Visitors to Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing last weekend witnessed first-hand the excitement surrounding major league bass fishing when hometown favorite Mike Iaconelli fished the Delaware River into a first-place finish in the Bassmaster Elite tournament.

“Ike’s win demonstrated that a high-quality bass fishery can exist at the doorstep of our nation’s fifth largest city,” said Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway. “Many of us knew that a great bass fishery existed on the Delaware River, but Ike and 105 other pro anglers proved it.”

“This is the type of fishing exposure that generates interest in fishing,” Arway added. “It shows how exciting the sport of competitive fishing actually is, and the crowd response left no doubt that Philadelphians love fishing and that fishing is a major league sport.”

In his weekly column on Bassmaster.com, Iaconelli said he’s never witnessed such an animated crowd on the final day.

“The enthusiasm was unbelievable,” wrote the Philadelphia native and N.J. resident. “That says something. Bass fishing, professional and recreational, isn’t limited to rural areas or to places where true giant bass live. Philly is about as metropolitan as it gets. And yet, look at the crowds. At the same time, this tournament shows that metropolitan waters produce bass.”

Other experts agree and have been heaping praise on the local fans and waters since the tournament wrapped up on Sunday, verifying that Philadelphia and the Delaware River are firmly on the map in the world of bass fishing.

“I can't really explain what all happened in Philly on the Delaware River last week,” said B.A.S.S. co-owner Jerry McKinnis, whose idea it was to hold the Elite Series event in Philadelphia. “I think it was the greatest fishing event I have ever attended — and that might include Bassmaster Classics, as well. It really was great because of the people from that area. I guess you just had to be there. Sure glad I got to experience it. Thank you Philadelphia.”

Pro angler Jason Christie finished third in the tournament and felt so strongly about his experience that he wrote about it in an article for Bassmaster.com with the eye-catching headline of “I’m a Philly fan.”

“The number of people that showed up for the weigh-ins was just incredible and the energy and excitement was the highest I’ve ever experienced other than the Bassmaster Classic,” he wrote on Bassmaster.com. “I really enjoyed this event and the way the local fans came out to support us was a big part of that.”

Bassmaster.com Tournament Editor Steve Bowman liked his experience so much that he sported a customized Phillies jersey emblazoned with “Bassmaster” across the back.

“I took the opportunity to buy a Phillies jersey and actually had ‘Bassmaster’ stitched across the back,” he wrote on Bassmaster.com. “I actually wore it during the [Phillies] game and was stopped many times by local fans at a Major League Baseball game asking me about the fishing tournament they had heard so much about. The comments were all positive, and all wanting to learn more about the sport this town was introduced to by some good old southern boys with a wild Yankee in the middle of them.”

Arway said he expects the excitement of the tournament to generate additional interest in fishing the Delaware River and other waters in the greater Philadelphia region.

“Armed with the tips from the pros, the opportunity to purchase a 1-day license on Labor Day at a reduced rate, and access maps and fishing articles to guide you, this is a great opportunity to try out the Delaware River for yourself and fish where the pros do,” he said. “Southeastern Pennsylvania still has a couple of months of summer-like weather ahead and the fishing only gets better as the waters begin to cool down.”

“When a Phillies or Eagles game is over, fans don’t get a chance to go out and play their own game on the field,” he added. “However, the lower Delaware River is the playing field in this major league game and anyone with a fishing license and a little knowledge of bass fishing can play the field at any time.”

To find out where to access the Delaware River and other Pennsylvania waters, visit PA Water Trails to see maps of designated water trails, including the access sites along the Delaware.

To see a sampling of the best places in Pennsylvania to pursue specific species, consult the list of Pennsylvania’s Best Fishing Waters.

Anglers specifically interested in targeting smallmouth bass on the Delaware River should consult an article by Darl Black from the September/October issue of Pennsylvania Angler and Boater magazine.

To encourage fishing participation on Labor Day, the PFBC has reduced the price of 1-day adult resident and non-resident licenses to just $1 for September 1. With issuing agent and transaction fees, the total price for the 1-day adult license is $2.70. The license will be valid anywhere in Pennsylvania. A normal 1-day adult resident license costs $11.70, and a 1-day adult tourist license is $26.70.

The Labor Day 1-day adult licenses are available through the PFBC’s Outdoor Shop and various licensing agents.  Visit the PFBC website for a complete list of agents.

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8/18/2014