An event for the entire family, the 37th Annual Round Lake Sportsman’s Club Horned Trout Tournament was held on Sunday, July 17.
Any type of fish can win the tournament, and catfish were the winners on Sunday. The largest fish caught, both in the adult and the children’s categories, were catfish, and both weighed over ten pounds.
The event is held annually, the third Sunday in July, at Eastside Acres campground on Round Lake. Food, fun and family activities are enjoyed by the crowd of attendees. There were 48 kids registered (age 13 and under) and 162 adults fishing on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Many others enjoyed spending time visiting on-shore during the tournament.
Funds raised at this year’s event will go towards the purchase of a new aeration system for Round Lake. Last year, the RLSC installed a new system on Indian Lake, and they hope to replace the one on Round Lake in the next couple of years.
“We want it to be a fun, family event, and any size can win a great prize,” explained RLSC President Bryon Foote. The top prize was $200 cash, but other several high prize amounts were scattered throughout the payback, which went down to 28th place. Cash prizes varied from $25 to $200, and additional prizes and gift cards were awarded.
Raffle prizes were given away throughout the afternoon, and included t-shirts, power bait, fishing rods, gift certificates and more. Several events were held for the children. Youngsters were able to search for Nickels in the Sand and enjoy a Candy Toss.
First through fifth place was awarded in the children’s division, with Jaxson Koster 10.46 catfish; Kayden Teerink 5.22 Walleye; CJ Groote 4.18 sheephead; William Reitmeier 3.72 catfish; and Colby Darling 3.54 northern awarded.
The four largest bullheads caught by children were to each win a $25 prize, however, no bullheads were caught on Sunday. The prizes were awarded by a random draw to children who had registered for and taken part in the tournament. Winner of the adult division of the fishing tournament, and a $200 cash prize donated by Worthington Federal Savings Bank and Jason Vote State Farm Insurance, was Jamie Reitmeier, with a 11.23 catfish. Second through fifth places went to: Jason Reitmeier 5.03 sheephead; Carl Puetz 4.86 sheephead; Ian Fleace 4.77 catfish; and Stacy Warborg 4.66 sheephead.
The grand prize in the raffle drawing was a $300 Cabela’s Gift Card. In addition, a special gun raffle was held for a CZ Upland Ultra Light 12 gauge over/under.
A live auction was held. A framed print and a 1983 Horned Trout Tournament belt buckle were auctioned off. The belt buckle was part of a limited edition, numbered 1 of 100. The live auction included a variety of glassware and a mirror etched by Fred Davis, Jr. Davis has been creating glassware for every year of the Horned Trout Tournament.
Annual activities of the Round Lake Sportsman’s Club include the operation of aeration systems on Round Lake and Indian Lake. The club also provides corn for winter wildlife feeding as needed, and puts up wood duck houses for birds’ usage in the summer.
The Club provides funding for trash pick-up and dumpsters at access points. Funds are also provided to DNR projects, Kid’s Fishing and Nobles County Pheasants Forever. They have participated in land acquisitions, allowing for more habitat for the area’s wildlife.
Other major projects from the past few years including repairing the enclosure for the comfort station at the public access, completion of the fish grate at the east side of Round Lake, repairing the dam and adding a beacon for ice fisherman. The RLSC has also provided funds to clean out the south and east side boat landings.
The Sportsman’s Club thanks the community and the area for the continued support of their efforts, and invite you to make plans to attend next year’s 38th Annual Horned Trout Tournament.
