The Taft Chamber of Commerce Annual Trout Fishing Derby will be held on Saturday, November 18, at the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area.

“We are pleased to be able to announce that the traditional ‘perks’ for our local fisherman will be in place at this year’s Trout Derby,” stated Kathy Orrin, Executive Director of the Taft Chamber of Commerce. The “perks” to which Orrin is referring is the fact that once the fish are delivered from Northern California, to Lake Webb, the Lake will remain closed to all fisherman until the opening of the Derby at precisely 6 a.m., on November 18.

Last year, due to the shortage of fish available from fisheries, the Chamber found it necessary to form an alliance that made it possible to get fish, but made it impossible to close the lake in advance of the Derby. Seasoned Derby fishermen were disappointed, and they let the Chamber know how unhappy they were. This year’s Derby will signal a return to the closure of Lake Webb for the days between the delivery of the 3,000 pounds of fish and the start of the fishing contest.

The rules of the contest continue: all Derby contestants must have a valid California Fishing License unless they are under the age of 16 years, and all participants must be registered prior to fishing. The cost for adults (14 and older) is $30; children (13 and under) are $25.

So far, the places to register for the Derby (and to receive your NECESSARY wristband) are:

Taft Chamber, 400 Kern Street, Taft

Cooper’s True Value, 407 9th Street, Taft

Bob’s Bait Bucket, 2131 Chester, Bakersfield

Cope’s Tackle and Rod, 1654 Calloway, Dr., Bakersfield

Poor Man Aqueduct Fishing Tackle Shop, 4 Monterey St, Bakersfield