We had an awesome time at Derby community days over the weekend. Thanks to all who came out to Penn Treaty Park and Bartram’s Gardens, great weather both days! Now if someone can just convince the fish to start cooperating…

Check out some pictures below.

Derby HQ at Penn Treaty

Fishing at Penn Treaty. Ben Franklin Bridge in the background!

More folks fishing at Penn Treaty.

Friends angling at Bartram's Gardens.

More people at Bartram's Gardens. Cool view of the Philly skyline in the background.

Albert McReynold's world record striped bass. You could be next.

We have extended the registration deadline to 15th , so if you have yet to register, sign up now! Once you sign up, we can hand deliver your materials, mail them, or you can pick them up at one of our events.

Speaking of events, our Derby community days are this weekend. Saturday, May 7th we will be at Penn Treaty Park from 11am-4pm, and Sunday, May 8th we will be at Bartram’s Gardens. See the events tab for more info. The community days are a great way for people with little fishing experience to come out to the river and learn the basics. Rods, reels, and bait will be provided*.  You can also register for the Derby at these events. Plus, who knows, maybe you will catch the Derby winner!

P.S. Who is going to catch the first crab?

*Participants must abide to all regulations outlined by the PA Fish and Boat Commission, including having a PA fishing license, which can be purchased online and printed here.

The flag is up, which means….the first annual Philadelphia Striped Bass Derby has begun!!!!
Fishing is now open. Grab those measuring tapes, put new batteries in your camera, and get out there and fish!

Join us at Johnny Brenda’s tonight from 4pm-7pm for the Derby kickoff party! There are striped bass specials on the menu. Come register in person, pick up your registration materials, or stop by to learn more about the Derby. Door prizes, give aways, and a great opportunity to meet your fellow anglers.

Johnny Brenda’s is on the corner of Frankford and Girard in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. Click here for directions.

Online Registration is now open. It’s quick and easy. Just go to the registration tab above or click here. Registration deadline is May 8th, so register today!

The Derby is for everyone with an interest in Philadelphia’s local rivers. It’s not only anglers who are catching derby fever. Everyone who registers gets an awesome first annual Derby t-shirt and button and a portion of the registration fee is donated to support river advocacy.

For newcomers to fishing, it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the local rivers, the types of fish that live in these waters, and the fun of fishing. Check out our community fishing days, where we supply the rods, reels, and instruction. Just sign up online and be prepared for a great new experience. The Derby is all about getting first timers out on the water. Did you know there are blue claw crabs in the Delaware? There are!

For die hard anglers, the Derby is a chance to strut their stuff, reel in the biggest striper or catfish, and win the coveted first place trophy, cash, and prizes from local businesses.

Not interested in fishing but still want to participate? By registering, you receive our t-shirt and button, and 20% of the the registration fee is donated to the Delaware River Keeper. You can join us at our clean up day and help make the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers a better place.

We do want to note the following: If you plan to fish,  you must have the Derby measuring tape in order to submit a fish for consideration, so you have to register before you start fishing. If you cannot pick your materials up at one of our events, please email Jason (jason @ phillystripedbassderby.com) to make alternate arrangements.

Thanks!

Jason and Len