Bassmaster Classic 2013: Cliff Pace Will Build on Lead for Competition Victory

Cliff Pace will take a seven-pound lead into the final day of the Bassmaster Classic 2013, a lead that lead may prove insurmountable for those chasing him.

Pace built on his first-day lead with a consistent but strong day on the water to shake off his challengers and solidify his position on top of the leaderboard.

Heading into the final day of competition, Pace is certainly setting the pace for the competing anglers, pulling ahead of former-champion Michael Iaconelli of Pittsgrove, New Jersey, who was tied with him for the lead after the first day of action.

Pace bagged 46-4 throughout the day and finished his Saturday catch with a total weight of 21 pounds, 12 ounces, bettering the mark he set on Friday by four ounces.

According to the leader from Petal, Mississippi, it could be that consistency that leads him to the title of the 2013 Bassmaster Classic. Per Bassmaster.com:

"

I didn’t fish differently today at all. For me, it’s been all about committing to the way I can catch the big ones. I took a big, big risk to do that.

I think I’m doing something that has potential, and will hold through tomorrow.

"

Pace will return to Grand Lake on Sunday with his mind firmly fixed on the $500,000 prize that comes with the Bassmaster Classic title, but also wary of the competition who could conceivably make a late push up the leaderboard and into the top position.

Brandon Palaniuk of Rathdrum, Idaho made a big move Saturday and now sits second behind Pace, while Iaconelli is still in contention back in third position.

Both anglers could well challenge Pace for the title with strong performances Sunday, but it seems unlikely, given Pace's consistency this weekend.

He has continued to fish well and post big numbers for the weigh-in. He should ride his seven-pound lead all the way to the 2013 championship.

If his Carhartt Big Bass of the day holds through Sunday as the heaviest fish brought to the scales in over three days of competition, the $2,500 bonus he'll collect will serve as icing on top of an already-sweet cake for Pace.

Will Cliff Pace hold on for the win at the 2013 Bassmaster Classic?

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