Why, you may wonder, is Clifford Pirch nicknamed “The Golden Ram”? Well, mainly because if you’re on the Elite Series, you get a nickname whether you want one or not. From Cliff “The Cajun Baby” Crochet to Randall “The Honey Badger” Tharp to Bobby “Big Fish” Lane, seemingly every angler has a nickname of one sort or another.
Elite Series emcee Dave Mercer dubbed Pirch “The Golden Ram” based on the following: 1) Pirch’s gold jersery, and 2) the way Pirch’s long locks flow from his visor on each side of his face, like, well, ram’s horns. Hence, The Golden Ram.
If the nickname had anything to do with Pirch’s lifestyle, he might be dubbed “The Golden Elk.” Pirch is an accomplished elk hunter and guide near his Payson, Ariz., home. But “The Golden Ram” does have a better ring to it, as nonsensical as it is.