Dates and Times:
The Derby begins at 12:01am on Sunday, May 1st and ends on Saturday, June
4th at 8:00pm. All fish must be caught during this time frame in order to be eligible for consideration.
Location:
Boundaries include the Schuylkill River from the Wissahickon Creek to the Delaware
River, and the Delaware River from the Betsy Ross Bridge to the Philadelphia Airport. Eligible
fish must be caught from shore. Fish caught on a boat will be ineligible for consideration.
Species:
Prizes will be awarded for striped bass, catfish, and blue crab.
In the event of a tie:
The fish caught first will win.
Licensing:
Participants must abide to all regulations outlined by the PA Fish and Boat Commission.
We recommend having a PA fishing license, which can be purchased online here: http://
www.fish.state.pa.us/license.htm.
Catch and Release:
The Derby strongly encourages catch and release. However, if you do choose to keep a fish, be
sure that it is in compliance with the state regulations. Note that for the majority of the Derby,
PA Fish and Boat only allows keeping “slot” fish between 20-26 inches. After June 1st, fish must
be a minimum of 28 inches. For regulations see here:
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/delaware.html
Entering a Fish:
Fish will be judged on length, as there will be no weigh in station for the derby.
Fish must be documented by photo or video laying next to the Derby provided measuring tape.
Photo or video of the fish must be sent to the Derby within 24 hours of catch.
The largest fish is defined by the Derby as the longest fish measured from the tip of the jaw to the tip of the tail-fin. In order for a fish to be eligible for entry, all anglers must submit a photograph of the fish next to the official derby measuring tape, provided at the time of registration. For blue crab, the largest animal is defined as widest crab measured point to point. To be eligible for entry the crab must be photographed and measured with the official derby measuring tape. All entries must be submitted to the Derby within 24 hours of catch. Submit photos or videos to jason at phillystripedbassderby.com.
Participants must be registered for the Derby before fishing. Fish landed before a participant
registers for the Derby are not eligible. Registration ends Sunday, May 8th. Go here to register.
Note: All registration materials (Rule Sheet, T-Shirt, Derby Measuring Tape) can be picked up at Shadfest on April 23rd at Penn Treaty Park between 10am and 3pm or at Johnny Brenda’s (1201 Frankford Ave) on May 1st between 4pm and 7pm. You must have the Derby measuring tape in order to submit a fish for consideration. If you cannot pick your materials up at one of these events, please email Jason (jason @ phillystripedbassderby.com) to make alternate arrangements.
The Derby maintains the right to disqualify any fish or participant that violates the Derby rules
or exhibits behavior that is inconsistent with the goals of the Derby.
Hi,
This is a great idea to help make our citizens aware of the beautiful water and aquatic life we pass each day. That said I think you are shooting yourselves in the foot by not allowing fishing from a boat.
I am partners in a canoe with an electric motor and I have been trying to talk and encourage my suburban partners to fish the Philly rivers. I just sent them the link before I saw the rules. No way will they be in. Sorry, me either.
Joe-
The decision not to allow boats in the tournament was made to allow for as even a playing field as possible. Not everyone has access to a boat, therefore we decided to disallow them. We are however considering adding a category for watercraft based anglers next year. I understand your concern but I would encourage you and your friends to try fishing from the banks and I hope that you will reconsider. Thanks.
-Jason