2013 Bassmaster Classic
IKE AND CLIFF PACE IN THE LEAD, REINING CLASSIC CHAMP BLANKS
BY DON BERRY
It all started with salutes to Ray Scott, Bob Cobb and legendary bait-maker Don Butler and culminated with Denny Brauer receiving recognition as one of the best bass fishermen of the last several decades, but the weigh-in ceremonies were topped off with 53 anglers taking the stage and weighing fish they caught in the 2013 Bass Master Classic held on Grand lake of the Cherokees in Grove, OK.
As fans for Jason Christie echoed their approval of his 18-12 bag of bass, it wasn't enough to take the lead in the 2013 Bass Master Classic event. The story quickly turned to Cliff Pace with his 21-08 bag of Grand Lake bass which sat atop all anglers for most of the 2013 Bass Master Classic Day One Weigh-in. Pace, with one second place Classic finish in his career, topped the scales for the lead for nearly two thirds of the weigh-in.
With take-off temps at 22 degrees, anglers of the 2013 Bass Master Classic being held on Grand Lake of the Cherokees in Grove, OK, were greeted with water temperatures which dropped nearly three degrees from the last day of practice and many complained that their bite had disappeared or was different from their last day of practice.
From the convention center, spectators were thrilled when Christie, an Oklahoma favorite showed promise at 18-11, commenting that it didn't take long to get his catch started, but took a great amount of time to finish his limit out.
Fan favorite, Mike McClelland, Bella Vista, AR, was also disappointed in his day's quality. "I finally figured out that I was fishing too fast after I had exhausted a couple of my best spots, and confident that I was in the area of big fish, but until I caught one later, was not aware that I was moving the bait way too fast." Mike is in the hunt with 17-15 pounds and is confident that his weights will hold or improve for day two.
2012 Angler of the Year, Brent Chapman, popped the scales with less than a five fish limit of 10-01, and was disappointed with his first day's creel. "I caught three fish in the first five minutes, but then the bite really slowed down and there was just no quality to the bite, but my confidence is still sky high."
The most shocking news for the first day was when Chris Lane, defending Classic Champ from Florida, was unable to capture one measurable fish and blanked for day one, possibly eliminating his chances to repeat as Bass Master Classic Champl
Casey Scanlon, an Open Champ, faired semi-well with his 9-2 limit of fish. With 555 people qualifying for Bass master Classics since it became part of the B.A.S.S. format, Scanlon is thrilled to be part of the big show, but will have to improve his performance for a respectable finish.
First grade teacher, Jonathan Carter, drew a lot of attention when he approached the scales and Tripp Wellman dropped his 18-11 pound bag of bass on the scales. "My plane was delayed and I wasn't certain I would get here in time to practice, but it all fell into place and I am here." Carter is in a good position to make the day two cut and fish for the most prestigious award in bass fishing, The Bass Master Classic Crown.
Phenom Pro Angler, Mike "Ike" Iconelli proved he is ready for his second Bass Master Classic Crown by dropping 21-08 pounds on the scales to tie Cliff Pace for the lead and a possible second title for the New Jersey angler who is very verbal in his representation of the sport of bass fishing.
The Classic is all about catching fish for three days and "Ike" Iconelli's confidence seems to be running at a level that other anglers need to be aware of. It is his tenth anniversary since his first win in 2003 and Iconelli seems to be zeroed in on what the fish want and how they can be caught.
Although stick baits are one of the primary baits, crank baits, like the Wiggle Wart are catching the majority of bass. The famous football jig is collecting some quality fish as the fishermen were confronted with a severe cold front and high clear skies for day one of the 2013 Bass Master Classic.
