Tournament Sponsor Announcements -2016 Canadian Tire Erie Open

[JayClay]

February 2nd, 2016

The St.Catharines Bassmasters are excited to announce that SHIMANO CANADA will be returning as a Platinum Sponsor to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.

Shimano is an innovative leader in the fishing industry and well known for giving back to the fisheries through funding of research and resource management. Also under the Shimano umbrella G-Loomis, Jackall, and Power-Pro round out an impressive lineup. This year Shimano Canada brings an angler rewards program with Big Paybacks to those who purchase Shimano, G-Loomis and Power-Pro products leading up to the tournament. See all the details to qualify listed below!

To add to the angler experience Shimano will also be bringing the SHIMANO EXPERIENCE TEAM to the weigh-in for all anglers to see and feel the latest products they have to offer.

For more information please visit http://fish.shimano.com/

SHIMANO CANADA – REWARDS PROGRAM

G-LOOMIS REWARD
$1000.00 - Gift Card – Awarded to the top team who purchases a minimum of one G-Loomis rod per team from June 1st-October 9th, 2016.
Team members must also wear Shimano or G-Loomis Hats on stage to qualify.
Purchase must be made from a Canadian RETAIL store. Receipts (or photocopy) must be handed in to the registration table the morning of the event.

SHIMANO REWARD
$1000.00 - Gift Card – Awarded to the top team who spends a minimum of $150 per team on Shimano Rod(s) or Reel(s) from June 1st-October 9th, 2016.
Team members must also wear Shimano or G-Loomis Hats on stage to qualify.
Purchases must be made from a Canadian RETAIL store. Receipts (or photocopy) must be handed in to the registration table the morning of the event.

POWER PRO REWARD
$250.00 – Gift Card - Draw Prize – To enter you must submit any empty Power Pro Package with name, number and email address. This is an individual prize so each anger may participate. Draw will take place at the weigh-in.

For more details on the event visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ctcerieopen

[JayClay]

The St.Catharines Bassmasters are happy to welcome our local CARSTAR as a new Silver Sponsor to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.

CARSTAR Canada has a long and established history in the Canadian repair industry, tracing back nearly four decades. In 1992, we began franchising in Canada with the vision of building a nationwide network of high quality auto body repair centers aimed at providing consistent service and integrity across all locations. CARSTAR has since evolved and developed a nationwide network of high quality collision repair centers. And the vision the company had back in 1992 became a reality.

Every time you visit you’ll experience their exceptional 4-step process for repairs. ASSIST – ASSESS – REPAIR – UNHAPPEN

Pay them a visit at CARSTAR Royal Auto Collision 7361 Pin Oak Dr, Niagara Falls, ON
See more at: http://carstar.ca/

CARSTAR will bring a unique incentive to teams that return from last year’s event!

CARSTAR RETURNING TEAM AWARD - $500 Cash

$500 Cash will be awarded to the top returning team (Both anglers) who’s 2 year total weight is the highest.
2015 weight + 2016 weight = Total
(Team must be the same as 2015 – both Boater and Non-Boater to qualify)

[Peter Bartonek]

COOL!!!!

[JayClay]

The St.Catharines Bassmasters are ecstatic to announce that Fishbum Outfitters will be joining us by sponsoring the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open!!!

We are working with Fishbum Outfitters on producing Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open Bass Tournament promo Tees. The Tees will also be supporting the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charity (helping give kids a sporting chance).

"Who is FISHBUM ®? Well, the short answer. We are a bunch of like minded entrepreneurs who couldn’t stop thinking about fishing! We came from all walks of the business world, where one thing remained in common – it didn’t matter WHERE we worked, all our time was consumed with thinking about fishing. When we should have been thinking about what our CEO’s were saying in a Thursday board meeting – our minds were drifting away to some river or lake pondering if we should throw top water or rig up a drop-shot setup.
It wasn’t long before we realized the only way we could ever get to actually work in the fishing industry, was to walk away from our cushy jobs and risk everything. Sure, it wasn’t exactly EASY telling our wives, and loved ones that we had quit our jobs to open up a fishing clothing company … and when we say “it wasn’t easy” what we REALLY mean is you have no IDEA how hard it is to dodge a toaster while trying to explain your vision to someone. BUT as time went on, our dedication to the cause prevailed. One customer lead to two, two lead to three, and so on and so forth.
Today, FISHBUM ® remains strongly at the forefront of the fishing apparel business. Constantly pushing boundaries, we continue to try and re-invent, not only the business – but ourselves in a continued effort to remain visionaries.
We also thank GOD our wives and girlfriends had the compassion to not throw us all out when we came to them with this idea. So really, we owe it all to them!
– Team FISHBUM ®"

[JayClay]

May 3rd, 2016

The St.Catharines Bassmasters are happy welcome FREEDOM TACKLE CORP as a new GOLD Sponsor to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.

We are very proud to add yet another top notch Canadian Based sponsor to the event – another great bonus for anglers fishing this year’s tournament!

Freedom Tackle will be sponsoring the Smallest 5 Fish Limit prize package with an assortment of 24 lure packages! (A welcome bonus that just could help that team for next year!)
In addition they will be sponsoring all of the Angler Grab Bags with Stealth Live Action Hybrid Jigs so each angler will receive a package (2 jigs per pack)!!

The Stealth Live Action Hybrid Jig brings additional life to your soft plastic trailer thanks to its unique design that allows your hook to swing freely behind the head. The unique attachment also allows you to change out your hook quickly and easily depending upon the desired presentation, and a collapsible plastic holder ensures better hook sets and weedless capabilities. The line tie is precisely positioned to provide weedless performance, and a quality silicone skirt furnishes additional lifelike action. For added durability, the head features an epoxy finish, and is also equipped with a sonic brass echo chamber to create a unique acoustic pitch. Available in a variety of proven colors, the Stealth Live Action Hybrid Jig also comes with premium black nickel chemically sharpened hooks.

Check out the full lineup of Freedom tackle at http://freedomlures.com/ - Freedom Tackle - Create & Conquer

How will you fish with Freedom?
Traditional jigs are limited to the manufacturers desired output, or as the saying goes "What you See Is What You Get". Freedom Live Action Hybrid Jigs are the first jig's to challenge the "status quo" by giving angler's the ability to customize their jig's with any style or brand of hook. This allows the angler to use their hook of choice and improves the life of the jig. When the hook becomes dull, switch it out with a new one and keep slaying them within seconds.

Freedom took this innovation to the next level and created a spinner bait with the same technology; allowing the angler to use their hook of choice on the Live Action Spinner bait. In addition to this huge benefit, the fish have no more leverage once hooked because of the separation between the hook and the head of the spinner bait. Hooking percentages are increased because all hooks are able to act as a circle hook - ensuring the hook always finds the softest part to penetrate the fish's mouth.
Action = Results
When you’re hungry you want the best meal you can find to satisfy your hunger so why would fish settle for anything less? Freedom's Live Action Hybrid Jig's and Spinner baits enhance the action of any favorite plastic or swim bait giving them a life like appeal that fish have never seen before. With the unrestricted free motion, plastics and swim baits come alive. Because the Freedom Jig's and Spinner bait's separate the weight from the plastic, there is no restrictions on the action anymore. Plastics and swim baits now have the freedom to perform how they were always intended to.

[JayClay]

June 3rd, 2016

St. Catharines Bassmasters are excited to welcome back PURE FISHING CANADA as a platinum sponsor for the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.

Pure fishing has stepped up even more this year to offer the anglers some big time prizes and bonuses!!

A summary of the contingency prizes are below including the Mystery Weight, Big Smallmouth and Big Largemouth Bonus, and Top Team Bonus Prize Packages!
Some outstanding prizes for teams and multiple avenues to win! Amazing job by Pure Fishing Canada to give the CT Lake Erie Open anglers a chance to win!

Mystery Weight Contingency Prize - awarded to the team who comes closest to the mystery weight without going over (calculated as a percentage of the winning weight)
(1) Abu Garcia Veracity Spinning Rod
(1) Abu Garcia Veracity Casting Rod
(1) Abu Garcia Ike Signature Spinning Rod
(1) Abu Garcia Ike Signature Casting Rod
(2) Abu Garcia Revo S Spinning Reels
(2) Abu Garcia Revo SX Casting Reels

Big Smallmouth - Pure Fishing Bonus - Awarded in addition to the $1000.00 cash prize
(2) Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 Spinning Rods
(2) Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reels

Big Largemouth - Pure Fishing Bonus - Awarded in addition to the $500.00 cash prize
(2) Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 Casting Rods
(2) Abu Garcia Revo STX Casting Reels

Top Team Bonus - Awarded to the Top Finishing Team wearing Pure Fishing related Branding (Hat or Shirt logos qualify) on stage.
(1) Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 Spinning Rod
(1) Abu Garcia Revo S Spinning Reel
(1) Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 Casting Rod
(1) Abu Garcia Revo SX Casting Reel


Total Approximate Retail Value of $3500!!

For More information check them out at http://purefishing.com/ and https://www.abugarcia.com/

Pure Fishing is Building the World’s Best Fishing Tackle Company

The brands that came together to form Pure Fishing were founded by passionate inventors of much of the tackle that we use today. Their ingenious engineering created firsts in revolutionary reels; lightweight graphite rods; castable, high-strength fishing lines, and the most advanced soft baits. These discoveries firmly established our company at the forefront of technology.

Day by day, innovation by innovation, and catch by catch, each brand has earned a distinct and unique reputation with anglers worldwide. Each brand continues to build on that reputation as part of Pure Fishing.

Fishing to us is not just about business, it is about time shared with family and friends, time on the water, excitement and the environment. Pure Fishing is dedicated to helping anglers everywhere have more fun catching more fish.

Abu Garcia, All Star, Berkley, Chub, Fenwick, Greys, Hardy, Hodgman, Johnson, JRC, Mitchell, PENN, Pflueger, Sebile, Shakespeare, Spiderwire, Stren

[JayClay]

May 18th, 2016
For immediate release:
We are very happy to announce that LIVE TARGET will be returning as a Sponsor to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.
Doubling the contributions from last year, Live Target has kindly donated (4) Gift Certificates for 15 Lures each valued at approximately $600 total.

This allows the anglers who are lucky enough to receive the award the opportunity to choose lures that they would use from the Live Target line up!!

LIVETARGET lures feature industry-leading designs in realism and workmanship; anatomically accurate life-like lures that “MATCH THE HATCH®” and prove ideal for targeting all varieties of game fish.

For more information please visit http://www.livetargetlures.com/

Stay tuned for more releases in the near future as the sponsor support for this event continues to grow!

[JayClay]

May 4th, 2016
We would like to welcome back Dirty Pig BBQ to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open!
They will be providing an amazing BBQ for the weigh in along with sponsoring a prize position with (2) Dobyn’s Fury Rods!

Full menu and details will be released closer to the event!

Check them out at http://www.dirtypigbbq.com/ or give their facebook page a like to stay up to date!

Dirty Pig BBQ Serves the Niagara Area and All of Ontario

Dirty Pig BBQ is proud to serve old-fashioned Southern style barbeque, cooked low and slow for many hours to produce moist, tender and flavourful barbeque. We use only real wood including hickory, cherry and apple wood, which gives you that distinctive BBQ flavour to the meat. We hand rub each piece with our own blend of spices for just the right balance of flavour between the smoke, the spice and the meat. It takes a little longer to cook the way we do, but it is a labour of love and we hope you enjoy eating as much as we enjoy cooking.

We serve our barbeque with our award-winning sauces on the side, but would be glad to glaze the meat with your favorite sauce. Just ask. The rest of our menu reflects the best of home-style Southern cooking with all of our sides, including slaws, mac ‘n’ cheese, smoked Southern beans and true Southern style cornbread, to name a few, made from scratch daily. We use only the freshest meats and ingredients selected each day to ensure quality and freshness.

Our mobile BBQ pit is state-of-the-art, which allows us to produce the best BBQ around. Distinctive reverse flow smoking allows for uniform heating of our meats for that Southern “low and slow” tenderness and moistness people come to expect with top quality BBQ. We cater to all groups no matter the size, from small tailgates to large public functions and everything in between. Contact us today for menu selection designed around your gathering. We do it all. And remember, “If it’s not DIRTY, it’s not BBQ!

[JohnWhyte]

Boy this just keeps getting better!!! Way to go

[JayClay]

Boy this just keeps getting better!!! Way to go

Still a few more to go John! Some amazing support from the fishing community!
Payout percentages are going up up up!

[JayClay]

June 8th, 2016

Our Title sponsor Canadian Tire is proud to offer yet another exciting contingency prize for the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open!

CANADIAN TIRE PRO SHOP BONUS

$1000.00 in Canadian Tire Gift Cards will be awarded to the TOP finishing team who spends $50 or more before taxes at Canadian Tire on FISHING/BOATING RELATED EQUIPMENT ONLY from July 1st - October 7th, 2016

Eligible receipt(s) must be submitted at the registration table to the Tournament director the morning of the event to qualify. Receipts will be retained – IF YOU NEED YOUR RECIEPT for returns or other purposes you must make a photo copy to submit.

Total of receipt(s) must meet or exceed $50 to qualify.

[JohnWhyte]

Just keeps getting better Jay!!

[JayClay]

August 2nd, 2016

The St.Catharines Bassmasters would like to welcome SET THE HOOK as a new Sponsor to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.

We are very proud to add yet another top notch Canadian Based sponsor to the event – another great bonus for anglers fishing this year’s tournament!

Set the Hook will be sponsoring all of the Angler Grab Bags with 2 packages of plastics per team! Including STH Tubes and various crush worms - staples for fishing Lake Erie Smallmouth!

Dipped with Garlic and Salt

The difference with STH Tubes when compared to others is the body of the STH is 40% and the tail 60% of the tube, giving you better hook exposure. This also allows you to down size if the bite gets tough by cutting the length of the tail to make a 3.5″ tube.

Crush Worm

The Crush Worm is 94mm or 3.75″ long. We pour it with super soft high floating plastic salt and scent.The Crush worm has quickly become a main stay drop shot bait for a wide range of anglers. We recommend not shacking this bait it has been proven time and time again the dead sticking the Crush worm works best. This is due to the way the Crush Worm stands out on your hook.
As for the colour selection, we have created some new ones.

Check out all of the products offered at http://setthehook.ca/

Set The Hook was founded by Peter Savoia in 2001. The purpose was to bring Canadian fishermen and women the latest in fishing technology and innovation. We feel that Canadian stores and shops should have the same products on their shelves as the U.S. and not wait one or two years before we even hear about them.

For this reason we are determined to bring the finest of products to our dealers after they have been tested by our pro and field staff in some of the most extreme conditions. Products are tested for function, durability, longevity and of course does it do what it claims it can do. Combine this with competitive pricing and you have a partner in supplying you with products to keep you coming back!

Set The Hook Baits

[JayClay]

August 5, 2016

The St.Catharines Bassmasters would like to welcome back VRX Fishing Products bringing THE ROD GLOVE and XZONE LURES as Sponsors to the 2016 Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open.

Another great addition to the lineup of sponsors supporting this event and the anglers fishing it!

THE ROD GLOVEwill be sponsoring all of the Angler Grab Bags with (2) Sunglass Clips per team!

XZONE LURES will be providing (50) packs of baits for prizes awarded to teams who finish out of the money!

Many of you know them as The Rod Glove. Their business name is VRX Fishing Products and while they started with The Rod Glove, they have grown into a company offering much much more.

THE ROD GLOVE - Check out all of the products offered at http://www.therodglove.com/site/home

From weekend warriors to full tilt tournament anglers, everyone can agree that being organized, and keeping your gear stored safely saves time and money. One of my favorite Canadian innovations since I started with NPS, has been The Rod Glove. Over the last year, I've watch how the The Rod Glove has become more than that, it has morphed into a total system designed to accommodate most angling styles to day.

Accessorising with VRX Fishing Products not only can save you time on the water; it can save you money on damaged gear. Regular use alone translates into atleast 10-15 warranty returns in less than a week, for either rods or reels. Some rods boken in the fight most of the time in transit, reels sent away for repair or tune ups for reasons like sand, re-lubing, worst case, broken handles. Not to mention line replacement, we all know that frustration all too well, sun-damaged, knicked line, costing us tackle and fish.

All these scenarios are avoided with the full line up from VRX Fishing Products. You can now confidently protect & store your investments, tools, weapons of fishing destruction,from the rod right down to the lure tied to the end of the line. One of the coolest products in the line up in my opinion; is the "Technique Tags", loading up for a tournament will never be easier then with an arsenal of well labeled fishing rods. The avid weekend angle too can agree having all his rods organized by technique is a house-keeping dream. To see all the great products available in the VRX Fishing Products line up log onto


X ZONE LURES - Check out all of the products offered at http://www.xzonelures.com/site/home

X Zone Lures were specially designed to behave like lake forage, attracting fish quickly and easily to their shape and movement in the water.

The secret behind the success of the Slammer and other X Zone baits is that they are 100% True Hand Pour. This technique makes takes longer than traditional injection molding, but the end result is a bait that is durable yet incredibly supple, which is the key to duplicating the subtleties of nature.

X Zone Lures was founded by Canadian tournament angler Mark Kulik. He conceived of the idea while practicing for some upcoming tournaments that best suited a drop shot technique.

Mark realized he needed bait that would behave just like the lake forage in the lake where the events were being held.

Mark noticed that the tournament lakes had an abundance of crayfish and goby. So, a profile that looked and acted like both of these, with an action that could vary depending on conditions, was required. This eventually led him to develop the first “Slammer” designs.

Our 'Slammer' lures to meet this niche.

X Zone Lures' success in tournaments and expertise in using the “dropshot” technique has made us a household name in the fishing industry. The 'Slammer' has become one of the most dominant baits in Canada and the northern United States. It has been so successful that it’s popularity is quickly catching on all across North America!

From pros to leisure fishermen throughout North America, the fishing industry loves X Zone Lures!

And, since the Slammer's success began, we have expanded our product line to include other great designs and products.

With X Zone Lures, fishermen all over North America can fill out their tackle boxes with lures that look and behave just like the forage in their lakes. That means better results, and bigger fish, faster.

THE ROD GLOVE
X Zone Lures

[JayClay]

The St.Catharines Bassmasters have secured yet another amazing sponsor!
ANGLER'S CHOICE has brought it big time for you.
They are providing enough baits to bring their sponsorship all the way to Canadian Tire Lake Erie Open gold level!!!! Anglers Choice is giving every team two packs of kill shots!
Also, one lucky team, that finishes out of the money, will win two huge Plano boxes full of #anglerschoice baits. Thank you Dave McCready!
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A little history behind this fine Wallaceburg Ontario fishing manufacturer...
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Angler's Choice is a small company based in South Western Ontario, Canada. We specialize in Hand Made soft plastic fishing lures.
Our small bait company started in 2008 with myself and Pro-Staff Jeff Wickens playing around with mold I made of a senko style bait. We were trying to find a good balance of soft and salty that had the right amount of wiggle. I would pour the baits up and pass them to Jeff to test them in his pool and hot tub. After finally being able to get out and test these baits on the water and catching our first few fish I knew we were onto something. Angler's Choice was then born.

Fast forward from early 2009 to 2012 and we have come a long way. After spending the last few years working from a bench in a garage with a cup and a microwave, we have finally completed our new production facility. This facility was designed from the ground up for production including all the proper safety protocols.

Late in 2011 we made the decision to take the next step and started working on our own proprietary designs, and those designs have lead to our new Wart Hawgs, Wally Min'R and Spear Tail Worm. During The 2011 and 2012 seasons Jeff and I brainstormed and worked on the Original Kill Shot. In 2013 we launched the 3" and 4" Original Kill Shot at the Spring Fishing & Boat Show in Toronto Ontario, as well as a completely re-branded Angler's Choice. In 2014 we unveiled the 3.5" & 5" Sniper Shad. Again at the Spring Fishing & Boat Show in 2016 we launched our much anticipated 4.0 Cross Hair.

We would like to thank all of our past, present and future customers for their support, allowing us to bring you the ANGLER'S CHOICE in Quality Soft Plastics

www.AnglersChoice.ca