The Bluffton Trout Derby is back!

After a one-year absence, those who enjoy fishing can head for the Buckeye and cast nets for more than 200 tagged trout on Sunday, May 2.

Trout number one is worth thousands in cash if caught during derby hours, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The jackpot is built up with $5 donations to a 50/50 drawing.

If caught on derby day, one half of the cash jackpot goes to the angler who catches number one. The other half goes to the person whose raffle ticket is drawn at the end of the derby.

If number one is not caught during derby hours one half of the jackpot goes to the club for fish stocking and the other half is awarded in a raffle drawing at the end of the derby.

The derby includes more than 200 tagged trout with prizes to be awarded.

According to club president Tom Augsburger, tickets for the 50/50 are one for $5 or three for $10. In addition, spring raffle tickets will be sold. Raffle tickets pay out various prizes. Winners need not be present to win during the derby.

Members of the club will stock the quarry with hundreds of rainbow trout on Monday afternoon, April 26. There will be no fishing permitted until the derby.

Memberships
2021 memberships are available at $30 per year for age 14 and up, and $10 per year for age 13 and under.

Memberships are available at The Dough Hook, 117 N. Main St.

Officers and Directors
President - Tom Augsburger
Vice President - Jerry Edinger
Treasurer - Ron Schmutz
Secretary - Andy Herrmann

Directors: Dennis Kagy, Mark Zimmerman, Lucas Herrmann, Marvin Maag, Wilbur Bracy, Mike Zimmerman, Dale Neidemire, Jacob Maag and Paul Maag.

Recent tagged trout number 1 names
2021 - Big 77
2020 – No trout derby
2019 – Big 75
2018 - Ronald Montgomery "Guppy"
2017 - Sam Diller "Sudden Sam"
2016 - Bluffton Slaw Cutter "Ole Cutter
2015 - Andy Herrmann "Big Andy"
2014 - Southgate Lanes "The King Pin"
2013 - Bluffton Glove Factory "Big Glove"
2012 - Tom Augsburger "Old Augie"
2011  - Bluffton's 150th anniversary "Grand Shannon"