Fishtown: Fishing Derby Catches Roots of Neighborhood’s History

Participants fished in the Delaware River during the Third Annual Fishtown Fishing Derby.

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Fishtown residents attended the Fishtown Fishing Derby at Penn Treaty Park.
Fishtown residents attended the Fishtown Fishing Derby at Penn Treaty Park.

More than fifty people participated in the third annual Fishtown Fishing Derby at Penn Treaty Park recently.  Men, women and children of all ages cast their lines into the Delaware River early on a Saturday morning, hoping to score the day’s biggest catch. The event was organized by the Friends of Penn Treaty Park, a local nonprofit group. Prizes included trophies and cash.

Friends of Penn Treaty Park president A. J. Thomson said the event was a good way to introduce families to Fishtown’s traditions. “Today we got a lot of parents out with their kids, which is good. It’s a way to pass it down to the next generation,” Thomson said.

Harry Howe watched participants at the event.
Harry Howe watched participants at the event.

The event drew both fishers and spectators. “I just got done work. I thought I’d stop by and check things out,” lifelong Fishtown resident Harry Howe said. “I’d like to see someone catch a striper, which happens sometimes.”

Participant Ron Marchese had a different motive than most of the other fishers at the derby. Marchese and his brother are new to the sport but said they plan to fish every Sunday morning before a Phillies game. “We’re just trying to figure out what to do,” Marchese said.

Ron Marchese attended the Third Annual Fishtown Fishing Derby.
Ron Marchese attended the Third Annual Fishtown Fishing Derby.

For more information about the Fishtown Fishing Derby, visit www.penntreatypark.org.

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