Press Release

For Immediate Release: May 18th 2007

The Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce that Normark Canada is throwing its respective support behind the exciting new partnership between their club and Bass Pro Shops Canada, Inc. The partnership will focus around the newly established (Annual) Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open on October 27th, 2007.

“On behalf of Normark Canada, Rapala and Terminator Lures, we are very proud to lend our support to this exciting new event.” said John Newton, VP Sales, Normark Canada. “This late season tournament will no doubt establish record weights. As we look to the future, anglers of all inclinations will be drawn by the unique nature of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open, the payout structure(s) and the opportunity to compete against some of the best of the best on this magnificent body of water – known for Monster Smallmouth in late fall!” Newton continued.

“We’re excited to have Normark Canada on board at such an early stage in the game. Their commitment into Year One of Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open will no doubt have a positive impact toward helping us achieve our goals, growing this event year-over-year in partnership with the Aurora Bassmasters.” said George Wallace, Canadian Market Manager, Bass Pro Shops.

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added that, “On behalf of the entire Aurora Bassmaster chapter I’d like to thank John Newton and Normark Canada for their respective commitment. This again will lend to the overall success of the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open and the unique nature by which we will be able to reward participating tournament anglers.”

Limited Field … Early Registration Encouraged:
All anglers competing in the BPS Simcoe Open are encouraged to pre-register as the first year field will be limited to ~ 50 teams. To entice early registration, a special prize package consisting of two Mustang Survival Classic Floater suits will be up for grabs to all those who sign up prior to August 31st 2007. Total entry fees per team will be $250; this includes $20 for Big Fish and $10 for Launch at Monto Reno Marina in Lefroy. Anglers wishing to pre-register should send either a $50.00 non-refundable cheque as a deposit or the entire amount payable to Aurora Bassmasters to: 58 English Ivy Way, Willowdale, ON M2H 3M4. Please clearly mark your co-angler in the “re:” line of the cheque itself.

Taste of Incentives Grow for 2007 BPS Lake Simcoe Open

Rapala Hidden Weight: Normark Canada will contribute $1,000 to an undisclosed Rapala Hidden Weight Payout.

Terminator: Normark Canada will contribute $500 annually to the BPS Record Payout - this goes back into the BPS Record Payout should the Record go unbroken in 2007 and accrues into 2008.

Rapala Pro Staff Award: Normark Canada will award $250 to the top placing Rapala Pro Staffer and an additional $250 cash bonus if they were to win.

Minn Kota: $250 BPS Gift Card to the top Minn Kota Team. An additional $250 BPS Gift Card if the top Minn Kota Team wins. $250 BPS Gift Card if the BPS Record Payout is awarded - this goes back into the BPS Record Payout for next year if the Record is not broken. $100 BPS Gift Card for Big Fish from Minn Kota. Another $150 BPS Gift Card if the Big Fish Team uses Minn Kota.

Humminbird: $250 BPS Gift Card to the top Humminbird Team. An additional $250 BPS Gift Card if the top Humminbird Team wins. $250 BPS Gift Card if the BPS Record Payout is awarded - this goes back into the BPS Record Payout for next year if the Record is not broken. $100 BPS Gift Card for Big Fish from Humminbird. Another $150 BPS Gift Card if the Big Fish Team uses Humminbird.

BPS Record Payout: The BPS Record Payout will be held in trust by the Aurora Bassmasters and awarded to the Team that breaks the 30.0lb mark. If, in 2007 this one-day, all-time Canadian bass tournament record is not broken it will continue to be held in trust until the following year when an additional $2,500 will be added to the BPS Record Payout. Furthermore, when the BPS Record Payout is awarded, the contribution ($2,500 annually) will renew and again be considered the BPS Record Payout for subsequent years to the Team that successfully breaks the new Record as established.

At present time, if the BPS Record Payout were to go unbroken current year, the 2008 BPS Record Payout represents a bonus value of $7,000 - and growing!

As new information is made available, it will be posted on Bass Pro Shops’ website at www.basspro.com or the Aurora Bassmasters site at www.aurorabass.com in the coming weeks and months. Registration Forms and a complete listing of General Rules, Regulations & Liability will be made available online through the Aurora Bassmasters. The Aurora Bassmasters are one of 30 clubs across the province belonging to the Ontario BASS Federation Nation at www.ontariobass.com . This tournament is an OPEN event where tournament anglers from any bass circuit are invited to attend.

Press Release prepared by:
Wil Wegman
wil.wegman@aurorabass.com

Simon Frost
tymike@sympatico.ca