Alex Sandoval caught the biggest fish in the under 14 category with this 22-inch catfish. Credit: Philadelphia Water
Alex Sandoval caught the biggest fish in the under 14 category with this 22-inch catfish. Credit: Philadelphia Water

Thank you to all who came out to the 2016 Philly Fun Fishing Fest at Schuylkill Banks on Saturday, Sept. 10!

Our partners at Parks and Recreation, the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, and the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission made it possible to have one of the best days on the river yet, with 195 participants and 297 fish caught (and released).

Doug Rafferty, of Bob’s Bait & Tackle on Ridge Avenue in East Falls, donated rod and reel for the grand raffle prize. Dicks Sporting Goods and Plano Tackle contributed more great prizes, making just about everyone a winner.

Check photos from the event:

Philly Fun Fishing Fest 2016

Fishing prizes, donated by sponsors Dick's Sporting Goods and Plano Tackle, were awarded in 16 categories:

Category Winner Prizes
Last Fish Caught Naomi Sandoval Take Me Fishing Tackle Box donated by Plano Tackle and compact tackle box
First Fish Caught John McCann Take Me Fishing Tackle Box donated by Plano Tackle and compact tackle box
Smallest Fish Caught Michael Aimes Take Me Fishing Tackle Box donated by Plano Tackle and compact tackle box
Youngest Participant  Henry Gilchrist (2 years old) (Dick's) Zebco rod & reel & compact tackle box
Third Largest Fish (Adult) Art Carlson Take Me Fishing Tackle Box from Plano and Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate 
Third Largest Fish (14 & Under)  Justin Marimelli Take Me Fishing Tackle Box from Plano Tackle and Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate 
Second Largest Fish (Senior)  James Preston Rod and Reel, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate 
Second Largest Fish  (Adult)   Jake Thomas Rod and Reel, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate 
Second Largest Fish  (14 & Under) Joseph McCann Rod and Reel, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate    
Most Successful Angler (Senior)  Laurel Fraser Take Me Fishing Tackle Box from Plano Tackle, Rod and Reel, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate
Most Successful Angler (Adult) Joe Kelly Take Me Fishing Tackle Box from Plano Tackle, Rod and Reel, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate   
Most Successful Angler (14 & Under)  Alex Bojko Take Me Fishing Tackle Box from Plano Tackle, Rod and Reel, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate  
Largest Fish (Senior) Jamie Lafferty Sr. Field & Stream tackle box, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate
Largest Fish (Adult) Joseph Rios  Field & Stream tackle box, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate
Largest Fish (14 & Under)  Alex Sandoval  Field & Stream tackle box, Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate