It’s understandable that Cliff Prince put a lot of pressure on himself this year as a rookie on the Bassmaster Elite Series. For the most part, he’s been up to the challenge, posting back-to-back Top-10 finishes at Toledo Bend and the Mississippi River to push himself into contention for a berth in the 2013 Classic.
The season started in his backyard at the St. Johns River (his home water) and Lake Okeechobee. He finished 16th and 51st, respectively, in his first two Elites Series events. Not overwhelmingly good or bad, but disappointing nonetheless for the Floridian.
“I wish I’d done a little better at a couple tournaments, but I guess that goes with being a rookie,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been fun. I’m looking forward to seeing what the schedule’s going to be next year.
“I’d have liked to have done a little bitter at my home water and I wasn’t expecting to not make the cut at Okeechobee. These guys, when they pull into a body of water, there’s not a stone that goes unturned. There were people on stuff that I’d planned on fishing, but that’s fishing when you’re up against the caliber of guys I’m up against.”
He’s presently 27th in the Toyota Tundra B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year (AOY) standings, but he’ll need another respectable showing at the Oneida Lake finale in order to lock up a trip to his first Classic. He's also 30 points behind Brandon Card in the chase for Rookie of the Year honors.
He was able to spend a day at Oneida a few weeks ago to get a feel for what’s in store later this month.
“It’s full of fish, that’s for sure,” he said. “We caught plenty of fish, just not many big ones, but I do see the potential there for some 4-pound largemouths.”
About the potential of fishing the Classic, he added, “That was my goal for the year. I think that would really solidify my year. It would give me some ammunition to go to people and say, ‘I made it here in my first year.’ It’ll also give me some recognition.”
He owes a lot to longtime friend and fellow Elite Series pro Terry Scroggins, who’s lent his help on and off the water this season.
“He’s been a Godsend,” Prince added. “He helped me with a few sponsors. He’s stepped up and vouched for me and helped me. I use him as a reference when I talk to people.”
