$1,124 prize awarded in 50/50 raffle
By Paula Pyzik Scott
Trout No. 1 lived to swim another day despite the best efforts of anglers of all experience levels at the May 4 Bluffton Trout Derby, the 80th event of its kind. In total 22 tagged trout were caught by anglers from Ada, Bellefontaine, Benton Ridge, Bluffton, Columbus, Columbus Grove, Delphos, Findlay, Mt. Cory, Ottawa, Pandora and Rawson.
The event hosted by the Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club kicked off the fishing season at Buckeye Lake, where members can fish without a state fishing license. Memberships are available at the Dough Hook, Kibbee's Craft Beer, Wine & Deli, TNT Firearms and Ted’s Market.
The winner of the 50/50 drawing, Cory Glick, took home the biggest prize of $1,125.00. Prizes in the $1 raffle were two beef quarters, winners Dan Schaller and Diane Lovjoy; $200, Jean Rule; $100, Ron Koontz; $75, Betty Dicke; $50, Tim Tussing; and $25, Raquel Gonzales. Mike Ellerbrock won the gun raffle.
The longest trout caught were between 15 ½ inches and 16 ⅞ inches. Rick Bice won $50 for his catch.
Because the No. 1 trout was not caught, half of the jackpot went to the Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club.
Over $4,000 in cash and prizes were associated with the 217 tagged trout in Buckeye Lake, if caught between 2:00-4:30 p.m. on derby day. Fish caught in 2024 and their prizes awarded are listed below. All claims must be made by Labor Day.
4 - $50 gift card from Southgate Lanes
10 - $10 in trade from Pandora Grain & Supply
12 - $50 cash from Sumitomo Riko Group
23 - 1 year free subscription from the Bluffton News
28 - $10 cash from Jessy Gerding Ditching LLC
41 - $10 gift certificate from Thirsty’s Food & Spirits
46 - $20 cash from CCR Realtors Kelli Blackburn and Lisa Wenger
59 - $10 off coupon from Uncle Al’s Pizza
88 - $10 cash from Diller’s Flooring & Interior
90 - $10 cash from Diller’s Flooring & Interior
109 - $10 cash from Family Eye Care Clinic
118 - $25 cash from Scott L. Basinger, Attorney at Law
133 - $20 cash from Bluffton Slaw Cutter Co.
140 - Oil change from Doty’s Auto Repair & Wheel Alignment LLC
145 - $50 cash from All Service Aeration Inc.
146 - $50 cash in memory of Kent & Wava Amstutz from their family
157 - $25 cash from Columbus Grove Family Dentistry
171 - $20 cash from Don L. Snyder Excavating
172 - A free silk flower arrangement from Town & Country Flowers
183 - 5 quarts motor oil from Lieber’s Garage
188 - $10 in trade at Tabler’s Drive Thru & Car Wash
200 - $25 cash from the Hair Emporium
