Fishing at the Bristol Borough Lagoon along the Delaware begins Saturday 6 am officials confirmed this weekend

Stocking at the Jefferson Avenue site was originally scheduled for April, but due to cold water temperatures and consulting with state officials it was decided to delay filling the Canal for a couple more weeks.

Bristol Borough Recreation Board President Aaron Antonelli said the Canal will be  stocked with four types of fish;

1. 100  Large mouth Bass, 8 to 12 inches
2. 100 Blue Gil 8 to 12 inches
3. 200 Crappie
4. 4000 Minnow

The ratios were approved by Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), he said, over the course of recent months after receiving approval from state officials to fill the shallow body of water with the fish.

We want to get this right from the start that’s why we delayed stocking while continually maintaining contact with the commission and hatchery for input.

You can’t just go into a body of water like that and cram as many fish as you want. It’s a bioload,” Antonelli said. “The goal is maintain the ecological system. We want to make sure we’re doing things right and lasts for years to come.

“One thing we’re emphasizing is a catch and release policy he said, signs will be posted.”

The original idea to stock the Canal came as a result of Raising The Bar President Bill Pezza posing a question on social media about what new activities would locals like to see with Coronavirus concerns were receding.  Antonelli was one of the first to respond with the stocking the canal idea because he loves fishing He has three children and says he’s always looking for something to do and fishing was a natural fit at that moment in time Bringing fishing to the Lagoon became part of a wider effort by Bristol Borough borough over the last 18 months to increase recreational opportunities for kids and families. It’s the main reason Antonelli got involved, he said.

Fishing licenses can be purchased (16 years of age and over) easily online or in person. Children under 16 are not required to have a license. A one-year license costs a little more than $25. And there are two fish for free days coming up- Sunday, May 28,, and Tuesday, July 4

It’s just one of the new things we’ve been working on with the kids in mind, he said. Once you have fishing tackle, its a really an inexpensive way for families to spend quality time together kids outdoors And that’s what are goal is, he said.

In a related Recreation Board sponsored event, Friday May 19, families can head out to Jefferson Ave ball field No 1 for “Movie Night.” for the showing of “Sandlot” at 8 p.m,  Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged as the movie screen will  be set up  at home plate. Concession stand will be open serving up hotdog’s  and popcorn.

All proceeds will benefit the Bristol Borough Little League.