The 6.3 oz. crappie that senior Nathan Schmoll (right) hoisted through the 18 inches of West Lake Jefferson ice on Sunday afternoon wasn’t exactly a whooper.
But of the 28 fish caught during the German Jefferson Sportsmens' annual ice fishing contest, it was the heftiest, and Schmoll took home the top prize of $100.
Schmoll was using wax worms and dangled his hook down at mid depth, about 8 feet. He reeled up the prize fish during the first 10 minutes of the 90-minute competition.
With the temperature a comfortable 35° F and zero wind, turnout for the contest was up. About 500 packed the 3-acre ice slab. It was the largest crowd the contest has drawn, at least in recent history, said organizers.
The event is the club’s only fundraiser and typically raises about $4,000 through the various raffles held.
Proceeds from the contest are used to maintain area lakes and wildlife zones and to make them more accessible. The club also donates money to the Clipper trap team.
The German-Jefferson Sportsmen’s Club was organized in 1949 with informal fishing contests starting about that time. The club typically meets the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Cleveland American Legion. Annual membership is just $5.
Stu McKee (right, CHS 1967) emceed the event. He is the grandfather of sophomore Kyle Connor and his sibling senior Harley Connor as well as brothers Lucas Mueller (CHS 2020) and Isaac Mueller (CHS 2021).
Junior Carter Barto was trying his luck.
Third grader Lexi Wobbrock readies for a catch. In the back is older sister Kylie, a fifth grader.
Freshman Elijah Mons waits for a bite.
Senior Jack Voit enjoys the sunshine.
Senior Martin Gibbs was serving at the Cleveland trap team food shack. They sold 120 hot dogs before they ran out.
Jordan Phillips (CHS 2014) waits for some action.