SLIDESHOW

$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