D.C. Does D.C.: Dustin Connell Takes Bass Fishing to Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON D.C. (June 25, 2025) – Before a single line was cast in Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Bass Pro Tour event on the Potomac River, REDCREST Champion Dustin Connell was already making waves in the nation’s capital.

On Wednesday morning, just one day before the start of Zenni Stage 6 presented by Athletic Brewing, Connell traded his rod & reel for a suit & tie and paid a visit to Capitol Hill for a meeting with Congressman Gary Palmer, who represents Alabama’s 6th District and currently serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The meeting took place inside the Energy and Commerce Committee conference room at the historic Cannon House Office Building, just steps from the U.S. Capitol. Also in attendance were Connell’s full-time videographer Brett Burkes, MLF Senior Director of Communications Joe Opager, and Hope Dawson, Communications Director for Congressman Palmer.

The Alabama connection was strong from the jump. Connell, a Clanton native, and Palmer quickly hit it off discussing their shared appreciation for the outdoors, the beauty of the Coosa River, and their mutual addiction to early mornings spent hunting or fishing. Palmer, a devoted turkey hunter, even proposed a trade: “You take me fishing, and I’ll take you turkey hunting.” Connell, of course, agreed. The handshake deal was sealed then and there.

Although President Donald Trump wasn’t in Washington during Connell’s visit, he sent along something just as meaningful: a personalized, signed letter congratulating Connell on his third REDCREST title and continued success on the water. The letter, which Connell read aloud after the meeting, drew smiles and adulation from the room.

“It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever been handed,” Connell said. “To be recognized like that by the President of the United States – it really means something.”