Classic Winner's First Deer

Cliff Pace has been fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series since 2007, finishing runner-up at the 2008 Bassmaster Classic on Lake Hartwell then winning it last week on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake. Foremost in recalling his first hunts is his father.

With my first hunting experience, and anytime I think about any of the things I did growing up as a child, my father always comes to mind.

I was really unfortunate losing him when I was 18 years old, but I was really fortunate that he's what put me where I am out here in the world.

He spent a lot of time with me when I was a kid, hunting and fishing and doing the kinds of things that kids need to be doing. I think...