Fishing derby smiles make it all worthwhile

Theo Bowman, 7, and his two-year-old sister Myla live release a sunfish Saturday during Tillsonburg’s 11^th annual Free Fishing Derby. CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO.

Chris Abbott

Post Contributor

Not everyone had success Saturday at Tillsonburg’s 11^th Annual Free Fishing Derby at Lake Lisgar, but Theo Bowman of Tillsonburg caught his share.

“Probably about… six or seven,” said seven-year-old Theo, fishing with his two-year-old sister Myla Bowman and mother Laurel Dade – and live releasing back into Lake Lisgar with help from Myla, who had witnessed her first derby fishing with their mother in 2023.

“Want to see the carp I caught?” Theo asked, proud of the big one he caught Thursday at Coronation Park, photographed on his mother’s phone. “We caught a five-pounder.”

“Usually he catches the big fish,” said Laurel. “Pittock (Woodstock), Otterville… we’re all over the place. Theo loves fishing!”

“Should we catch some more?” she asked.

“Why not,” said Theo, setting up with rod in hand near the Lake Lisgar boat launch.

Less than two minutes later, another fish was biting.

“Oh, mom, something’s taking it,” said Theo.

“Spit it out at the last second,” Laurel nodded. “Almost. I saw it.”

“It was a giant!” said Theo.

“Even the little ones are giants,” Laurel smiled.

“100 per cent, we’re happy with the turnout today,” said co-organizer and sponsor Rosemary Dean, pleased that 476 people registered for Saturday’s derby, held during an Ontario Free Family Fishing Week (June 28-July 6). “I’m not worried about the numbers, I’m just glad that people are coming out.”

“Today is my first day fishing this year,” said Francis Benke of Tillsonburg. “I didn’t even bring my own fishing pole. Rosemary actually gave this to me for the fishing derby. Jen (Dean) got the worms from Chrissy’s.

“I like getting my hands nice and dirty, putting worms on hooks and catching fish,” smiled Benke, who had a good fish-catching strategy.

“You’ve got to let the fish bite,” he explained. “You’ve got to let the fish pull the line. And when you know you’ve got a bite, bam! Reel that baby in.”

It is a lot of work organizing a successful fishing derby, but the smiles make it worthwhile, said Rosemary.

“We do it for the smiles, the smiles on the faces. And the families out here getting together - they’re spending a beautiful day out here. It’s the smiles, honestly. That’s what it’s all about. Young or old, you can fish with us.”

“A huge shoutout to my wife, Rosemary, who did most of the organization of this derby,” said co-organizer and sponsor Mike Dean. “And RRT (Rapid Relief Team) for supplying the hot dogs, water and pop, and all of our other sponsors.”

“Rapid Relief, they’re great,” nodded Rosemary. “They have supported us from Day 1… so 11 years of working with them.”

“Lots of families here today,” said Mike. “We’ve got people coming back year after year… and we have a lot fishing for the first time. That’s what I want - I want to see people out with their families, and that’s what we got. So, for us, it’s a success. They are out with their families, they are enjoying the day. They are enjoying our beautiful lake we have here. And people from all over, not just Tillsonburg.

“We have great volunteers,” said Rosemary. “Whether it’s family, friends, community. We had volunteers from the fire department and OPP Auxiliary. We also thank the Town for letting us use the grounds.”

“We can’t thank our volunteers enough,” Mike nodded.

Kids received ‘swag bags’ at the derby. There were also category prizes, like biggest bass and catfish, and draw prizes.

“We try to have a lot of prizes for everybody – we want every kid to be super excited they’re fishing and super excited they’re getting a swag bag. We find a way,” said Mike. “Sobeys were super generous with bags this year. Maple View Variety donated water, pop and freezies. Tillsonburg Tire, Marcel Rosehart, Shaw’s Ice Cream… we appreciate all the sponsors and support.”