Jeff Secrest wins first Fishing Derby

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 3, 2021) – A total of 106 fishing enthusiasts turned out for the first Fishing Derby at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Saturday, July 3. The two-hour event was held following the last race of the day, with the top three taking home cash prizes for the fish they caught by weight.

The infield lake was circled by individuals seeking the top fish by weight. Midway through the contest, Jeff Secrest snagged the winner, a 4.39-pound catfish that awarded him the top prize of $300 and the trophy. Secrest was the slight winner over Jersey Troxell of Lafayette, a 12-year-old who attends Wea Ridge Middle School. Jersey also snagged a catfish that came in at 4.38 pounds.

“I was camping in Fillmore and my mom was at the races today,” said Secrest, who is an avid fisherman. “She saw the sign for the fishing contest today and called me to get down to the track and sign up, so I headed to the track.”

Secrest was joined by several family members, who stayed after the races to support Secrest. The top fish was the first win for Secrest, who used a crappie jig during the contest.

For 12-year-old Jersey, she was also a last minute add on to a trip to the track. She was visiting her aunt and uncle in Franklin Township when they told her about the contest.

“They told me they were going to the races and then to the fishing contest, so I asked if I could go too,” said Jersey, who earned $125 for the second-place finish. “It was a lot of fun.”

Her uncle, Clayton Davis, is a frequent visitor to the track and also enjoys fishing.

“We owned part of a racehorse a few years ago named Lady Ally, trained by Tim Glyshaw,” said Davis. “We were part of Ironhorse racing. I enjoy coming down and playing in the handicapping contests, so when I saw the Fishing Derby, I made plans to be here.”

The third largest fish by weight was reeled in by Michael Bailey of Indianapolis. Bailey brought a bass to the shore that weighed 4.18 pounds.

Photo of Michael Bailey with fish by Erica Christe.

Photo of Jeff Secrest and Jersey Troxell by Indiana Grand