With the lure of over $250,000 in prizes, the 23rd Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby sponsored by Berkley & Shakespeare, is shaping up to be one of the best ever!

The enthusiasm is growing for the 2012 Isabella Lake Fishing Derby, to be held on March 31, April 1, & April 2, 2012. Since the derby trout were delivered in early November, they are being fed three times daily by members of the Kern Valley Fish & Game Habitat Club along with other dedicated volunteers from the community. While the raising of these trout, half of which are supplied by the California Department of Fish & Game, the DFG also assist with the overseeing of the raising of these fish, they frequently weigh the fish; provide fish rearing expertise and pathology services in case of disease outbreaks or other problems associated with the trout in the derby net pens. According to derby chairman, Fred Roach, "We want our participants to have the most exciting fishing experience possible."

The number of "major" sponsors is set at ten, with each to sponsor a $10,000 tagged trout. In addition, the Kern River Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a trout worth $20,000! Adding even more to the anticipation, if the $20,000 Chamber of Commerce fish is caught while the lucky angler is wearing an "official" 2012 Isabella Lake Fishing Derby T-shirt or Hoodie, the prize will be doubled to $40,000.00!! This year, the official derby apparel will be sold, while quantities last, at derby headquarters during the event.

While this is the second year Berkley will be involved with this event, Shakespeare has also come onboard as a major sponsor. Bob Hoose, Field Marketing Manager for Shakespeare stated, "Shakespeare has teamed up with Berkley to have their Ugly Stik ? rods and Shakespeare combos on display Friday at check-in." He added, "The Shakespeare tent will also be hosting a 'Kids casting contest' so be sure to bring the entire family on down for some fun and fishing education."

It's not looking like Berkley will be outdone by Shakespeare, anglers are invited to stop by the Berkley booth and try their skills on the Berkley Knot Tying machine. Randy Pringle, Berkley pro staff member, will be on hand to assist anglers with the proper knots and 'How To' tech sheets for catching trout. Berkley will also be displaying some of their new baits for the 2012 season, including their Gulp! Non-Floating Pinched Nightcrawler and the garlic infused PowerBait Trout Dough. On Saturday, the Berkley team will be walking the shoreline and out on the water with Berkley prizes.

For the second year derby organizers will be offering a chance to win a fantastic fishing 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, supplied by Galey's Marine Supply in Bakersfield, CA, is worth close to $30,000. The boat will be on display at the Central Valley Sportsman's Boat, RV and Outdoor Show on February 24, 25, & 26, 2012, at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield, CA. Boat drawing ticket prices are $20 for one and $100 for six. When asked about their involvement of this nationally recognized trout derby, Central Valley Sportsman's Boat RV and Outdoor Show organizers told us, "We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Isabella Lake Fishing Derby. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the California Department of Fish and Game."

The Longest Trout Contest is back again this year, with the 1st place prize being sponsored by Amerigas Propane. A company spokesman told us they are excited with their involvement in this event. The winning entrant will receive $1,000 for the longest trout caught. There are prizes of $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, however the winner must be a registered entrant in the event.

For those fisherman who are looking to rent a boat during the derby event, we were told by French Gulch Marina owner and derby sponsor Deb Chase, "We still have a few boats available at this time" she also added, "The derby is one of the most exciting events she has the privilege to participate in, she looks forward to it every year."
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. Enter the event and get additional information online at Lake Isabella Fishing Derby Entry Form. Be sure to get your entry in before 6:00 pm on March 1, 2012 to be eligible for the $500 early bird prize, sponsored by the Cedar City Utah Chamber of Commerce.

To find more details on this event, and announcements of registration availability, visit the derby the website today. Lake Isabella Fishing Derby Website