FROM BLUFFTON ICON - It's trout derby week in Bluffton.

The 75th annual Bluffton Sportsmen's Club trout derby, originally set for May 5, was moved on Sunday, June 9, due to the spring flooding in Bluffton. The derby takes place in the Buckeye.

The number one trout for this year's Trout Derby is named "Big 75" - not in reference to the nearby Interstate, but in honor of the 75th year of the Bluffton Sportmen Club's trout derby.

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.

Last year's number one was worth $2,030, but was not caught. 

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.

Memberships
2019 memberships are available at $30 per year for age 14 and up, and $10 per year for age 13 and under.

Memberships are available in Bluffton at:
• Family True Value Hardware
• Riley Creek Mercantile
• Kibbee’s Carryout

Sportsmen's Club apparel is available at The Black Lab Trading Co. on North Main Street in Bluffton.

2019 Officers and Directors
President - Tom Augsburger
Vice President - Jerry Edinger
Treasurer - Ron Schumtz
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
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"