Catching "The King Pin" - tagged trout 1 - is every fisherman's goal on Sunday
Southgate Lanes bowling alley will be recognized by the Bluffton Sportmen's Club during this year's Sunday, May 4, 70th annual trout derby at the Buckeye, according to Tom Augsburger of the club.
Trout 1, "The King Pin," will be worth thousands in cash if caught between 2 and 4:30 p.m. on derby day. The jackpot is built with $5 donations. Last year's jackpot was worth $1,715 and one-half went to John Towsey of Lima, who held the winning ticket. The other half of the pot either goes to the club, if no one catches trout number 1, or to a person whose ticket is drawn following the derby,
Should The King Pin not be caught during the derby it has a consolation prize value of $200 until Labor Day.
Persons may purchase Sportsmen's Club memberships at derby headquarters, Family True Value Hardware, 108 N. Main St., Bluffton. Other locations where memberships may be purchased includes Kibbee's Carryout, and Ted's Market, Pandora. Memberships are $10 for youth through age 13 and $30 for persons 14 and up.
During this year's derby there are over $4,000 in cash and prizes on tagged trout in the Buckeye.
Other sigificant prizes include:
• Longest trout caught during the derby - $25 cash
• Two split sides of beef, donated by Montgomery farms
During the derby is a chicken barbecue at the Sportsmen's Club depot starting at 11 a.m. catered by Ted and Don's.
Sportsmen's officers are:
• Tom Augsburger, president
• Jerry Edinger, vice president
• Treasurer, Ron Schmutz
• Andy Herrmann, secretary
Directors are: Marvin Maag, Mark Zimmerman, Lucas Herrmann, Ron Neidemire, Dale Neidemire, Wilbur Bracy and Roger Hoffman.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Friday, June 12, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 12
- Blanchard River Watershed Partnership hosts 5K trail run on July 25
- Beaverdam to begin water treatment plant repairs
- Save the date: Declaration of Independence reading, July 8
- Bluffton Police answer 630 calls for service in May 2026
- Great wealth disparity and our eroding democracy
Thursday, June 11, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, June 11
- Splitting headache: Fasting and migraines
- Pamela Ann Bricker was a social worker
- Bluffton Community Garage Sales, June 18-19-20
- Open and improved Elm St. segment
- Ultimate car seat guide recommended by Bluffton police
- Senior Center's June community meal shifts to summer schedule
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Local students on ONU's Spring 2026 Dean's List
- Sardines swamp Ada Gators in opening swim meet
- NWS heat advisory for June 10
- Agenda for June 11 Orange Twp Trustees meeting
- Public meetings schedule for Village of Bluffton, June 10-29
- Local teen documents Ohio sightings of steam locomotive Big Boy
- Open House at remodeled Bluffton EMS station
- Unforgettable: Marvel Stratton Hilty
- Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis speaks at Bluffton Public Library
- Bus trips with Debbie announced by Senior Center