Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce officials announced that the Tom Banditelli Memorial Trout Derby, in cooperation with Schuylkill Headwaters Association, will run from noon on April 30 to noon on May 28 along 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 30, across from All-American Jeep on Route 309 in Tamaqua. Registration is $20 and includes a 2022 Trout Button and stocking schedule.

Registration forms and rules are available at tamaqua.net and at Tom’s Auto and Marine, 250 S. Greenwood St., Tamaqua. Preregistration forms may be dropped in to the Tamaqua Borough contactless drop box, 320 E. Broad St., or in person at Tom’s Auto and Marine. Checks should be made payable to the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce.

The grand prize this year is a fishing boat filled with fishing gear, valued at more than $800, which was generously donated by Tom’s Auto and Marine. Additional sponsors of prizes include fishing gear, prizes, and gift certificates to area businesses

“The trout derby continues to get a huge amount of community support with donation of prizes by our local businesses and brings men, women and families to the town of Tamaqua to enjoy some outdoor recreation and fishing on the Little Schuylkill River,” Chamber President Linda (Marchalk) Yeich said. “The Tom Banditelli Fishing Derby provides an opportunity to stock the river with some tagged rainbow trout and golden rainbow trout purchased from S.A. Trout Pond and at the same time honor the memory of a great man, Tom Banditelli Sr., an avid fisherman who passed away in January 2021.”

Schuylkill Headwaters Association will be stocking the Little Schuylkill River at 10 a.m. on April 30, 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. 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 chamber@tamaqua.net.