The total prize money up for grabs has been set for the 23rd Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby presented by the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce. The number of “major” sponsors this year has been set at 10, with each to sponsor a $10,000 tagged trout. These major sponsors are: Berkley, Shakespeare, Budweiser, Automobile Club of Southern California, Isabella Supermarket and Mt. Mesa Market, California Land Management, Sierra Gateway Markets, French Gulch & North Fork Marinas, Renewable Resources Group and the Central Valley Sportsmen & RV Show.
In addition, the Kern River Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a trout worth $20,000. If the $20,000 Chamber of Commerce fish is caught while the lucky angler is wearing an official Isabella Lake Fishing Derby T-shirt or hoodie, the prize will be doubled to $40,000.
The Longest Trout Contest is back again this year: winning entrants will receive $1,000 for the longest trout caught, $500 for the second longest, $250 for the third longest and $200 for the fourth longest trout caught during the three-day event. The trout does not have to be tagged, but the winner must be a registered entrant in the event.
For the second year there is also a chance to win a boat. This year’s boat is a Lowe Fishing Machine 175 with a Mercury 90hp motor; additional upgrades include a trolling motor and a heavy-duty deluxe trailer. This entire package is worth close to $30,000. The boat is currently on display at Galey’s Marine Supply in Bakersfield and will be on display at Derby Headquarters during the derby event. Tickets are $20 for one and $100 for six
Applications for the derby are now available at the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce office, several local merchants in the Kern River Valley, as well as in Bakersfield. Visit the the derby website www.isabellafishingderby.com to enter the event and get additional information. Enter early and become eligible for the $500 early bird prize, sponsored by the Cedar City Utah Chamber of Commerce. To qualify for the early entry drawing, entries must be received before 6 p.mm on March 1.
The 2012 Derby will be held on March 31 though April 2, the weekend before Easter.