HARRISBURG, Pa. (July 24) – Families living in the state’s largest urban area can enjoy a unique fishing opportunity August 5 when the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) hosts a free Family Catfish Fishing Festival along the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia City.
“Kids can never have enough opportunities to fish,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “The Commission is committed to providing families with many different opportunities to learn fishing skills and to participate in special events. This program is specifically designed to show kids who live in urban environments that there are good fishing opportunities close to their cities.”
The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Aug. 5 at the Walnut Street Fishing Pier on the Schuylkill Banks Trail in Philadelphia. The pier is located at 2436 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
“Family fishing festivals are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing at no cost,” added Carl Richardson, PFBC Education Section Manager. “These are educational events designed for families with little or no fishing experience. Participants will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing during the program.”
PFBC staff and partners will provide families with hands-on instruction on basic skills needed to catch catfish, as well as catfish biology and the care and preparation of the catch. Participants can then practice their fishing skills in the Schuylkill River.
Catfish are an increasingly popular gamefish targeted by anglers because of their abundance, catchability, and natural existence in so many locations. Catfish are found in nearly all of the Commonwealth’s public impoundments and large rivers.
The event is open to anyone, but pre-registration is required. During the event, the PFBC is waiving the fishing license requirement for registered participants age 16 and older.
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Media Contact: Eric Levis, Press Secretary
717.705.7806 or elevis@pa.gov