We're all going fishing for “K-9” (think Ron Schmutz) this year. 

The Bluffton Sportmen's Club will recognize Schmutz, a member of the club since childhood, as the number one tagged trout for the 2020 trout derby set for Sunday, May 3, at Buckeye park. This year is the 76th annual trout derby started by the club in 1944.

In 1986, following the death of Ken Moser “Lil’ Moe,” Schmutz’s father-in-law, Ron took over the treasurer duties for the club and has held them since then.

“He has helped tag and release fish for the derby and has released pheasants for the club,” said Tom Augsburger, club president. “Ron also helped with the moving of the railroad depot, which is today the club house for the Sportsmen.”

Schmutz, now retired, served over 20 years with the Allen County Sheriff’s Office as a lieutenant. He is a nationally certified police canine trainer, thus the name “K-9” for this year’s number one trout.

 He and his wife, Canda, are parents of three grown children, Bo, Roni and Jerilyn. They have nine grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Club annual meeting Saturday
The club's annual meeting is at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, in the Bluffton Community Sportsmen’s Clubhouse on Spring Street across from the Buckeye.

The meeting will include an update on 2019 club events, plans for 2020, entertainment and a fish fry.

Membership dues for 2020 allow fishing in the Buckeye and National Quarry. Dues are $30 for persons 14 and older and $10 for persons 13 and under.

Derby details
Trout number one is worth thousands in cash if caught during derby hours. 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.

Typically, number one gains value to the $2,000+ level.

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.

Club officers:
Tom Augsburger, president
Jerry Edinger, vice-president
Ron Schmutz, treasurer
Mike Zimmerman, secretary

Directors:
Andy Herrmann
Dale Neidemire
Mark Zimmerman
Lucas Herrmann
Tom Diller
Marvin Maag
Wilbur Bracy
Jacob Maag
Paul Maag
Dennis Kagy|
Ray Victory

Recent tagged trout number 1 names
2020 - Ron Schmutz “K-9” 
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"