While it ended up being a nail-biter, Cliff Pace did pull-off the 2013 Bassmaster Classic victory. Though this outcome was expected, considering he had a 7-pound lead going into the final day, what wasn't expected was his total lack of excitement with his accomplishment. Brandon Palaniuk was on the verge of tears and nausea with the mere thought of winning the Classic while sitting in the hot seat. Yet Cliff barely broke a smile when he was handed the Classic trophy and $500,000 tournament paycheck. What gives?
Cliff's peers talk of him as being all business. Dave Mercer nicknamed him "Game-face Cliff Pace". He's known to not be excited by the pageantry associated with the Classic. He's also known as someone who just loves the fishing and competition itself and would be much happier without the cameras and spectators watching him.
What I believe we saw yesterday was Cliff Pace realizing that for the next year or more he will not get to "just fish". He's going to be completely bombarded by the things he likes least about the sport of professional bass fishing. Endless photo shoots, countless interviews with the media and the relentless scrutiny of being in the public eye are all on the menu for Cliff the next year. While most anglers would relish the opportunity to do these things, I think Cliff is dreading it. I even wonder, if on some level, he was hoping he wouldn't win. I know that sounds crazy to most of us, but I don't know how else to explain his reaction. At least he has $500,000 to help ease the pain.
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