Orchard Anglers Among Top Bass Fishers In South Dakota

By Logan Lawson
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Fishing is the sport of choice for many people, especially during the summer months. It's an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time with friends or family, or just relax on your own by the lake. For Spencer Strope, Steve Strope and Brock Belik, it's not only relaxing, it also pays well, too.

Thats because the Orchard trio are among the top anglers in the South Dakota Bass Federation. 

According to Spencer, the South Dakota Bass Federation is an organization that promotes bass fishing and gives fisherman a chance to compete at a high level in the sport. The Federation compete at different locations, or "trails", throughout South Dakota during the warmer months for a chance to move on to higher levels in the world of bass fishing.

The three men had already been competitively fishing for years, with Spencer and Brock beginning as teenagers.

"I started with the Stropes when we were just kids," explained Brock."We were fishing the Junior Bass Nation back then."

The three then fished as part of the South Dakota Bass Nation promotion for some time before switching to the South Dakota Bass Federation. They switched because they liked the differences in the format the Federation offered. In the South Dakota Bass Federation, a new promotion in the fishing world, the rules promoted more teamwork between co-anglers and their boater, according to Brock.

The federation offers two separate divisions, co-angler and boater. The co-angler division is for those that don't have their own boat. They are randomly matched with a boater at the beginning of each competition and ride with them throughout the day. Co-anglers are allowed a three fish maximum during tournaments. Boaters, who are usually a bit more experienced, are allowed a five fish maximum. Spencer and Brock both compete in the co-angler division while Steve competes as a boater.

Through four of the five scheduled events, Brock currently sits in first place and Spencer is fourth in the co-angler division. Steve is second in the boater division.

In his first year with the Federation, Spencer has learned that working with your boater is the best path to success.

"Pay attention to what your boaters are doing if you're just starting out," he explained. "They'll teach you a lot. They don't keep any secrets around there."

While both Spencer and Brock admitted it does take a bit of luck to have a good day, they also know it takes some skill and knowledge of fishing to be at the top of the division. Anglers need to know where the bass will usually congregate and what they are feeding on at that time so they know what kind of lure to use. It also takes a lot of persistence. 

"You got to keep fishing," Brock said. "You can't give up."

An event is usually an eight hour event, according to Spencer. The competitors launch at about 6 a.m. and will fish until 2 p.m., trying to catch as many as they can. With each fisherman having a maximum limit of fish, they use a technique known as "calling", catching as many fish as possible in the eight hours and releasing the smaller fish back when they catch a larger one. The goal is to catch the three largest bass, by weight, in the time period. All fish must be at least 12" long to qualify.

As the season begins to wrap up, all three men are hoping they can keep there positions among the top of the standings. According to Brock, the top four anglers in each division advance to the semi-regional competition at Lake Francis Case. 

The final event of the Federation's season is scheduled for August 27 at Waubay Lake in Northeastern South Dakota. Regardless of how they finish the season, the chance to competitively fish together is something the three enjoy.

"We love it when we are all up there," Brock said. "When we all get to take a check home, it's pretty cool."

If the three are successful at Waubay Lake, they all will move on to the semi-regional, scheduled for October. After that, they will take some time off before returning next year to try and improve on a great first season. Brock is even considering moving to the boater's division now that he has his own boat. He admitted it will be a new challenge because the boaters tend to have more experience and there are more responsibility during the tournaments.

Regardless of the future results, however, the three men are grateful they have the opportunity to fish, stay competitive and enjoy time on the water.