Hundreds of prizes still in play

By Paula Scott

In keeping with Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club traditions, the May 7 Bluffton Trout Derby provided anglers with an opportunity to fish for stocked trout in Buckeye Lake and to win prizes provided by local individuals and businesses (booklet attached HERE).

CONTINUES WITH ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

The biggest potential prize is designated for whoever catches the #1 tagged trout on the day of the derby. This year the fish was named “Ole M&R” in honor of M&R Plumbing & Heating, one of the five original sponsors of the event. 

The prize for catching the #1 trout on Derby Day would have been $2,000 for the fisherman and $2,000 for the winning ticket holder. The jackpot is built up with $5 donations. When the Icon spoke to club president Tom Augsburger, the #1 fish was still swimming in Buckeye Lake. If it is caught by Labor Day, it is worth $200.

The Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club stocked Buckeye Lake with 400 pounds of fish, which is about 400 fish. The largest fish was over six pounds—which was caught on Derby day. The 12-page Trout Derby booklet lists 215 tagged 2023 trout. 

While fishing action began at 2:00 p.m., organizers were ready for early birds. Boy Scout Troop 256 began selling concessions at 8:00 a.m. An 11:00 a.m. Chicken Barbecue was provided by Ted & Don’s at the Depot clubhouse.

The non-profit club leases and stocks the Buckeye and the larger Cob Lake (a.k.a. The National Quarry) from the Village of Bluffton. Cob Lake is stocked in the fall. 

The club averages 650-700 members per year. Augsburger notes that Bluffton is one of the few fishing clubs with trout. The club president explained that walleye and other fish aren’t as quick to bite. On Derby Day 2023, there were 55 tagged trout turned in.

Fish are tagged on the lower jaw with a current year numbered steel cylinder tag. To collect prizes through Labor Day, take the tag to The Dough Hook, 117 N. Main. A certificate will be given, which is then presented with the tag to the sponsor to collect the prize.

2023 Memberships are available for $30/yr 14 and up, $10/yr 13 and under. Memberships are available at The Dough Hook, Kibbee's Carryout, Bluffton, and Ted's Market, Pandora, TNT Firearms LLC, Findlay.

The 2024 Bluffton Trout Derby will be the 80th event hosted by the Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club.