Page 24 - Summer 2021

s| AcTIVE LIVINg
Fisherman credits family
with his success
sGeorge Zeliff is a 2021 graduate of the University of Georgia, where he majored in journalism. PAgE 22 | OcONEE ThE MAgAzINE | SUMMER 2021
Story by George Zeliff Photos by Spencer Bargfrede
Spencer Bargfrede caught his first fish when he was 5 years old at what seemed like a vast lake but in reality was more of a big pond. After that, Bargfrede graduated to larger bodies of water and larger fish.
After years of skilled competitions, Bargfrede has signed a bass fishing scholarship with Emmanuel College. There, he’ll join his friend and old fishing partner, Matthew Benson, who helped start the fishing club team at Oconee County High School.
“It’s just crazy that I can actually do what I love and do it competitively at the college level,” Bargfrede said. “God has blessed me with the awesome sport of bass fishing, and I couldn’t do it without my parents, boat captains and friends.”
Bargfrede’s favorite fishing spots are Lake Eufaula and Lake Seminole, because that’s where he consistently finds the biggest bass. He admits the drive to these lakes are long but well worth it. Bargfrede also enjoys catching spotted bass at Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell on a boat that he purchased last year.
“I enjoy bringing different people,” Bargfrede said. “I feel like I’m returning the favor to people who don’t have a boat yet but want to get into it. That’s what got me into the sport and on the competitive level that I am today.”
Oconee County High School graduate Spencer Bargfrede will study agriculture business while at Emmanuel College, where he secured a scholarship for competitive fishing.