, with discussions already underway about the possibility of bringing the Nations Cup to Canada in 2027.

AN EXTRAORDINARY PANAMA FISHERY

Los Buzos provided a spectacular setting for the competition. Located directly on the Pacific beach, the resort offers access to an extraordinary fishery known for powerful offshore species and deep water close to shore. Over three days of competition, the anglers caught 360 fish representing 26 different species.

The catch included:

• 29 Yellowfin Tuna
• 22 Roosterfish
• 30 Skipjack Tuna
• 36 Triggerfish
• 51 Snapper
• 54 Cabrilla
• 24 Needlefish
• 19 Sierra Mackerel
• And numerous other Pacific species

The opening day was particularly productive. Team USA Captain Robert Field reported that competitors landed 19 yellowfin tuna and 17 roosterfish, along with approximately 100 additional fish representing roughly 25 species — all while launching directly from the beach. Weather conditions were excellent on day one, but stronger currents developed during the second and third days, making the fishing considerably more challenging and requiring the anglers to adapt to changing ocean conditions.

360 FISH caught— AND EVERY ONE RELEASED

Perhaps equally important to the competition itself, the Nations Cup was conducted using a catch-video and-release format. Every one of the 360 fish caught during the tournament was released alive. Yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, snapper, cabrilla, tuna, mackerel and the many other species encountered in the tournament were documented and returned to the Pacific to fight another day.

For USAngling Saltwater Kayak Fishing, this represents an important part of the sport’s future. Competitive kayak fishing demonstrates that athletes can pursue fish at an elite level while emphasizing responsible fish handling and the release of the resource. As USAngling continues to promote the growth and recognition of competitive saltwater kayak fishing, the Nations Cup provided a powerful example of a sport combining athletic competition, adventure, conservation and respect for the fishery.

SPEED, SKILL AND THE STEALTH KAYAK

Two of Team USA’s most impressive performances came from Wes Calvan and Paul Nixon, who finished second and third overall while competing from Stealth paddle-only kayaks. Calvan and Nixon were the only two anglers in the entire competition using paddle-only kayaks. In an era when pedal-drive kayaks have become the dominant platform in competitive kayak fishing, these two Americans chose a very different approach.

Stealth kayaks are exceptionally narrow, sleek and fast. Their design emphasizes speed and efficiency, but that performance comes with significantly reduced stability compared with the wider pedal-drive kayaks commonly used by competitive anglers. Fishing effectively from these platforms requires exceptional balance, physical ability and boat control.

As the current strengthened during the final two days, the speed and efficiency of the Stealth Kayaks allowed Calvan and Nixon to cover water quickly, reposition and work through the current while maintaining control of their demanding fishing platforms. Their second- and third-place finishes demonstrated what is possible when highly skilled athletes are able to fully exploit the capabilities of their equipment.

LOS BUZOS: A PREMIER KAYAK-FISHING DESTINATION

For Team USA, the Nations Cup was also a tremendous experience off the water. Los Buzos Resort provided an exceptional tournament environment, with the resort located directly on the beach and the fishing operation, accommodations, and meals all conveniently integrated into one location.

The Los Buzos staff provided tremendous support throughout the event, allowing the athletes to focus on preparation and competition. The combination of beachfront access, excellent food, comfortable accommodations and highly organized tournament logistics made the Nations Cup an outstanding international experience for the USA Team. The result was a tournament that showcased both the extraordinary fishery of Panama and the professionalism of the people who hosted the event.

TEAM USA — 2026 NATIONS CUP CHAMPIONS

1. Lance Clinton – USA (636 points) Gold
2. Wes Calvan – USA (558 points) Silver
3. Paul Nixon – USA (546 points) Bronze
4. Robert Field – USA (450 points)
5. Jonathan D. Bielmeier – USA (449 points)
6. Donald Hunt – USA (365 points)
7. William R. Barbe – USA (353 points)
8. Chad Gierlich – USA (320 points)
9. Joshua Hunt – USA (103 points)

TEAM STANDINGS

TEAM USA — 1,740 POINTS
TEAM CANADA — 679 POINTS

The final result placed eight Team USA anglers in the top eight individual positions. Team USA’s performance in Panama represents another significant achievement for American competitive saltwater kayak fishing. The fish were caught. The competition was won. And every fish was released to fight another day.

TEAM USA ARE THE 2026 NATIONS CUP CHAMPIONS.