$50,000 Possible for 1st Place at 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open!

Wow! Who would have thunk that a small Bassmaster club tournament could evolve within a few short years to become the premier one day bass tournament in all of Canada!

For the last couple of years this is exactly what the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open has become and today’s announcement of a potential $50,000 for the top placing team is nothing short of remarkable.

There is still room but entries are filling fast and with this news anyone still interested in fishing the world-class event on Oct. 24th 2009 should apply ASAP.

Complete details below:

Thanks for your continue support of the BPS Open everyone!

Wil Wegman

PRESS RELEASE

~ 1st Place Tops $50,000 ~

For Immediate Release: September 14, 2009


With the resounding success of the 2007 and 2008 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com, Bass Pro Shops and its partners continue to commit the needed resources to the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open on Oct. 24 based out of Couchiching Beach Park, City of Orillia.

Of note, the 30lbs Toyota Truck Record payout eluded 2008 Champions, (brothers) Howard & Mike Gifford who weighed in 28.36lbs. Their weight was shy of the previous all-time Canadian one-day tournament record of 29.90lbs set in 2006 by partners John MacDonald & Steve Hawkins. With no team topping 30lbs, the Toyota Truck Record Payout will increase by another $5,000 for the 2009 event - a total bonus valued at $15,000 over and above the guaranteed (with 100 boat field) 1st place prize of 25,000!

As other respective contingencies fall into place, the 1st Place Team at the 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open has the opportunity to walk away with $50,000 or more!

“This event holds tremendous promise.” says George Wallace, Canadian Market Manager of Bass Pro Shops. “From day one, we’ve let the grassroots aspect of our business drive the demand and success of this tournament. From the outset, we’ve committed to making this the premier bass tournament in the country and we’re doing that like no other tournament in Canada. Where else can you find a one day tournament with a 300% payback for just a $320 entry fee, asked Wallace?

That fee includes entry into the Yamaha Big Fish pot which could total as much as $5,000. “The results of negotiations with a number of key organizations and agencies will be announced within the coming weeks, announced Wallace. “For now though we’re extremely thankful to all our current sponsors and anglers for their continued support,” he concluded.

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters who host the event added, “One thing’s for certain, the Canadian bass fishing community deserves a tournament like the BPS Lake Simcoe Open. Thanks to George Wallace, BPS, a host of hard working volunteers and tremendous corporate support we plan on delivering a world class tournament that others can only aspire to have in their own backyard!”

Applications Still Being Accepted but Limited Field is Filling Fast

Anglers are encouraged to apply ASAP as the 2009 field is filling fast and will be limited to just 100 teams. Complete a 2009 Application Form (available from www.simcoeopen.com) and send a $320 non-refundable cheque or money order (payable to Aurora Bassmasters) to Simcoe Open Application - 10 Laurwood Court, Aurora, Ontario L4G 5C2. All anglers must read and agree to follow the General Rules, Regulations & Liability information found on the site.

In order to maintain the highest level of communication between tournament organizers and anglers prior to the event itself, it is mandatory for all applicants to include their email addresses on the Application Form itself so that all notices and event-related messaging can be relayed directly to all interested parties.

As new information is made available, it will be posted on the Official Web Site of the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open at www.simcoeopen.com.


Press Release prepared by:
Wil Wegman Simon Frost
wil.wegman@aurorabass.com tymike@sympatico.ca