Lake Lisgar fishing derby coming up

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

It’s time for young anglers to practice their casting skills in preparation for the annual Lake Lisgar Fishing Derby.

Scheduled for July 5 from 7 a.m. to noon, the annual event coincides with Ontario’s Free Family Fishing Week so parents can join their youngsters on the water. And just like fishing licenses for the week, there is no cost.

This is the 11th year for the Dean family running the derby.

“We used to do it with my kids when they were young, and it was run by the Optimist Club then,” Mike Dean said.

The Optimist Club closed down in Tillsonburg for a while (the club is operating again now), and Dean was president of the Kiwanis at the time. The Kiwanis Club took it over, until it too closed down. Then Dean took it upon himself to enlist family, friends and volunteers to ensure it continue.

“I wanted to make sure it keeps going to make sure it keeps going because it was something for our kids and grandkids,” Dean said. “We do it all with volunteers and donations.”

Last year’s derby had more than 400 participants.

“There’s nothing better than sitting there on a Saturday morning and listening to a kid’s squeal of delight as they catch a fish. For us, it’s what makes it worthwhile,” he explained.

One of the few requirements is a parent, grandparent or guardian needs to accompany the young angler.

“Our main goal is to get people out there interacting with their kids and not on their tablets or phones,” Dean said.

There are prizes for the largest fish, largest of each species and most accumulated fish.

“They may not have caught the biggest fish but if they caught 200 sunfish (for example), they could win most accumulated fish,” Dean said.

Each participant will walk away with a grab bag and lunch. Lunch is being supplied by the Rapid Relief Team of Tillsonburg and Area. All funding is through donations from businesses, organizations and individuals. A program through Canadian Tire and the Ontario Police Association is a big supporter. Beyond grab bags, prizes include fishing rods and reels, tackle and a draw for a major prize.

Other rules are the entire tournament is catch and release and water access is restricted to canoes and kayaks only.

If participants want to fish with live bait, there is a small charge for worms.