At TTF Watershed Partnership, we’re all about connecting people to their creeks and encouraging everyone to enjoy the outdoors—responsibly and joyfully. That’s why we love sharing creators who celebrate nature, fish diversity, and good stewardship.
🎥 Check out this fun and thoughtful video from our friend and community angler, Leo Sheng, aka EPF (Extreme Philly Fishing):
Meet EPF: Philly-Based Lifelister and Micro Fishing Enthusiast
“My name’s Leo Sheng; though, I am mostly known as EPF,” he shares.
“I am a Lifelister, Multi-species, and Micro Fishing FANATIC. I’m currently at 549 different fish species on my FishDex—all caught on hook & line!”
You can explore Leo’s ever-growing list here: Fish Lifelist on Google Sheets
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the sport, you’ll find something inspiring in Leo’s work.
“Brimming with Life”: Why TTF is Special
As Leo says in his video, the TTF watershed is “brimming with life.”
Unlike many nearby fishing spots that are heavily stocked with non-native species, our creeks support a community of native and even endemic fish—a rarity in urban waters.
“The whole creek is one of the few places around my area nowadays that is not stocked with invasive trout,” Leo shares.
“Stocked trout start to deplete the population of smaller native, endemic species of fish… There’s really nowhere else in terms of numbers—of diversity—that compares to a place like this. Because everything here is native and endemic.”
This is part of what makes fishing in Tacony Creek Park so special. Every species you observe is part of a living, local ecosystem—shaped by natural connections, not hatchery schedules. When we learn about the fish that live here, we’re also learning about our creek’s health, our watershed’s story, and the kind of world we want to protect for future generations.
Fishing and Birding: A Shared Passion for Nature
Fishing can be not just about catching the biggest fish—it also can be about observation, curiosity, and appreciation. In many ways, fishing and birding share the same spirit:
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🐟 Spotting and identifying species
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🐦 Keeping a lifelist or field journal
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🧠 Noticing patterns over time
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🧬 Contributing to biodiversity awareness
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♻️ Practicing responsible recreation and leaving no trace
Just like birders help track migratory birds and habitat health, anglers can help us understand what lives in our waterways, notice invasive species, and stay informed about changes in stream health.
Want to Try Fishing?
You don’t need to travel far to cast a line or catch your first fish.
🎣 Join us at one of our free, family-friendly Learn to Fish programs!
We provide everything you need—including the rods, bait, and know-how. You bring your curiosity and your love for the outdoors.
📅 Visit our Events Page to find a program near you!
We’re grateful for community members like Leo who connect people to nature and help us see our creeks with fresh eyes. Every fish, every bird, every plant has a role to play in our watershed’s health—and so do you.
Let’s keep exploring, learning, and caring for our waterways—together.
