Philly FUN Fishing Fest 2010

Almost 150 Philadelphians grabbed fishing poles and bait on Schuylkill Banks on September 11, aiming to land the largest or rarest catch of the day!

The Philly Fun Fishing Fest, a free annual event sponsored by the Philadelphia Water Department and Department of Parks and Recreation, with the support of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, gives city dwellers the chance to experience the great outdoors in the middle of the city.

Participants of all ages and levels of experience lined the banks of the Schuylkill River from Locust to Chestnut Streets, reeling in a bounty of perch, bluegill, catfish, shad and other species.

A couple of lucky people even caught blue claw crab. Since these crab live in salt water, they are a rare catch this far upriver and evidence of the effects of drought on the salt levels of the tidal Schuylkill.

The event wrapped up with an awards ceremony by the Walnut Street Bridge, emceed by John McBride with the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation.

Click on the fish fest photo to the right to see a slideshow of images from the event.