Shimano Injects Over $10,000 in Cash and Prizes Towards Pro/Ams

For Immediate Release

It was less than a week ago when the CSFL officially announced the countdown to the first of two of the Nation’s most prestigious events and how it is making waves south of the border. Today the CSFL is proud to announce industry leader Shimano Canada has once again stepped up to support Canadian Anglers.

Stouffville, Ontario Tuesday, April 29, 2014, The Competitive Sport Fishing League announced today Shimano Canada will inject over $10,000.00 in cash and prizes towards both National Pro Am’s.

Bob Mahoney, Marketing Director for Shimano Canada, and Andrew and Vita Pallotta of the CSFL have been in discussions since the last Canadian Open, strategically planning the growth of the Canadian Open and the unveiling of the inaugural Lake Simcoe ShowDown and possibly leading into a third event for as early as 2015. Andrew Pallotta states “The Lake Simcoe ShowDown was really a no-brainer as Lake Simcoe is already recognized as a world class fishery and is right here in our own backyard. Our challenge is to continue to grow competitive fishing right here in Canada as a whole.” Vita Pallotta adds “at this time we have met our projected goals in field sizes and these events continue to grow. The Kingston Canadian Open still has a few limited Pro positions available however we have currently implemented a waiting list for Am positions.” Vita goes on to say “Am’s should not hesitate to reserve a position on the waiting list as there is no cost to be placed on it. There are still available positions for both Pro’s and Am’s for the inaugural Simcoe ShowDown which takes place later in the season August 22 & 23, 2014, and wrapping up the summer.” Andrew adds “Keep in mind Lake Simcoe ShowDown field size will be determined by the Kingston Canadian Open field size.

Over the years Shimano has participated and funded hundreds of studies and supported thousands of events across North America and continues to do so each year. Bob Mahoney states “we are very excited to be a part of these events as Shimano Canada has been a big part of the tournament scene for as long as I can remember. I, for one, appreciate the hard work that goes along with these types of events and understand how these events work in bringing new blood in growing the sport and feel that with all our combined efforts organizers, anglers, sponsors, and all those involved will be very pleased and proud of both these events.

More exciting details to follow on how the $10,000 in cash and prizes gets paid out.

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To register for the Kingston Canadian Open of Fishing which takes place on July 24, 25 & 26 2014 or for the Lake Simcoe Showdown which takes place on August 22 & 23, 2014, please visit www.csfl.ca or for further details contact the Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL) at 905-640-2277.

This series just keep getting better. Can't wait for both events and to see the next target venue.

Should we start making suggestions John? How about Lake St Clair? Lots of options there to fish close by or make long runs to Erie or the southern part of Huron or the two rivers. Largies and smallies although similar to Kingston the smallies woould certainly play the larger role. Wish I could be involoved this year but no time but these tournies are looking beterr and better as you said.

Hi Andy
I guess it wouldn't hurt to make suggestions. I think there is a short list already which may include St. Clair and Eastern Erie. I would love to see one on Erie or even Toronto Harbor. I assume scheduling is the issue and access to healthy pool of amateurs. I don't know how the Pallotta family keeps up with the current schedule with the CSFL Bassmania tournaments and the charity events. I suspect it would take a long time to blend new events into the calender. Every weekend conflicts with something. It may take a couple of years for a venue to become successful as pros change priorities.

These Pro Am's are something we need in Ontario to raise the profile of tournament fishing and add new sponsorship. If Kingston is any indication of quality and community support they are on the right track.