First $500 tagged fish of 2023 caught

Tony Becker (middle), of Coon Valley caught the first $500 tagged fish of the 2023 the Fish-O-Rama contest last week. Becker caught the 9-inch bluegill while fishing Prairie Lake with a red worm. The big bluegill turned out to be worth $500 and is the first big money fish of the 2023Fish-O-Rama Contest. Becker has been visiting Chetek for 30 and years has family that lives in the area.The fish was sponsored by Sterling Bank, of Chetek, with branch president Jim Metcalf (left) present to award the $500 check to Becker, along with Kyle Bilodeau, representing Rod & Gun Sport Shop.