The 2017 Fish Fry Open at Union City Sportsmen’s Club in northwestern Pennsylvania began Friday, July 14 with the Doubles event, starting under sunny, humid, and breezy weather. Before shooting was finished for the day, one could feel the humidity dropping, and the shooting finished on a nice summer day. Nineteen shooters went at it with some nice scores turned in, given the stiff breeze.
Chris Kline took high gun with a solid 99. Dan Rogowski took runner-up over Kody Hoth after going five stations in a shoot-off of 97s. AA1 went to Ken Riddile with a 94. Kody’s 97 earned him A1, and the other 97 by John Brickner gave him A2. John, unfortunately, missed out on the 97 shoot-off by leaving the club a bit too soon. B1 went to club president Mike Wojtecki with a solid 89. Scott Holman’s 88 was good for B2. C1 was taken by Lou Brickner with an 84, while C2 went to Ron Johnson with a 82. D1 went to Marie Palmer who broke 74, and Willis Proctor took D2 with a 67.
Saturday’s 12-gauge competition began on a cloudy and occasionally drizzly morning, but by early afternoon and the 20-gauge event, the sun came out for a nice finish to the day. Twenty-six shooters took part, with Kody Hoth and Matt Littlefield running all 100. Kody outlasted Matt in the shoot-off to claim the top spot with Matt runner-up. Other class winners were Steve Troy AA1 (99); Ken Riddile AA2 (99); Paul Augustin A1 (99); Mike Zavasky A2 (97); Rick Rupprecht B1 (97); Bruce Raymond B2 (96); Mark Johnson C1 (96); Brad Schweitzer C2 (95); Aaron Rhinehart D1 (92); Willis Proctor D2 (82); and Marie Palmer E1 (82).
Twenty-six shooters again vied for the 20-gauge prize. Ken Riddile ran the only 100 for the top spot. Steve Troy outlasted Chris Kline for runner-up after both posted 99s. Other class winners were Chris Kline AA1(99); Mike Zavasky AA2 (98); Dan Rogowski A1 (94); Matt Littlefield A2 (93); Kody Hoth B1 (98); Scott Holman B2 (98); Rick Rupprecht C1 (98); Keith Snow C2 (91); Willis Proctor D1 (85); and Marie Palmer D2 (84).
Following Saturday’s shoot-offs, everyone was treated to the dinner the shoot is named for—fried Lake Erie perch and walleye with all the fixings.
Twenty-four shooters competed for the 28-gauge championship. Matt Littlefield came out on top with a sweet 100, while Chris Kline, Dan Rowgowski, and Rick Rupprecht shot-off for runner-up after all posted 97s. Chris came out on top. Class winners were Kody Hoth AA1 (96); Ken Riddile AA2 (91); Tim Botwright A1 (94); Mike Zavasky A2 (94); Dan Rogowski B1 (97); Ron Johnson B2 (95); Rick Rupprecht C1 (97); Bruce Raymond C2 (92); Marie Palmer D1 (80); and Willis Proctor D2 (79).
Ken Riddile won the .410 bore with a 97, while Chris Kline won the shoot-off with Dale Snow and was runner-up with a 96. Twenty-four shooters participated. Class winners were Kody Hoth A1 (95); Matt Littlefield A2 (92); Dale Snow B1 (96); Tim Botwright B2 (95); Ron Johnson C1 (93); Lou Brickner C2 (88); Keith Snow D1 (84); and Mark Johnson D2 (81).
Chris Kline came out on top in HOA class 1 with a 391, while Rick Rupprecht posted a 379 to maintain his lead in class 2. The shoot-off between Chris and Rick to see who would get his choice of duck decoys, carved and painted by Steve Best, went to Chris. He chose the Northern Shoveler drake, with Rick then getting the Redhead drake. Beth Best sewed camo deke bags for the winners to tote their prizes home.
This shoot would be impossible to put on without all the volunteers that helped to keep the club looking awesome, manage shoot registration, catch and prepare the Lake Erie perch and walleye, replenish trap machines, and prepare and serve meals. Those volunteers include:
Shoot management: Mike Wojtecki
Referees: Milt Lang, John Jackson, Chuck Isaac, Steve Best, Mike Wojtecki, Paul Huckno, and Travis Monday
Registration and scoring: Dave Minella
Food and drinks: Kim and Shannon Schweitzer, Mike Wojtecki, Anita Rogowski, Joe Fisher, Beth Best, and Miss Maddie
Fishermen: Mike Wojtecki, Steve Best, and Paul Huckno
Trap replenishment: Joe Fisher, Shannon and Greg Schweitzer, Bud Proctor, and Ben Long
Club grounds: Mike Wojetcki, Steve Best, Shannon Schweitzer, Bud Proctor, and Joe Fisher
If you’re in northwest Pennsylvania next July and are looking to shoot at a very nice little club, find next year’s dates by checking out the club’s website, ucsportsmensclub.com.
– Contributed by Stephen Best
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