The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its ninth Annual Trout Derby in cooperation with Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited.

The trout derby will run from noon on April 8 through noon on May 8 on the Little Schuylkill River. Trout will be tagged for anglers to catch and turn in for prizes.Registration will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on April 8 across from the all-American Jeep dealer on Route 309 South. Registration is $10 before April 8, and $15 on April 8. Registration forms and rules are available online at tamaqua.net, or at the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce office, the Tamaqua Borough office, and Tom's Auto and Marine.The grand prize this year is a new bicycle, with a value of up to $350 generously donated by Dn'A Bikes in Tamaqua.Additional sponsors of prizes include a $25 gift card from Boyer's in Tamaqua, outdoor toys from M & S Hardware, a golf package and gift certificate from Heisler's Dairy Bar, a $50 gas card from Fegley Oil, a gift certificate to the Tamaqua Station Restaurant from Schuylkill County DA Christine Holman, fishing rods from Cabela's, as well as additional prizes courtesy Versum Materials, Air Products, Schuylkill Trout Unlimited, and Tom's Auto & Marine. Several prizes will also be drawn at random on April 8 from the registrations received."We are very happy to bring the trout derby to Tamaqua again this year and to be partnering with Schuylkill Trout Unlimited to promote fishing in our local rivers. Tom Banditelli Sr. started the derby eight years ago, and retired from our board of directors this year. He has graciously agreed to continue the tradition of Tom's Auto and Marine being the turn-in location for any tagged fish that are caught during the derby. We thank him and his staff for their continued support," said Linda Marchalk, president of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited will be stocking the Little Schuylkill River at 10 a.m. April 8, as well as weekly throughout the derby. All ages are welcome to participate. Anglers 16 years old and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and a trout stamp. All anglers much comply with the laws set forth by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission."There will be some big ones to catch this year. The Chamber and Trout Unlimited are buying more than 50 15-inch trout to stock just for the derby, " said Vanessa Gerhard, administrative assistant for the chamber.For rules and more information, visit the chamber's website, tamaqua.net, or call the chamber office at 570-668-1880.Any businesses wishing to sponsor prizes may call the chamber office, or email the

chamber@tamaqua.net.