In no particular order ... here are the press releases sent out so far on this year's event!

3 more sleeps to go!

For those who aren't fishing the event - please come out and see the weigh -in and the bass tagging research project in action!

Thanks

Wil


PRESS RELEASE

~ BERKLEY SPONSORSHIP BEGINS WITH $1,000 FOR HEAVIEST LARGEMOUTH ! ~

For Immediate Release: October 18, 2009


The 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com, on Sat. Oct 24th in Orillia, is shaping up to be Canada’s most exciting tournament of the year.

“On behalf of Berkley, we are very proud to again lend our support to this exciting event.” said Cam Thomson, Director of Sales & Marketing, Pure Fishing. “In partnership with the Aurora Bassmasters and Bass Pro Shops, the success of this event will no doubt attract anglers from all walks of life. We are thrilled to sponsor the $1,000 Trilene 8lb Test! for the heaviest bass weighing in at 8lb or greater; and, back by popular demand, carry forward the Gulp! Alive! Bucket Bonus, which will see a $1,000 cash bonus awarded to the heaviest largemouth bass of the tournament – this almost creates two tournaments in one all in the same day! The framework and unique nature of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open will see this event continue to grow on into the future . . . at the same time, it highlights the strength of the fishery in the Fall months, especially that on Lake Simcoe and Couchiching!”

“We are thrilled to have Berkley back on board for the 2009 BPS Open,” said Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters Club. Last year they introduced the Gulp! Alive! Bucket Bonus and with it we instantly had a number of anglers specifically targeting big largemouth bass instead of the more plentiful smallmouth. It was surprising to some how many big largemouth were brought in this late in the season, but to those who know Simcoe and it’s incredible fishery, it was no surprise at all. This year, with the tournament site now in Orillia on the shores of the largemouth rich waters of Lake Couchiching , we may see even more bucket mouths brought in than ever before,” concluded Quan.

Every year competing anglers also receive a highly prized registration bag courtesy of BPS Lake Simcoe Open sponsors. Berkley will once again contribute to this in a big way with some of their latest hot bass baits and fishing line.

Bob Izumi To Fish His First BPS Open
“Finally my schedule has allowed me to fish this prestigious event!” Says well known TV fishing host and tournament angler Bob Izumi. “Even though fall fishing can be feast or famine, the fact that it's on Simcoe means somebody's going to catch some giant world class smallmouth bass! When I asked my brother Wayne if he was interested in joining me, he jumped at the opportunity to roll the dice on this renowned fishery. He will be coming back from his annual moose trip so we'll see if his sights are set high for the biggest tourney in the fall here in Canada!"

Facts of Fishing’s Dave Mercer To MC Again
“I’m very proud to lend my support to this exciting event.” said Dave Mercer, Host – Facts of Fishing The TV Show. “Not only will I be competing with fellow pro angler, JP DeRose, I am pleased to announce that I will also be returning as the Official Master of Ceremonies for the 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open.”

“It’s a quick turnaround . . . jumping up on stage after spending a day on the water competing against some of the best bass anglers in Canada . . . but the growth of this Open event and the format the organizers and sponsors have committed to, is a good sign of things to come and I’m again thrilled to lend to its success.” Mercer concluded.

The public is invited to attend the free and exciting tournament weigh-in hosted by Dave Mercer at the beautiful downtown waterfront’s Port of Orillia, at Centennial Park beginning at 2:30pm. Here the public can also witness the award winning Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Project in action – as fisheries biologists and volunteers weigh, measure and tag the tournament caught bass before they are live released back to the waters of Lake’s Couching and Simcoe. This project won the prestigious Berkley Conservation Award earlier this year. Open to thousands of Bassmaster Clubs across North America, this research work stood out above all and continues to provide fisheries professionals with excellent data on the local bass fishery. This project is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program and partners with the lab of Dr Bruce Tufts at Queens University. It is in now in its fourth year with about 900 bass tagged so far.

Featuring payout for top 20 teams ... including guaranteed $25,000 for 1st, $10,000 for 2nd and $5,000 for 3rd place!

The Aurora Bassmasters are one of the founding clubs of the Ontario BASS Federation Nation (OBFN) and have been involved with tournaments, conservation projects and youth fishing initiatives since 1995. The club’s website is www.aurorabass.com and more details on the OBFN are at: www.ontariobass.com

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

Sponsors of the 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open Include:

Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats, Toyota, Yamaha, Shimano, Rapala, Berkley, Mustang Survival, BoaterExam.com, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Hummingbird, Minn∙Kota, Strike King, BassMan Magazine, Lures and Tours
- 30 -


PRESS RELEASE

~ STRIKE KING HIDDEN WEIGHT SPONSORSHIP WORTH $1,000! ~

For Immediate Release: October 19, 2009


The 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com, on Sat. Oct 24th in Orillia, is shaping up to be Canada’s most exciting tournament of the year.

As the hidden weight sponsor, we are thrilled to award $1,000 to the Team closest to (over or under) the undisclosed Strike King Coffee Tube Hidden Weight.”

“On behalf of Strike King, we are very proud to lend our support to this exciting event.” said Lee Branscombe, Canadian Sales - Strike King (Integrity Outdoors). “With a world class fishery such as Lake Simcoe, this 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 anglers in Canada.”.

The public is invited to attend the free and exciting tournament weigh-in hosted by Facts of Fishing TV Show host Dave Mercer at the beautiful downtown waterfront’s Port of Orillia, at Centennial Park beginning at 2:30pm. Here the public can also witness the award winning Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Project in action – as fisheries biologists and volunteers weigh, measure and tag the tournament caught bass before they are live released back to the waters of Lake’s Couching and Simcoe. This project won the prestigious Berkley Conservation Award earlier this year. Open to thousands of Bassmaster Clubs across North America, this research work stood out above all and continues to provide fisheries professionals with excellent data on the local bass fishery. This project is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program and partners with the lab of Dr Bruce Tufts at Queens University. It is in now in its fourth year with about 900 bass tagged so far.

Featuring payout for top 20 teams ... including guaranteed $25,000 for 1st, $10,000 for 2nd and $5,000 for 3rd place!

The Aurora Bassmasters are one of the founding clubs of the Ontario BASS Federation Nation (OBFN) and have been involved with tournaments, conservation projects and youth fishing initiatives since 1995. The club’s website is www.aurorabass.com and more details on the OBFN are at: www.ontariobass.com

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

Sponsors of the 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open Include:

Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats, Toyota, Yamaha, Shimano, Rapala, Berkley, Mustang Survival, BoaterExam.com, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Hummingbird, Minn∙Kota, Strike King, BassMan Magazine, Lures and Tours
- 30 -

PRESS RELEASE

~ Record Payout Announcement~

For Immediate Release: October 14, 2009


The 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com, Bass Pro Shops and its partners is just ten days and the excitement is building across the Canadian tournament scene.

1- $25,000
2- $10,000
3- $5,000
4- $2,500
5- $2,000
6- $1,500
7- $1,000
8- $900
9- $850
10- $800
11- $750
12- $700
13- $650
14- $600
15- $550
16-20- $500




“Today we are thrilled to announce our guaranteed minimum payouts”, said George Wallace Canadian Market Manager of Bass Pro Shops. “No other single day tournament in the country can deliver the record $32,000 guaranteed payback to the anglers that we do. Not only that, as with our unique contingency packages, the 1st Place Team at the 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open has the opportunity to walk away with $50,000 or more!” concluded Wallace.

The Aurora Bassmasters have hosted this tournament since 2002 when it was known as the Crackle Cup. “We started it to try and get more bass anglers interested in fall fishing on one of Canada’s finest trophy smallmouth fisheries,” said Herb Quan president of the club. We also wanted to help promote one of our own members’ new products – called Crackle – a small gel like capsule that when inserted into a tube jig and in contact with water … would begin to attract bass through a crackling sound. It remained as the Crackle Cup until 2007 when Bass Pro Shops took on the title sponsorship. Before BPS came on board, we would typically get between 25-30 teams and now we’re full at 100!” said Quan.


The 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open will take place on October 24th based out of Couchiching Beach Park, City of Orillia. Blast off will begin at 8am when 100 boats and 200 anglers get set to find and catch some of the biggest smallmouth bass in Canada. Anglers will be able to stay in Lake Couchiching or travel through the historic Atherly Narrows and on into Lake Simcoe. Beginning at 3:00 pm, teams will have to be back at Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia for the weigh-in. Here the public is invited to watch the free weigh-in ceremonies as team after team brings in their five fish limit to be officially weighed on the Shimano in water weigh-in system. The team with the heaviest five bass will win the tournament.

Thanks to George Wallace, BPS, a host of hard working volunteers and tremendous corporate support, the Aurora Bassmasters plan on delivering a world class tournament that others can only aspire to have in their own backyard!


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

Sponsors of the 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open Include:
Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats, Toyota, Yamaha, Shimano, Rapala, Berkley, Mustang Survival, BoaterExam.com, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Hummingbird, Minn∙Kota

- 30

PRESS RELEASE

~ RAPALA SPONSORSHIP WORTH $2,000 FOR 36TH PLACE TEAM! ~

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2009


The 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com, Bass Pro Shops and its partners is just a week away and the excitement is building daily across the Canadian tournament scene.

On behalf of Normark Canada (Rapala), we are very proud to lend our support to this exciting 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 the best of the best on this magnificent body of water!”
Newton continued, “For millions, success can be measured by the growing number of trophy fish caught on Rapala lures and to this day, no other lure holds more world records. Because we at Rapala are fishermen first, we know not only what our fellow fishermen need, but what they can’t live without.”

Rapala X-Spot ‘36

It all began with a hungry Finnish guy and a carving knife. It was the 1930’s when a simple fisherman made an observation that was plain genius: big fish eat little fish, especially little fish that are wounded. So begins the greatest fishing story ever told. Lauri Rapala whittled, carved and shaved until eventually a lure began to take shape. Using a shoemaker’s knife and some sandpaper, he created his first successful lure from cork in 1936. With this in mind, and in celebration of its heritage, Normark Canada will contribute $2,000 to the 36th Place Team herein known as the Rapala X-Spot ‘36 (in the event of a tie, the purse will be split); in addition, Normark Canada will also contribute a mix of product toward competitor’s registration bags.

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 commitment. This $2,000 for the team placing in 36th spot is pretty incredible considering many smaller tournaments can’t even offer that for 1st place! This unique prize 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.”


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.

The Aurora Bassmasters are one of the founding clubs of the Ontario BASS Federation Nation (OBFN) and have been involved with tournaments, conservation projects and youth fishing initiatives since 1995. More details on the OBFN at: www.ontariobass.com

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

Sponsors of the 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open Include:
Bass Pro Shops, Tracker Boats, Toyota, Yamaha, Shimano, Rapala, Berkley, Mustang Survival, BoaterExam.com, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Hummingbird, Minn∙Kota, BassMan Magazine, Lures and Tours
- 30

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


PRESS RELEASE
~ Toyota Truck Record Payout Hits $15,000 ~

For Immediate Release: July 7, 2009


The Aurora Bassmasters are excited to announce that Toyota Truck has again thrown its support behind their partnership with Bass Pro Shops for the Annual Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open slated for Saturday, October 24th out of Orillia’s Couchiching Park.

The Toyota Truck Record Payout (TTRP) is a separate purse awarded to the winning Team if they are to break the magic 30lb mark; 30.01lb or greater. The BPS Lake Simcoe Open currently holds the all-time, one-day Canadian tournament record set at 29.90lb for five fish in 2006. If the 30lb mark is broken at another tournament before the 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open, the winning Team would have to successfully break the newly established record to collect the TTRP.

“The Toyota Truck Record Payout is yet another unparalleled opportunity to build upon the success of our partnership with Bass Pro Shops.” said Jeff Powell, Marketing Manager, Toyota Canada Inc. “Like any Toyota Truck, whether it's the new more power, less fuel 2010 Sequoia or class-leading 2010 Tundra, the Record Payout establishes a benchmark that others can only follow! We are proud to be associated with the great outdoors and the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open. Coupled with Bass Pro Shops’ commitment, the Toyota Truck Record Payout will continue to increase by $5,000 a year . . . a structured year-over-year bonus only surpassed by the industry leading quality, dependability, and reliability that forms the rock-solid foundation of every Toyota Truck.” Powell concluded.

Coupled with that of Bass Pro Shops’, Toyota Truck’s commitment will see the 2009 Toyota Truck Record Payout increase by an additional $5,000 to an unprecedented cash bonus of $15,000!

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.

About Toyota Canada

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus cars, SUVs and trucks, and Toyota industrial equipment. TCI’s head office is in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver. TCI supports more than 300 Toyota, Lexus and Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers in Canada with services that include training, marketing and environmental and customer satisfaction initiatives. Toyota’s Canadian operations include automotive assembly plants in Cambridge, ON (Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix, Lexus RX 350) and Woodstock, ON (Toyota RAV4), which together employ more than 5,000 Canadians. More information about Toyota is available at www.toyota.ca.

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



- 30 -

PRESS RELEASE
~ Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Inks
Presenting Sponsor ~

For Immediate Release: June 24, 2009


The Aurora Bassmasters are excited to announce that Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, the leading U.S. meat snack brand and fastest-growing meat snack manufacturer worldwide, has thrown its support behind the exciting new partnership between their club and Bass Pro Shops Canada, Inc. for the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open slated for Saturday October 24th out of Couchiching Park, City of Orillia.

“On behalf of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, we are proud to lend our support to this exciting new event as Presenting Sponsor.” said Doug Surerus, Ontario Regional Manager, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. “In partnership with Bass Pro Shops (and the Aurora Bassmasters), the success of the Lake Simcoe Open will continue to grow exponentially into the future, attracting ardent anglers from all walks of life. Much like the rugged roots of Jack Link’s over 100 years ago in Northern Wisconsin, this event will produce a Champion that is not only able to master the fishery, but one that can also weather Mother Nature in late October on Lake Simcoe – with a little luck! We are excited to be a part of your tournament season here in Ontario; we look forward to playing an integral role in this year’s successes.” Surerus concluded.

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added that, “On behalf of the entire Aurora Bassmaster chapter I’d like to thank Doug Surerus and Jack Link’s Beef Jerky for their respective commitment. This will surely lend to the overall success of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open and will ensure its growth on into the future. We’re excited to see a company of Jack Link’s stature, outside of the fishing industry, lend their support . . . with Jack Link’s commitment; this will help elevate the proposed payout structure to participating anglers (due out shortly).”

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.

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


- 30 -

PRESS RELEASE
~ Yamaha Big Fish Tops $4,000 ~

For Immediate Release: July 15, 2009


With the resounding success of the 2007 and 2008 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open, the Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce that Yamaha Motor Canada has again committed to being Yamaha Big Fish Sponsor of the Lake Simcoe event slated for Saturday, October 24th, 2009.

“On behalf of Yamaha Canada, we’re once again extremely proud to be a part of this unique event“, said Tim Kennedy, National Manager, Marketing for Yamaha Motor Canada. “As part of our commitment to the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open, we are excited to present Yamaha Big Fish, which potentially could be worth a value fast approaching $5,000 with all related contingencies; and, a $1,000 YamaBucks Bonus to the top placing Yamaha-Powered Team – an exciting opportunity to support anglers and the fishery alike!” Kennedy continued.
Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added that, “On behalf of the entire Aurora Bassmaster chapter I’d like to thank Yamaha Motor 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 – a potential value approaching $5,000 for Yamaha Big Fish; Wow!”

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

~ Bass Pro Shops Sign On For Year Three As Title Sponsor Of BPS Lake Simcoe Open ~

For Immediate Release:
June 18, 2009


With the resounding success of the 2007 and 2008 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open presented by Jack Link's Beef Jerky, the Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce that Bass Pro Shops has again committed to Title Sponsor of the Lake Simcoe event on Oct. 24, 2009. The tournament will be held in Orillia on October 24, 2009 out of Couchiching Park, where both Lake Simcoe and Couchiching waters will be open for anglers to fish.

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 $5,000 for the 2009 event - a total bonus valued at $15,000!

"We're excited to be back as Title Sponsor of the 2009 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open." says George Wallace, Canadian Market Manager, Bass Pro Shops.
"The Organizing Group did a great job ensuring a smooth transition and growth from one year to the next. We are thankful to all those who played an integral role in this past year's successes. In particular, we would like to thank participating sponsors, suppliers and volunteers alike; and, one cannot forget the full-field of competing anglers. With this in mind, we're looking forward to what the 2009 BPS Lake Simcoe Open will bring. We strongly believe that the framework we've put in place with our partners holds tremendous potential; we will continue to support the premier one-day bass tournament in Canada!" Wallace concluded.

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added, "On behalf of the Aurora Bassmasters, I'd like to thank BPS for their continued commitment. As in years past, BPS will not only help us to achieve incredible exposure for the tournament itself, but they will also generate increased awareness of our award-winning bass research project." Quan is referring to a bass-tagging project spearheaded by the Aurora Bassmasters in 2006 and supported by MNR's Community Fisheries Wildlife Involvement Program and Queens University through the lab of Dr. Bruce Tufts and his colleague Matt DeMille.

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 <http://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 <http://www.simcoeopen.com/> and the Official Web Site of the Aurora Bassmasters at www.aurorabass.com <http://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 <http://www.ontariobass.com/> .

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


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