The Philadelphia Water Department is bringing back its Philly Fun Fishing Fest on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.

The Fishing Fest is perfect for anglers of all ages and levels of experience. It’s also ADA accessible.

No fishing license is required during the fishing competition and fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis.

For individuals and families looking to attend, the Philadelphia Water Department has put together a list of rules and tips to adhere to prior to the fun-filled event.

Rules

1. This is a “catch and release only” event.
2. Because eels are a sensitive species and very hard to measure, we have decided that any eel caught should be released immediately and not be counted in the competition, nor can they be used as bait.
3. Participants are limited to using only 1 rod per registered person.
4. All fish need to be checked in to the measuring stations to be eligible for prizes.
5. Invasive species (Flathead Catfish and Snakeheads) are not to be released back into the river.
   • Biologists will properly handle any caught invasives at measuring stations.
6. Fishing from the shore is the only approved fishing location (no boats are to be used).
7. Prize categories are expected to be both random and species/size specific.  You must be present to receive your prize.
8. All participants must abide by all applicable regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
9. Any legal bait may be used. *No live eels as they are an invasive species.
10. All trash must be bagged and placed in the proper bins.

Tips

• Keep your fish on the hook and bring to the measuring station.
• Do not handle fish with a rag or gloves. They have a protective coating on their scales that keep them healthy!
• Keep fish off the grass and dirt.
• Single hook fishing only (using more than one hook endangers the smaller, more delicate fish).
• Fishing takes patience, and you can’t catch fish if your hook is spinning in the air. Get bait on the hook and keep it in the water.
• Bottom fishing vs. bobber fishing:
  • Bottom fishing is a great way to catch some of those larger catfish, but it can be difficult to feel when a fish is biting on the line and it easier to snag rocks/logs on the bottom.
  • Bobber fishing gives the advantage to see when a fish strikes the bait and snags don’t occur as often, but you have to reel in the line when it gets pushed downstream by the current and you are less likely to catch the larger fish in the river with this method.

The 2024 Philly Fun Fishing Fest is set for Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Schuylkill Banks from 7 AM to 11 AM. An award ceremony will follow shortly after, starting at 11:30 AM.

In the event of a potential rain delay, the event will be pushed back a week to September 14.

To learn more about or RSVP for Philly Fun Fishing Fest 2024 at the Philadelphia Water Department. Online pre-registration is open through Thursday, September 5.

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