Children’s Ice Fishing Derby draws 150 anglers to Sydenham Lake

Craig Bakay | Feb 19, 2020

There were 120 registered participants and 30 walk-ons as ice fishing for kids took front and centre Sunday on Sydenham Lake.

“I’d say there were about 100 parents on the low side,” said organizer Clint Lawrence. “Some parents brought three or four kids.

“But all told, we’ve had about 400 people here through the day.”

Lawrence, who described ice fishing as his “winter hobby,” said last winter Will Trousdale asked him to “consider organizing” some kind of kid’s ice fishing event.

“I put some feelers out and it seemed like many folks liked the idea.”

He said Karen Brawley stepped up to the plate to recruit sponsors and volunteers.

“Dan Ball told me they had about 50 participants for the summer derby,” she said. “So, we planned for 40.

“That sold out and like four days.”

(“Sold out” is metaphorical. This event was free for participants and spectators.)

So, as things started to take off, they recruited participation from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl. Local businesses donated prizes and Coun. Ross Sutherland donated hot dogs. The Limestone Organic Creamery donated 35 litres of chocolate milk for hot chocolate.

“It seemed like a good idea and once we learned we could do it, it was ‘we got this,’’ Brawley said. “This community cares.

“We’ll do it again . . . just not next weekend.”

Lawrence agreed.

“We’re going to have less trouble financially next year,” he said.

Student volunteer Liam Gutherie said he wasn’t much of a fisherman but was “having lots of fun” handing out hot dogs.

“The only thing I usually catch is seaweed,” he said. “A friend’s mom told my mom about this and she volunteered me for it.

“But I’m glad she did because this is a great way to get volunteer hours.”

Lawrence said they also took in quite a few donations for the food bank, of both un-perishables and cash.

(Editors note – 265 pounds of food were collected as well as $130 in cash)

He said the majority of participants were locals but they did have a few from outside the community.

“We told people that we would cater to the local community but we wouldn’t say no to anybody,” he said.

He said they’re already planning for next year and considering opening it up to older youths after the main kids event concludes.

For those interested in such things, the majority of fish caught were perch. There were three pike, one of which was about two pounds.