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Fishing derby kicks off Petrolia Canada Day celebrations

July 1, 2026

The weather was steamy but the fish were biting as the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club hosted the annual Canada Day Kids Fishing Derby.

There were fewer families lined the pond at the south side of Bridgeview Park because of the heat but the children were still excited to reel in crappies, carp, sun fish, a couple of crayfish and a soft turtle.

Waiting for a bite while having a Timbit at the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club Canada Day Fishing Derby
Stuck on the bottom of the pond during the Petrolia Canada Day Kids Fishing Derby.
Waiting for a bite during the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club annual Canada Day Kid’s Fishing Derby
Carter Wilson had an unusual catch – a crayfish at Bridgeview Park during the Canada Day Kid’s Fishing Derby.

Winners of the Derby

Four and Under
Fisher McClelland – 7.25” Crappie
Five and Six Year Old’s
Kinsley Carpenter – 24” Carp
Aurora Webster– 10.5” Crappie
Zoey Davidson – 5.75” Sunfish
Seven to Nine Year Old’s
Wyatt Deelstra – 19” Carp
William Horton – 18” Catfish
Xander Copley – 15.5” Carp
11-12 Year Old’s
Jax Britney – 21.5” Pike
Dixon Bedard – 10” Rock Bass
Brantley White – 9” Crappie
Age 13+
Tie Richards – 23.5” Catfish
Beau Taylor – 17” Catfish
Chloe Reid – 14.25” Carp
Most Minnows Caught – Liam Daley – 3 total

Most Fish Caught: Carter Wilson– 8 fish in total

Not fish:
1 Crayfish
1 Soft—Shell Turtle

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