Classic Champ Cliff Pace Lucky to be Alive from Tree Stand Accident

Cliff Pace's Hunting Accident Prevents Defending Classic Title 

Gary Tramontina/B.A.S.S.

Cliff Pace, the 2013 Classic champion, won’t be fishing in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic because of a deer stand accident that happened Friday Jan. 27.

Pace broke his left leg in two places while bow hunting for deer near his home in Petal, Miss.

“I was actually done with my hunt and climbing down from the stand when the accident happened,” said Pace. “It was a cold day, even here in southern Mississippi, and I had cotton gloves on. Part-way down my hand slipped out of the glove, and that’s when I fell.”

Pace tried to push away from the tree so he wouldn’t land on his back or head. He was successful on that front, landing on his feet. But his left foot landed in a hole and jarred his leg enough to break it in two places, once above the knee and once below it. And in the process, he also tore the ACL in his left knee.

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC Interview: Cliff Pace the Man & Angler

By Luigi De Rose

A week after Cliff Pace was crowned the BASSMASTER CLASSIC champion, IBASSIN.com had an opportunity to chat with him. In an attempt to learn more about the mild mannered pro from Mississippi, this portion of the interview focuses on Cliff Pace the person and angler and the effects of winning the Classic.

Cliff Pace Wins.
(Photos: BASS)

At 32 years of age, Pace has three BASS wins to his credit. Both of his prior victories occurred at Central BASS Opens. The Classic win on Grand Lake was his first Tour victory on the Elite circuit.  He has 4 second place finishes, two during the 2012 season, and has earned just over $1.2 million with BASS. Many people close to Cliff feel that the Classic was a breakout tournament and expect many great achievements from him in the near future.

IBASSIN

First of all, congratulations on the Classic win.  Many past winners have stated that, “the Classic will change your life.” It’s been a week, how much has changed?

Cliff Pace

Thanks! Winning has not really changed much of anything. It’s added to my life. My schedule is very busy.  Winning has given opportunities. Opportunities for my friends, family and sponsors to enjoy the Classic win. It has given me a great chance to appreciate all of them (sponsors, friends and family) and let them celebrate the win and given them a chance to shine.

IBASSIN

How has the response been of you winning?

Cliff Pace

I have had hundreds of emails, calls and people congratulating me. So many people have mentioned how proud they were of me for being me. I am not the kind of guy to go crazy and throw my shoes into the crowd during the Classic. I am not that kind of person.

IBASSIN

At the Classic, during the press conference you said that deep, rocky lakes were foreign to you when you first started out. Being from Mississippi, where 5 feet is deep, is this win, outside the fact that it is the Classic, more special?

2013 BASSMASTER CLASSIC Champs Day 3

By Luigi De Rose

Much will be written about Cliff Pace's exasperating last day of the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. He amassed two amazing 21 pounds creel on Day 1 and Day 2 of the tournament but Day 3 was a nail biter. Mathematically, many considered the Classic finished as Cliff had a 7 pound lead. Unless the world imploded around him, it was his tournament to loose. He almost lost it.

Here is a photo essay of the final day on the water with Cliff Pace. 

All photos are courtesy of BASS and kudos must be given to James Overstreet for his amazing photographic eye. 

The mild, southerly wind and clear skies forces Cliff to switch a jig from the Jackall jerk bait that was working so well the first two days. 

Cliff focused on any brush that he could find around the docks or steep banks. 

Cliff jumped from spot to spot like a mad man. He hit over 30 spots before 10:30 in the morning. The first two days, he only fished a handful of places. Sunday, he was zipping around wildly.
Many wondered if he was super focused or panicking. By noon and countless relocations, he still only had 2 bass.