Have a great day fishing with your family in Tillsonburg

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The 10th Family Fishing Derby in Tillsonburg is all about free fishing and family. 

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Organized and sponsored by Mike and Rosemary Dean, the derby starts as early as 7 a.m. on July 6 at Lake Lisgar. Cast a line after signing up at the registration table – register at any time that morning near the rowing dock – and fish until 1 p.m. 

“We want parents, guardians, and grandparents to come out with their kids,” said Mike Dean. “It doesn’t cost anything and there’s all kinds of goodies for everybody. And everybody gets a free hot dog and drink. 

“Just have a good day being with your kids.” 

It’s important to remember the derby is catch-and-release. Bring your own fishing rods and pails. More than 300 people are expected at the derby and only a very limited number of pails and rods are provided by organizers. 

“Catch the fish, keep them alive in the pails, and when you’ve got one, two or three bring them up to be weighed – do it as many times as you want that day – then release them back in the water. Then go back and fish again. We want to keep the fish population as healthy as possible – Lake Lisgar is one of our town jewels,” said Dean.

The July 6 derby is open to any age. 

“Any age zero to 108, and if you’re older than 108, yes, you can still fish too.” 

Lake Lisgar has a population of small sunfish which are ideal for young children to catch. Experienced anglers often fish for bass, trout and even carp. 

“There’s a lot of fish in there for all experience levels.” 

Most people fish from shore, from the boardwalk at the south end of the lake to the rowing dock, to the Kinsmen walking bridge at the north. Fishing is not allowed from the gazebo. Some prefer to fish on the water using pedal-boats, kayaks, canoes and non-gasoline powered boats. 

“They’re all out there – everybody tries a different angle to get their best fish.” 

One of the deepest sections of the lake is near the fountain, he noted. 

Lunch is provided around noon by the Rapid Relief Team. Every child will receive a swag bag. There will be prizes for special categories and random draws made just after 1 p.m. Two kayaks will be given away this year, along with fishing poles and gear, lawn chairs, and more. 

“It’s not always fishing gear,” Dean noted. “Remember, everyone is volunteering and it doesn’t cost anything, and not every prize is going to be identical. 

“Our first priority is family time, and a bonus is that every kid gets a swag bag. It’s just little things, but it’s something for everybody. And it’s free. The only thing we’re asking from you is to come out and spend some time with your kids, spend some time with the younger generation.” 

The only part of the derby that is not free is bait. Worms will be sold on site. 

“Worms are often the best bait,” said Dean. “That’s what the fish are used to seeing.” 

June 29 – July 7 is the final free family fishing week in Ontario in 2024. Adults ages 18-65 do not need to buy a fishing licence that week.

10th YEAR 

“This is the 10th year that Rosemary and I have been running the fishing derby,” said Mike. “Before us, it was the Kiwanis, and before that the Optimists. I think the Kinsmen originally started it ‘way back when.’ 

“I really didn’t get involved with it until it was the Optimist fishing derby and I would take my kids fishing. It was about the only time through the year that we’d get out to fish.” 

Years later, when the Kiwanis Club closed, the Deans decided to take the reins to keep the derby alive. 

“We said, ‘Whatever it takes, we’re going to do this.’ And we’ve been lucky to have quite a few sponsors help us out.” 

Volunteer help is always welcomed, he said. 

Cabbott@postmedia.com