Hello Folks,

This week we are happy to announce that Shimano Canada is back on board as a major sponsor of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open. Canada’s premier one day bass tournament is loaded with several incentive based awards and the Shimano Pay to Play Challenge is just one example. Combine this with Shimano’s additional commitment towards the Shimano Catch and Release Boat and legendary Shimano In-Water Weigh-in System, the contribution this company makes towards the event and the bass research project is truly significant.

We would like to thank Shimano for their ongoing support

Please Note:
In 2009, based on a 100 boat field, we are able to present a $25,000 1st Place Payout, followed by $10,000 for 2nd & $5,000 for 3rd spot! This does not even include any of the substantial contingencies we have in place. In 2009, the Lake Simcoe BPS Open is in effect offering an unprecedented 300% payback! This doubles what we committed last year . . . and certainly raises the bar even further in terms of where the BPS Open stands within the tournament arena in Canada.

And speaking of contingencies ...

If you in fact take into account the cumulative contingencies then you’re looking at a potential 1st Place Payout of over $50,000 (eg -Toyota Truck Record Payout if the winners break the Canadian record – currently set at 29.90 lbs,. And if 1st place catches the Yamaha Big Fish and enter the Shimano Pay-To-Play and others) . . . all for an incredible $320 Entry!

Then there’s the huge custom-made trophy designed by Advanced Taxidermy . . . and the opportunity to fish against some of the best anglers in the business on arguably the finest trophy smallmouth waters in North America!

Applications for the tournament are on www.simcoeopen.com

Thank you and tight lines!

Wil Wegman






PRESS RELEASE
~ Shimano Pay-To-Play Challenge ~

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2009


The Aurora Bassmasters are on a roll and are pleased to announce that Shimano Canada has again thrown its full support behind the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open slated for Saturday, October 25th out of Couchiching Park, City of Orillia.

“Shimano is excited to lend its support to the 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open. The Shimano Pay-to-Play Challenge is a voluntary $40 Entry per Team; independent of any other entry fee or payout component due at Registration. The idea behind the Pay-to-Play Challenge is that only those Team’s that participate are eligible to win – a side bet amongst friends!” said Greg Hammond, Marketing Manager – Shimano. “To get the proverbial ball rolling, Shimano will commit $2,000 in seed money to the Shimano Pay-to-Play Challenge. Furthermore, Shimano is pleased to provide two (2) NEW Core 50Mg reels and two (2) NEW Cumara Reaction rods to the winning Team of the Pay-to-Play Challenge. This will no doubt prove to be a formidable day on the water; and, in keeping with Shimano’s Live Release mandate, we are set to provide both the in-water weigh-in and live release
components for the day’s events.” Hammond concluded.

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added that, “On behalf of the entire Aurora Bassmaster chapter, I’d like to thank Greg Hammond and Shimano Canada. As with last year, Shimano’s commitment gets the ball rolling with over $3,500 in seed money (cash & prizes). Potentially, this unique contingency could surpass $7,500 in value!”

Applications Now Being Accepted!

Limited Field … Early Application Encouraged:
Competing anglers are encouraged to pre-apply as the 2009 field will be limited to 100 teams. NEW: total entry fees per team will be $300; plus $20 for Yamaha Big Fish ($320 total). Anglers wishing to apply should forward a completed 2009 Application Form accompanied and a $320 non-refundable payment payable to Aurora Bassmasters: c/o Simcoe Open Application 10 Laurwood Court Aurora, Ontario L4G 5C2. Failure to submit payment in-full will result in nullification of the Team’s entry application. Cheques must accompany a completed 2009 Application Form available through www.simcoeopen.com. A 2009 Application Form by itself does not automatically constitute entry; furthermore, the Tournament Director reserves the right to refuse/deny entry.

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 respective email addresses on the Application Form itself so that all notices and event-related messaging can be relayed directly to all interested parties. This includes but is not limited to: Receipt of application, confirmation of eligibility and participation, any and all communications relating to the General Rules, Regulations & Liability.

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 and the Official Web Site of the Aurora Bassmasters at www.aurorabass.com. 2009 Application Forms and a complete listing of the General Rules, Regulations & Liability will be made available online and updated as required. The Aurora Bassmasters are one of 30 clubs across the province belonging to the Ontario BASS Federation Nation at www.ontariobass.com.

We’re now on Facebook; check us out at Bass Pro Shops Open!

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