The Philly bucket brigade

When the Shimano Live Release Boat couldn't launch on Day 1 in Philadelphia because of low tides, an unexpected bucket brigade of locals formed to help save the bass.

Upon arrival at the boat ramp on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Delaware River, we realized the tide was out and the water was too low to launch the Shimano Live Release boat. Joe Tusing, a biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PAFBC), confirmed our inability to launch -- in his waders!
Upon arrival at the boat ramp on Day 1 of the Bassmaster Elite at Delaware River, we realized the tide was out and the water was too low to launch the Shimano Live Release boat. Joe Tusing, a biologist with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PAFBC), confirmed our inability to launch — in his waders!
There was no other option for us at that point than to dip the fish out of the truck's tanks, put them in buckets and nets, and hand-carry them to the water. Here, Ray Bednarchik, PAFBC law enforcement captain, and Joe Tusing begin dipping the fish out of the tanks via net.
There was no other option for us at that point than to dip the fish out of the truck’s tanks, put them in buckets and nets, and hand-carry them to the water. Here, Ray Bednarchik, PAFBC law enforcement captain, and Joe Tusing begin dipping the fish out of the tanks via net.
B.A.S.S. staffer Mike Wall releases a net full of Delaware River bass. Note the expression on the face of the local angler who is watching Wall work.
B.A.S.S. staffer Mike Wall releases a net full of Delaware River bass. Note the expression on the face of the local angler who is watching Wall work.
And then, something really unexpected happened: A group of local anglers formed a bucket brigade line down the walkway to the floating fishing dock to help!
And then, something really unexpected happened: A group of local anglers formed a bucket brigade line down the walkway to the floating fishing dock to help!
Kids and parents helped release bucket ...
Kids and parents helped release bucket …
... after bucket of bass.
… after bucket of bass.
The kids got an unexpected lesson in bass conservation, and we had a great time seeing everyone work together.
The kids got an unexpected lesson in bass conservation, and we had a great time seeing everyone work together.