AuroraBass RSS Feedhttp://www.aurorabass.com/index.htmlAuroraBass.com News!enAuroraBass.comCopyright 2009 AuroraBass.com2011-10-23T10:17:35-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:25:43 -0400AuroraBass.comAurora Bass Masterscameron@aurorabass.comFishing Bassmasters clubs, Fishing Ontario, Fishing CanadaBPS Simcoe Open 2011 ResultsAuroraBass.comMain2011-10-23T10:17:35-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/f2be86bcb958594cd9ca07b3a38f4c24-87.html#unique-entry-id-87http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/f2be86bcb958594cd9ca07b3a38f4c24-87.html#unique-entry-id-87Congratulations Wayne & Gail Misslebrook!!

for the BPS Simcoe Open 2011 Results click here.]]>BPS Simcoe Open Live Streaming Weigh-in!AuroraBass.comMain2011-10-21T16:41:52-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/d00879f269c19bbfed269824d717ba51-86.html#unique-entry-id-86http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/d00879f269c19bbfed269824d717ba51-86.html#unique-entry-id-86]]>2011 BASS PRO SHOPS LAKE SIMCOE OPEN – ORILLIA WEIGH-IN STARTS 3PM SATURDAY OCT 22AuroraBass.comMain2011-10-21T16:38:04-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/dc76ff826137fc47db98039e39f211f5-85.html#unique-entry-id-85http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/dc76ff826137fc47db98039e39f211f5-85.html#unique-entry-id-85 
More Incredible Prizes:
Support from the angling industry and community has always been strong for this event and this year is no exception. Of course Bass Pro Shops as title sponsor has offered the greatest contribution both in cash awards and their marketing and organizational expertise. Additionally we have retained platinum sponsors Jack Links Beef Jerky, BoaterExam.com and Toyota Canada.  Shimano will once again supply their live release boat and in water weigh-in system. Additionally, they will kick in $2,000 seed money for the Shimano Pay To Play pot.  Anglers can enter during the pre tournament meeting the Friday night before. Their $40 per team will go into the pot and directly to the winners – if they entered before the event. If not it goes to the 2nd place team and so on. In total this could be an additional $6,000 for the winners if 100 teams contributed.   Berkley/Pure Fishing will once again offer $1,000 towards the Berkley Gulp Alive Bucket Bonus for the heaviest largemouth weighed in and another $1,000 cash bonus if someone weighs in a bass over 8 pounds.   (Last year’s heaviest bronzeback tipped the scales at 8.05 lbs.) Humminbird/Minn Kota will offer $2,000 to the winners if they used their products during the tournament.  Rapala will run their popular “X Spot” award  and Mustang will provide four Floater suits. Sunshine Radio 89.1 FM in Orillia is covering the event and promoting it daily all week. They will also be at the event and broadcast live and interview teams while they waiting in their boats for the weigh-in. These are all major sponsors who make this event the most anticipated and  anticipated one day tournament in the country. We would like to thank supporting companies X Zone lures and CL Fishin for their product support.  
 
 
How The 2011 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Works:
 
After all the boats are checked carefully by tournament officials at the Port of Orillia, Anglers will blast off at 8am Saturday morning in flights of 25 boats each.  The vast majority of teams will leave Lake Couchiching, go thru the Atherly Narrows and on into Lake Simcoe. “It’s here that the vast majority of those monster six pound plus smallmouth bass reside and it’s those very bass that are required in order to not only win- but typically even place in the top 20”, said Herb Quan, president of the Aurora Bassmasters. .” Anglers will use a variety of proven tournament techniques with different artificial lures (no live bait permitted) and must keep their bass in tip top shape during the day in their aerated livewells. The five heaviest bass – largemouth or smallmouth will win the tournament. Both Simcoe and Couchiching have tremendous largemouth fisheries, but it’s the smallies that outweigh their big mouthed cousins. Beginning at 3pm, right at Couchiching beach park in downtown Orillia’s beautiful waterfront, anglers will begin weighing in.   Those who think they have 23 pounds or more, will be invited into the prestigious Drive By Weigh-In.  Others will walk their bags of live, healthy bass in to have them weighed in front of the crowd.. One of the teams hoping to make the prestigious drive by is well known Canadian pro Mark Kulik of Strike Zone Baits who weighed in 27 pounds last year.  This time Mark will be teaming up with well known US pro Terry Baksay who fishes the FLW circuit south of the border.  Terry has accumulated over $500,000 in career tournaments winnings and is excited to come to Canada and fish one of the finest trophy bass lakes on the planet.
 
Free Weigh-In
Large crowds of fishing fans and curious onlookers are expected to enjoy the free entertaining weigh in.  Everyone is invited to come out and support Big Brothers and Big Sisters with a charity BBQ hosted by Maple Lodge Farms. There will also be draws for two Mustang Floater Suits – an item most competing anglers will already have on that day, as well as all kinds of other draw prizes. Bass Pro Shops will have several gift cards.  John Whyte, who is one of the competitors also runs Time On The Water Canada and they will have several prizes available for spectators. “There will a draw for three spectators to fish with myself,  Dave Chong, or Mark Kulik, in a mini tournament this November. Someone will also win a day on the hard water this winter with “We Pound Em Charterss” who have donated a day on the ice”, said Whyte.  Shimano and Bass Pro Shops will also be adding great prizes for the draw.     
 
We will also bring back the extremely popular Live Streaming video of the weigh-in event; weather and techno-challenges permitting.  As far as we know, we were the first bass tournament in Canada to successfully broadcast the entire weigh-in live at last year’s record setting event. The 2010 weigh-in can still be seen at www.simcoeopen.com  and www.aurorabassmasters.com and these sites will carry the event live in 2011.
 
 
2010 Top 20 Standings 
Position Team Weight 
1 Mark Moran & Joe Muszynski 31.5 
2 John Mcgeoy & Josh Myers 29.80 
3 Mike Desforges & Derek Srub 29.65 
4 Wayne & Gail Misslebrook 29.50 
5 Todd Hatch & Chad Wentzell 28.70 
T6/7 Mike Reid & Brian Gardy 28.45 
T6/7 Greg Klatt & George Schneider 28.45 
8 Scott Murison & Paul Hecking 27.60 
9 Simon & Melanie Frost 27.30 
10 Mark Kulik & Joe Cutajar 27.00 
11 Dave Kennedy & Bob Devine 24.55 
12 James Paluch & Shaun McKay 23.50 BF 8.05 
T13/14 Gerry Heels & Wil Wegman 21.85 
T13/14 Ernie Jenson & Rob Hyatt 21.85 
15 Todd Currie & Alex Campbell 21.75 
16 Marcel & Carrie Cartwright 21.20 
17 John Prokator & Kevin MacDonald 21.05 
18 Barry Graves & Dave Johnson 20.75 
19 Jay Hotzak & Russell Watkins 19.80 
20 George Saliba & Des Barns 19.15
 
For More Information, please contact:
Wil Wegman]]>Special Notice to 2011 BPS Lake Simcoe Open Applicants!AuroraBass.comMain2011-10-17T14:51:51-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/0057ce10c60cb12c0e966a052bd8613d-83.html#unique-entry-id-83http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/0057ce10c60cb12c0e966a052bd8613d-83.html#unique-entry-id-83 
Secondly, we are pleased to announce … and would like to thank, the following sponsors from last year who have signed on for this year’s event: Jack Links Beef Jerky, Boater Exam.com, Toyota, Shimano, Berkley/Pure Fishing, Humminbird/Minn Kota, Mustang and Rapala.  Additionally, we would like to thank supporting companies X Zone lures and CL Fishin for their product support. Thanks to these excellent companies and the continued strong support of all participating anglers, we are proud to state that once again we will have over 100% payout in cash and prizes at this year’s event.
 
Additionally, media has been quite interested in this event ... as an example:
 
1) Sunshine Radio 89.1 FM in Orillia is covering the event and promoting it daily as of today. On Monday or Tuesday we will have a live calling show starting at 12:00. It will start with an interview and then listeners can call in and ask questions about tournaments and community. They will also be at the event and broadcast live and interview teams while waiting in their boats for the weigh-in.
 
2) www.timeonthewater.ca is running a contest on www.lakesimcoemessageboard.com and BFB to “Attend and Win”. They have various prizes for spectators including a day on the water with a tournament pro. Dave Chong, Mark Kulik, and John Whyte  will have a mini tournament in Nov. for three different winners. We also have successful ice fishing guide from “We Pound Em Charts” donating a day on the ice. Shimano and BPS will be adding great prizes for the draw.  Spectators  must attend to win.
 
We will also bring back the extremely popular Live Streaming video of the weigh-in event; weather and techno-challenges permitting.  As far as we know, we were the first bass tournament in Canada to successfully broadcast the entire weigh-in live at last year’s record setting event. The weigh-in can still be seen at www.simcoeopen.com and www.aurorabassmasters.com
 
Pre Tournament Meeting:
The pre-tournament meeting will begin promptly at 6pm – at the Highwayman Inn – located at the southeast corner of Hwy 11 and Hwy 12 exit.  At this meeting we will collect any additional information from anglers, review rules etc.  This is when you will receive your team numbers as well. Blast off will begin Saturday at 8am – with four flights of 25 teams each ... with a staggered weigh-in beginning at 3pm for first flight. Remember IF you and your partner can’t make this meeting, or will be late, you must let Herb Quan, president of the Aurora Bassmasters  at herbquan@gmail.com and myself know before Thursday Oct 20th. For the meeting, please consider bringing an additional $40 per team for the voluntary Shimano Pay to Play challenge.  This will operate the same as in previous years ... thanks to Shimano Canada. Shimano will begin the Pay to Play pot with $1,000 and if 100 teams contribute ... the winners will receive an extra $5,000 if they entered. However- you have to pay to play.  There will also be various raffles and 50/50 tickets available that evening.
 
Host Hotels:
Those anglers who wish to stay at the Highwayman can reserve a room with a preferred rate of $99.00. Just call 1-800-461-0269 and say you are with the block of rooms for the "Simcoe Open Fishing Tournament" Otherwise, the Best Western Mariposa Inn (where we had our meeting last year) is also offering competitors a reduced rate of $89.99 per night.. Just call 1-800-461-0283 to make your reservations at the Best Western Mariposa Inn and request the preferred rate for this tournament. Time On The Water Canada has also secured a rate of $89.99 at the local Comfort Inn off Hwy 12 and Memorial… just mention Time on The Water.
 
Fizzing Bass:
The “Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Program”, supported thru MNR and the Aurora Bassmasters completed its five year run in 2010. This means that there will not be the typical sampling stations set up behind the weigh-in stage to weigh, measure, tag, and collect ageing data of all the bass caught. Most of the bass during this late fall tournament were also fizzed at these sampling stations. Over the five year tagging study, we have learned that these fizzed bass continue to thrive in Lake Simcoe upon release and are re-caught by other anglers long after the tournament is over.  We encourage all anglers to become proficient with this life-saving procedure. You can obtain 18 gauge needles (minus the plastic attachments) from some Vet shops.
For more details please review these simple fizzing instructions: http://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/imce/KBA_Fizzing.pdf You can also view a couple of videos (for largemouth fizzing) here: http://www.bassmaster.com/tips/side-fizzing-safer-bass  Bass that do require fizzing following weigh-in will of course be fizzed before release via the Shimano Live Release Boat however we expect participating anglers to become proficient with this technique and use it when required the day of the event.
 
Safety:
For those new to this event … and as a reminder to all, please keep in mind that safety on the water is top priority. This includes all pre-fishing associated with the tournament.  The air may be warm, but the water can be cold … and Lake Simcoe may be calm when you leave shore, but can become dangerously rough in a real hurry.  Please be sure to travel with a fully charged cell phone (in a waterproof ziplock bag) and all the required safety equipment aboard your boat. Make certain your bilge pumps are working flawlessly! In pre fish, let someone know where you are accessing the lake and when you expect to return.  Please wear your PFD’s or better yet Mustang floatation suits during pre fish and day of the event. Always call 911 in case of emergency… Make sure at registration that we have your correct cell phone numbers and that they’re fully charged the next day. Also, please keep in mind that the tournament director and committee have the right to move the tournament to Lake Couchiching ONLY … if weather/wind conditions are classified as unsafe on Lake Simcoe. We have never had to take this route, and we don’t want to, however this is one reason why the move to Orillia was made a few years ago.
 
Finally, if you have still not supplied us with your partner’s name and details …. Please do so thru email ASAP.
 
Thanks very much and here’s to a safe and fun pre-fish and tournament for all!
 
Wil Wegman
Aurora Bassmasters]]>Special Notice to 2011 BPS Lake Simcoe Open ApplicantsAuroraBass.comMain2011-09-22T20:18:04-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/a947cf3e10ec7e86d45612322b984afb-82.html#unique-entry-id-82http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/a947cf3e10ec7e86d45612322b984afb-82.html#unique-entry-id-82 
Pre Tournament Meeting:
Please note that this year we will be having our Friday evening meeting at 5:00 pm at the Highwayman Inn – located at the southeast corner of Hwy 11 and Hwy 12, Orillia. At least one member of your team must be there. For those who know this will simply not be possible, prior notice must be received by email to myself and Herb Quan, president of the Aurora Bassmasters (copied here) on or before Thursday Oct 20th.
 
Host Hotels:
Those anglers who wish to stay at the Highwayman can reserve a room with a preferred rate of $99.00. Just call 1-800-461-0269 and say you are with the block of rooms for the "Simcoe Open Fishing Tournament" Otherwise, the Best Western Mariposa Inn (where we had our meeting last year) is also offering competitors a reduced rate of $89.99 per night.. Just call 1-800-461-0283 to make your reservations at the Best Western Mariposa Inn and request the preferred rate for this tournament.
 
Sponsors:
We are pleased to announce that the top three sponsors of previous years are back on board for the 2011 BPS Lake Simcoe Open.  We would like to thank Toyota, Jack Links and Boater Exam for their continued support of Canada’s premier one day bass tournament. The BPS Lake Simcoe Organizing Committee is working on securing others. Andy and Vita Pallotta of the CSFL have also signed on for another year and we welcome them and their team back.
 
2011 Event Almost Full:
As of today there are only a handful of spots remaining to fill the 100 team field. If you know of anyone who may be interested in fishing, please encourage them to sign up ASAP.  Once we reach 100 teams, all names (along with when the application was received) will be recorded for the official waiting list. NO CHEQUES will be cashed from this list, until such time a spot becomes available … and then the angler will be contacted to confirm if he/she still wants in before the cheque is cashed. We will make every effort to do this as quickly as possible following notification of an open spot – to facilitate pre fishing time.
 
Fizzing Bass:
The “Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Program”, supported thru MNR and the Aurora Bassmasters completed its five year run in 2010. This means that there will not be the typical sampling stations set up behind the weigh-in stage to weigh, measure, tag, and collect ageing data of all the bass caught. Most of the bass during this late fall tournament were also fizzed at these sampling stations. Over the five year tagging study, we have learned that these fizzed bass continue to thrive in Lake Simcoe upon release and are re-caught by other anglers long after the tournament is over.  We encourage all anglers to become proficient with this life-saving procedure. For more details please see: http://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/imce/KBA_Fizzing.pdf You can also view a couple of videos (for largemouth fizzing) here: http://www.bassmaster.com/tips/side-fizzing-safer-bass  Bass that do require fizzing following weigh-in will of course be fizzed before release via the Shimano Live Release Boat.
 
Safety:
For those new to this event … and as a reminder to all, please keep in mind that safety on the water is top priority. This includes all pre-fishing associated with the tournament.  The air may be warm (let’s hope), but the water will be cold … and Lake Simcoe may be calm when you leave shore, but can become dangerously rough in a real hurry.  Please be sure to travel with a fully charged cell phone (in a waterproof ziplock bag) and all the required safety equipment aboard your boat. Make certain your bilge pumps are working flawlessly! Let someone know where you are accessing the lake and when you expect to return.  Please wear your PFD’s or better yet floatation suits during pre fish and day of the event.
 
Well, that’s about it for now. We will try to continue to communicate directly with you thru email… or at www.simcoeopen.com . Just one of the team members will receive these email update – so please forward to your partner. IF you have not let us know yet who your partner is, please do so as soon as possible.
 
Any questions … just ask.
 
Thanks very much,
 
Wil Wegman
On behalf of 2011 BPS Lake Simcoe Organizing Committee  
wil.wegman@rogers.com]]>Helping our fish survive #2AuroraBass.comMain2011-08-01T14:19:12-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/120477458ffd7eb0e0c949bd22709870-81.html#unique-entry-id-81http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/120477458ffd7eb0e0c949bd22709870-81.html#unique-entry-id-81
Watch the video and get to Shoppers! LOL

]]>Helping our fish survive!AuroraBass.comMain2011-08-01T14:07:46-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7b30160688ef4c2382978c4c827a62d1-80.html#unique-entry-id-80http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7b30160688ef4c2382978c4c827a62d1-80.html#unique-entry-id-80
]]>~ Bass Pro Shops Sign On For Fifth Year ~AuroraBass.comMain2011-07-27T12:31:23-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/6df720b3c3084fd1e9d4315534df8053-79.html#unique-entry-id-79http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/6df720b3c3084fd1e9d4315534df8053-79.html#unique-entry-id-79The BPS Lake Simcoe Open hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters began as the "Crackle Cup" in 2001 as a late fall tournament that would capitalize on the incredible autumn smallmouth bass fishing opportunities that Lake Simcoe offers. Total weights over 28 pounds soon became the norm as the tournament grew in popularity. In 2007, Bass Pro Shops Canada became the title sponsor and have since attracted other sponsors that help provide payouts and incentives seldom seen anywhere else in Canada.
The Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open made Canadian bass tournament history in 2010, when it broke the previous record for the five heaviest bass ever weighed in on Canadian soil. That record was set ... and is still in the hands of Joey Muszynski and Mark Moran who weighed in an astounding 31.5 pounds of smallmouth bass from Simcoe. For their record win, the duo took home the guaranteed $25,000 for first place and an additional $20,000 for the Toyota Truck Record Payout. That extra payout was the culmination of four years at $5,000 annually towards the pot- should the record be broken. They also won $5,500 for the Shimano Pay to Play bonus and $2,500 for using a Minn Kota electric motor and running Humminbird electronics. Their $53,000 total cash payout is one of the highest in the history of tournament fishing in the country. Additionally, the heaviest single bass ever weighed in a Canadian tournament was also caught during the same event by the team of James Paluch and Shaun McKay who caught a monster 8.05 smallmouth that earned them $4,000, plus an additional $1,000 for the Berkley Trilene 8lb Test prize.
2011 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open ... Much the same as last year:
We are thrilled that Bass Pro Shops is back as Title Sponsor of the 2011 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open. Bass Pro brings with it significant marketing expertise that will help retain sponsors from previous years and acquire new ones for 2011, ” said Herb Quan- president of the Aurora Bassmasters.
“We would like to thank previous sponsors who have already committed to this year’s event and look forward to signing on most of the others.   Additionally, negotiations are in place with several other companies who have expressed interest in supporting this premier event, said Quan.” The 2011 BPS Lake Simcoe Open organizing committee ... who are made up of representatives from Bass Pro Shops, the Aurora Bassmasters and the Canadian Sportfishing League, have been hard at work to ensure another successful tournament takes place in 2011.  We are building upon the existing framework that has been put into place for the tournament and are not expecting any drastic changes for 2011. We also look forward to bringing new dimensions to the already exciting weigh-in ceremony that should attract more spectators from near and far who want to be part of the event,” concluded Quan.      
Details For Competing Anglers:
Although the tournament is still months away, many anglers are already looking forward to signing up for the last major bass tournament of the season. The Aurora Bassmasters are therefore pleased to announce that the application process for previous 2010 anglers is now open. These anglers will have a one week period ahead of other anglers to fill out an application form. Total entry fees remain unchanged from last year and will be $380 per two person team; plus $20 for the Big Fish pot ($400 total). Anglers wishing to apply should forward a completed 2011 Application Form (attached and available at www.simcoeopen.com ) accompanied with a signed copy of the last page of the rules (attached) and a $400 non-refundable cheque payable to: SIMCOE OPEN, and mail it to 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan, ON L4K 5W4. A completed application form, signed copy of the rules and payment, does not automatically constitute entry as the Tournament Director and Tournament Organizing Committee reserve the right to refuse/deny entry.
 
New for 2011 will be an opportunity for anglers to pay in person at the store.   Just visit the back counter where applications are available and payment (in cheque or cash) can be made. As an added bonus, those who do visit the store to pay and apply before August 31st will receive a 15% BPS store discount coupon.  Initially, one team member can fill out the application form and sign it and the rules page, however on the night of registration or sooner, that other team member must sign as well. Anglers will not receive their boat numbers until the mandatory pre-tournament meeting on the Friday evening before the tournament, however boat numbers are generally assigned according to when applications and cheques are received. Of paramount importance is that all competing anglers include their most up to date email addresses as direct email will become the primary form of communication with all competing anglers.
 
Please note ... that once again we will cap this event at 100 teams.  Once the tournament is full, those wishing to still compete are encouraged to apply and send in a cheque. These anglers will be added to the waiting list.  If a team drops out, the first team on the waiting list will be contacted, asked if they still want in and if so – at that point their cheque will be cashed and they will become eligible to compete.

Thank You,]]>Tom running away with it all???AuroraBass.comMain2011-07-11T11:29:47-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/6c770c95a32b131b34d6b452ede7027a-78.html#unique-entry-id-78http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/6c770c95a32b131b34d6b452ede7027a-78.html#unique-entry-id-78Turns out dock fishing was the way to go on Sparrow lake this past weekend.
Congrats to the top 3 and congrats to Tom & Terry for the win!

Click here for this events results.
Click here to see this years standings.]]>Tourney 1 is over...AuroraBass.comMain2011-07-04T20:15:04-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/bb9bd9dcd08626fb338a3631c09593d5-77.html#unique-entry-id-77http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/bb9bd9dcd08626fb338a3631c09593d5-77.html#unique-entry-id-77 was slow to give the big ones but as usual some guys found them. Off shore was the bite to find and turns out the good old spinner bait was the bait of choice this day. Congrats to the top guys and to see all standings to this point click here.

Lake Eugenia club Tourney 002Lake Eugenia club Tourney 006SDC10099SDC10096SDC10094]]>Anglers urged to help get more people hooked on fishing during National Fishing WeekAuroraBass.comMain2011-07-04T15:36:27-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7cd6dec19a001ea1e99c44c5eb520fc6-76.html#unique-entry-id-76http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7cd6dec19a001ea1e99c44c5eb520fc6-76.html#unique-entry-id-76 
Fishing is an integral part Canada’s heritage. Across the country we have the National Fishing Week program and in this province we have Ontario’s Family Fishing Week.    Both are a full nine days in 2011 – and it all starts tomorrow July 2nd and runs until July 10th.  During this time, Canadian residents do not require a licence to fish in Ontario.   Many choose to try the sport and introduce their kids to it, during organized fishing events close to home. There will be numerous kids fishing events across the province and seven Urban Fishing Festivals in the GTA during the July 9, 10 weekend.
 
These events could not achieve their goal to get more kids hooked on fishing, if it were not for the many volunteers who help make it happen. Of the volunteer groups, Ontario’s Bassmaster clubs always lend their support and work alongside others to supply rods and reels, untangle lines, serve hot dogs and help people learn how to fish.... All this at no cost to the families who come out ... “It’s a pretty remarkable deal,”  says Herb Quan, president of the Aurora Bassmasters who has helped at the Fairy Lake Urban Fishing Festival in Newmarket every year for more than 15 years.
 
To promote the National Fishing Week, Sun Media newspapers across the country will have a special “National Fishing Week” insert within their popular Sunday newspapers on July 3rd. For many years, award winning outdoor writer Wil Wegman has contributed to this section with various articles geared to promoting the sport and trying to help people catch more fish. In 2011, two new articles Wil wrote hope to do just that ... One called the Future of Fishing looks at ways to help more kids become avid anglers and the other on Fishing A New Lake offers advice from Canada’s premier fishing guru and TV personality Bob Izumi and 10 top tips that Wil put together to help you figure out how to catch more fish this summer in the new lakes you plan to fish. An advanced copy of the National Fishing Week section ... all 16 pages of it jam packed with great fishing articles, can be found courtesy of the Edmonton Sun at this link:  http://virtual.edmontonsun.com/doc/edmontonsun_specials/nationalfishingweek_july3/2011062701/7.html#6   For Ontarians however who wish to obtain some more local information ... like where their closest Urban Fishing Festival may be, they can either buy a Sun newspaper on July 3rd or check out the section online when it becomes available.
 
Wherever you may fish, please consider introducing someone to the sport you love!

          Wil Wegman
     "Focus On Fishing"
  www.wilwegman.com]]>Treating Bass for BarotraumaAuroraBass.comMain2011-06-22T23:12:59-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/2754fa44f0219ac54476d2143cd8abe8-75.html#unique-entry-id-75http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/2754fa44f0219ac54476d2143cd8abe8-75.html#unique-entry-id-75]]>2011 Simcoe Open Slated for Sat. Oct 22nd.AuroraBass.comMain2011-06-17T15:58:42-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fed8ac185c8554e353e4e1f306396d6f-74.html#unique-entry-id-74http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fed8ac185c8554e353e4e1f306396d6f-74.html#unique-entry-id-742011 Simcoe Open Slated for Sat. Oct 22nd.
Although bass season has not yet started throughout southern and central Ontario, many anglers are already looking forward to the last major bass tournament of the season. The Aurora Bassmasters would like to let all previous and future participants of the legendary Lake Simcoe Open bass tournament know that the 2011 event is scheduled, as planned for Saturday October 22nd  out of Orillia Ontario.   At the 2010 Lake Simcoe Open, the heaviest five bass ever brought to the scales here in Canada set a new all-time Canadian Tournament record of 31.5 pounds. The single heaviest smallmouth was also weighed in at 8.05 pounds, setting another Canadian tournament record.
 
With some recent managerial changes at Bass Pro Shops, it is uncertain at this time whether Bass Pro Shops will remain associated with Canada’s premier one day bass fishing tournament.  Every effort is being made to re-establish sponsor commitments for the 2011 Simcoe Open, and this process will take some time to work out.   One way or another, the 2011 Simcoe Open organizing committee is committed to delivering another spectacular event this year.  We therefore ask all anglers interested in fishing this event, to mark October 22nd on your calendars for the 2011 Simcoe Open.  We will try to re-confirm as many sponsor commitments as possible and appreciate the patience of all participants as we work diligently to deliver another outstanding event.  
 
Through direct email, we will make every effort to let participants of the 2010 Simcoe Open know when the application process for 2011 has begun.  We do encourage all those interested in Canada’s premier one day bass tournament  to continue to look for updates and an opportunity to fill out an application for the 2011 Simcoe Open at www.simcoeopen.com
 
This note is going out to last year’s anglers ... if you know of any who may have changed their email, please feel free to forward this onto them.
 
Thank You,
 
Sincerely, The Aurora Bassmasters]]>Annual Lake Simcoe Pike Transfer ResultsAuroraBass.comMain2011-05-24T09:13:55-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/51a4c6f471b6d03e21b75dac59aea318-73.html#unique-entry-id-73http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/51a4c6f471b6d03e21b75dac59aea318-73.html#unique-entry-id-73Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce their annual early season pike transfer tournament on Sunday May 15th , 2011 out of Pasadena Marina 534 Lake Drive Keswick Ontario. Thanks to everyone who attended and congratulations to the winners!

Click here for the final results]]>2011 Canal Lake Tournament ResultsAuroraBass.comMain2011-05-06T09:12:13-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/8caa19125af3ad332f6cb249b5b6603f-72.html#unique-entry-id-72http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/8caa19125af3ad332f6cb249b5b6603f-72.html#unique-entry-id-72

See final results- Click here!]]>Annual Lake Simcoe Pike TransferAuroraBass.comMain2011-04-21T11:04:23-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7f6d8f450d67bcfcf65a20a4caaf2880-71.html#unique-entry-id-71http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7f6d8f450d67bcfcf65a20a4caaf2880-71.html#unique-entry-id-71Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce their annual early season pike transfer tournament on Sunday May 15th , 2011 out of Pasadena Marina 534 Lake Drive Keswick Ontario. The attached entry form can be used by anglers to register for this unprecedented early season pike fishing competition.

Click here for your entry form!

Tournament rules here.]]>Canal Lake early season pike tournament AuroraBass.comMain2011-03-17T09:43:24-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/41f84c7d9c99aec87b431ab7f8e54835-70.html#unique-entry-id-70http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/41f84c7d9c99aec87b431ab7f8e54835-70.html#unique-entry-id-70Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce their inaugural Canal Lake early season pike tournament on Sunday May 1st , 2011 out of Sunset Cove Marina near Bolsover Ontario. The attached entry form can be used by anglers to register for this unprecedented early season pike fishing competition.

Click here for your entry form!

Click here for the rules and regulations!]]>Bass Anglers Assist in Fisheries ResearchAuroraBass.comMain2010-11-12T15:05:09-05:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fee65e3d08416cd34870c39f4bb21dd6-69.html#unique-entry-id-69http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fee65e3d08416cd34870c39f4bb21dd6-69.html#unique-entry-id-69Fizzing is a  treatment used by tournament anglers to treat fish showing symptoms of  decompression - such as an overextended air bladder", said Dr Tufts, a renowned researcher on the subject of physiology of fishes. The typical way anglers fizz  bass is to insert an 18 gauge hypodermic needle into a specific area on the side of the fish into the air bladder.  The air then escapes from the overinflated air bladder (caused when bass are pulled from deep water and kept in a live well) so that when the fish is live released it can swim safely down to the depths from where it came. "If this, or possibly other treatments. are not used, bass will have difficulty getting down, and some may not make it at all", said Tufts.
 
In 2006 the Aurora Bassmasters began an MNR sanctioned Community Fisheries Wildlife Involvement Program (CFWIP) project that tagged bass caught during Lake Simcoe and Couchiching bass tournaments. As well as double tagging each fish, lengths and weights were taken, a couple scales and the 3rd dorsal spine were removed for ageing purposes. If it was a late fall tournament, the bass was fizzed before it was live released.  Typically only bass caught from these late fall events in deep water on Simcoe/Cooch would require fizzing. This five year research project officially ended on October 30th ,2010 when the last of about 1,300 bass over five years was sampled and tagged.  “We have tracked the movements of bass caught over the years by relying on all anglers to call the MNR whenever they catch a tagged bass.  These tags have that MNR phone number, but also a unique Fish ID number.  That number allows MNR to track the bass in their data base and tell us if it has been fizzed or not.  Of the 60 or so recaptured tagged bass that have been called in by anglers, over half of them were previously fizzed ... and found to be in great shape months or even years later,” said Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters.
 
In Barrie, anglers caught bass ranging from one pound to over six. All were caught with conventional bass fishing tackle - and just like in all tournaments no live bait was used. On the Release Boat, which had about 40 bass in full aerated oversized livewells, Dr Tufts and his assistant Jeremy Holden chose 10 bass that were already fizzed and ten that were not, but were prime candidates for fizzing ... ie they were floating in the tanks and showed difficulty staying near bottom. The fish was sedated and blood work was taken from each fish from both sample groups. All these 20 bass were then tagged, measured etc and along with the other 20 fish that were also tagged, were brought out to the Bay with the Live Release Boat.  Those that required fizzing were fizzed, then all the bass were live released and able to swim back down to the depths from where they came. "We will now bring the blood samples back to our lab in Queens where we will analyze them to obtain information about the physiological condition of the fish in each of the experimental groups (fizzed and not fizzed). The information we will gather from this research will help us determine how decompression and/or fizzing affects the overall condition of the fish. This will then help us to determine the most appropriate strategies that anglers and tournament organizers should use to keep fish in the best possible condition when they are caught and released in tournaments. This type of experimental approach is really the only way to conclusively resolve these complex issues. Good science is one of the most important steps towards sound conservation practices" explains Dr Tufts.
 
The week before this research work, MNR crews and several volunteers were busy sampling bass at the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Tournament in Orillia.  This event, billed as Canada’s Premier One Day Bass Tournament, saw almost 200 bass that were sampled, tagged, fizzed if required and released. This was also the tournament that saw more big bass brought to it than any other in the history of Canadian Tournament Fishing.  The top ten teams all had over 27 pounds for their five heaviest bass and four teams had over 29 pounds!  The top team, won over $50,000 in cash and consisted of Mark Moran and Joe Muszynski who weighed in 31.50 pounds. They also set an all time Canadian record for the heaviest five bass ever weighed on Canadian soil.  Furthermore, an additional unofficial Canadian record for the single heaviest bass ever weighed in, was caught by the Team of Shaun McKay and  James Paluch who’s smallmouth tipped the scales at a whopping 8.05 pounds! That one fish earned them $5,000.
 
In 2008 the Aurora Bassmasters won the prestigious Berkley Conservation Award from B.A.S.S. for their Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Project.  There were hundreds of Bassmaster clubs across North America eligible for that award and the $2,000 that went with it. “ The funds we received from that  and much of the fundraising we do during the rest of the year, helps go towards conservation projects like this.  Just the cost of ageing each bass is quite significant but well worth it,” said Quan.
 
“Although our five year project is now officially finished, we are already entertaining other bass research opportunities for 2011 that will build upon what we have learned so far ... and will continue to learn as five years of  data is compiled and evaluated. Of course, we can’t forget that there are still over 1,000 tagged bass that are out in Simcoe and Cooch that will continue to be caught by anglers for the next few years.  We already have a commitment from MNR to continue taking reports from anglers who call in with a tagged bass”, said Quan. Anglers should be on the lookout for these tagged bass (tags are located near dorsal fins at top of fish) and know that the algae they see on the tag can be scraped away with a pen knife in order to read the numbers beneath. “Naturally we hope these anglers live release the fish after writing the phone and tag numbers down,” concluded Quan.
 
The Aurora Bassmasters would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped sample bass for their project in the last five years. They also expressed a deep gratitude for their ongoing partnership with MNR, Queens University and the lab of Dr Bruce Tufts, Bass Pro Shops and Shimano Canada.
 
For more information, please visit www.aurorabass.com or www.simcoeopen.com
unknown
 
High res photos available to media upon request
 
Press Release Prepared By:
 
Wil Wegman –Ontario BASS Federation Nation Conservation and Media Director, member of Aurora Bassmasters.]]>BPS Complete Standings ListAuroraBass.comMain2010-10-27T18:24:59-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/1c2c925da1585e37860cdcb2762050c2-68.html#unique-entry-id-68http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/1c2c925da1585e37860cdcb2762050c2-68.html#unique-entry-id-68S- Shimano Pay To Play = $5,500; YBF Yamaha Big Fish =$4,000; B Berkley Over 8 lbs =$1,000 Y- Top Yamaha team= $1,000
HW- Hidden Weight= $1,000; BBL Berkley Bucket Largemouth=$1,000, R= Rapala 36th Spot award

normal_2010_BPS_S_Open_1normal_2010_BPS_S_Open_2]]>Canadian Bass Tournament Record set at 2010 Lake Simcoe OpenAuroraBass.comMain2010-10-27T18:13:52-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/1e8755477627804eeabb2898084e7d5a-66.html#unique-entry-id-66http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/1e8755477627804eeabb2898084e7d5a-66.html#unique-entry-id-66October 23rd 2010 Orillia, Ontario: The most incredible victory in the history of Canadian Bass Tournament Fishing is beginning to sink in for Mark Moran and Joe Muszynski. The tournament team won Canada’s most prestigious one day bass tournament and did it with a new all time Canadian record weight for the five heaviest bass ever weighed on Canadian soil. Their weight for the 2010 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open of 31.50 pounds of smallmouth bass topped the previous record of 30.35 lbs.
For their record win, the duo took home the guaranteed $25,000 for first place, an additional $20,000 for the Toyota Truck Record Payout, $5,500 for the Shimano Pay to Play bonus and $2,500 for using a Minn Kota electric motor and running Humminbird electronics. Their $53,000 total cash payout is one of the highest in the history of tournament fishing in the country.
The BPS Lake Simcoe Open hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters began as the “Crackle Cup” in 2001 as a late fall tournament that would capitalize on the incredible smallmouth bass fishing opportunities that Lake Simcoe offers at this time of year. Total weights over 28 pounds soon became the norm as the tournament grew in popularity. In 2007, Bass Pro Shops Canada became the title sponsor and have since attracted other sponsors that help provide payouts seldom seen anywhere else in Canada.
How the Winners Did It:
Mark Moran, 43 from Port Perry and Joe Muszynski, 32 from Barrie caught their oversized bass in 30-40 feet of water. “We caught around 20 fish during the day; I was using a green pumpkin tube jig on a 3/16 oz weight and drop shotting a custom hand poured black and white minnow bait. We moved fast looking for fish on our Humminbird electronics and then dropped the baits down on them”, Moran revealed.
Muszynski explained, “It was the most incredible day a bass angler could ever ask for. In my career I have won Team of the Year titles, a Classic Championship and some other one day tournaments but winning the BPS Open is by far my greatest accomplishment. I have a deep passion and respect for this body of water and to set the record with all the great Lake Simcoe anglers fishing this event; well it’s very special to me. The BPS Lake Simcoe Open is a standalone event and I think everyone agrees it is the biggest tournament in our country. The industry support and preparation are phenomenal and that along with the amazing bass fishery of Lake Simcoe is what makes this event such a huge success.
The 2010 BPS Lake Simcoe Open, had a full field of 100 teams with some of Canada’s finest anglers. Orillia hosted record crowds at the free weigh-in show who watched team after team weighing in some of the biggest smallmouth bass on the planet. Facts of Fishing star, Dave Mercer MC’d the event which was broadcast live on the websites below. He also fished the tournament with JP DeRose of the WFN’s Gettin Schooled with JP.
The Yamaha Big Fish award went to 12th place team of James Paluch and Shaun McKay who caught a monster 8.05 smallmouth that earned them $4,000, plus an additional $1,000 for Berkley Trilene 8lb Test prize ... the first time this has ever been awarded anywhere in Canada. This Big Fish weight is currently being explored by tournament officials as a possible record for the single heaviest bass ever weighed in during a Canadian tournament.
Behind the Weigh-In Scene:
Back stage the Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research crew were busy measuring, tagging, taking scales and spines (for ageing) all the bass before they were transported to the Shimano Live Release Boat for transport and release back to the lake.
This award winning research program coordinated by the Aurora Bassmasters and supported by MNR’s Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program has collected data from this and other bass tournaments for the last five years. Collectively over 1,300 bass have been tagged and released. Anglers who catch a tagged fish ... like the one caught by Rob Hyatt during this event, are asked to report the number and details to MNR. The phone number and individual fish ID numbers are on each tag.
Sponsors of the 2010 BPS Lake Simcoe Open include:
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, BoaterExam, Ontario's Lakes Country, Toyota, Tracker Boats, Yamaha, Northstar Marine Insurance, Berkley, Humminbird, Minn Kota, Shimano, Rapala, Maple Toyota, Mustang Survival, Musky Graphics, Advanced Taxidermy, CSFL, and Bass Pro Shops. A special thank you to all the dedicated volunteers who helped make this event such a success. We appreciate all the assistance from various bass club members, Junior Bassmasters and the dedicated MNR staff who ran the sampling station.

Press Release Prepared By: Wil Wegman

]]>Watch the BPS Simcoe Open weigh-in Recorded Live.AuroraBass.comMain2010-10-21T09:59:41-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/d6db484a6ef0fb9bf218cb9216c98173-65.html#unique-entry-id-65http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/d6db484a6ef0fb9bf218cb9216c98173-65.html#unique-entry-id-65]]> Saturday October 23rd, 2010 Canada’s premier bass tournament media releaseAuroraBass.comMain2010-10-19T10:24:47-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/3c0acc6cec135a9e024a606ebf88a6fa-63.html#unique-entry-id-63http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/3c0acc6cec135a9e024a606ebf88a6fa-63.html#unique-entry-id-63unknown 

On Saturday October 23rd, 2010 Canada’s premier bass tournament will take place out of Couchiching Beach Park in downtown Orillia Ontario. A full field of Canada’s top anglers (200 in all) will leave the waterfront Saturday morning at 8am and return by 3pm to have their five heaviest bass weighed. At stake? A guaranteed $25,000 top prize for the winner ... with an opportunity to more than double that with various contingency and awards. Also available... a brand new Toyota Truck and Tracker boat worth about $100,000 if an Ontario record smallmouth bass is weighed in.  Further, the Toyota Truck Record Payout will offer a total bonus of $20,000 over and above the regular 1st place prize package to the winners if the winning team sets a new Canadian Tournament Record.  2009 Champions, Barry Graves and Jason Gough weighed in at 29lbs even for five bass and received $34,300 for their day fishing. Their weight was just shy of the previous Canadian one-day tournament record of 30.35lbs. Known for its record setting weights and monster smallmouth bass, this has truly become a must-fish event for competitive bass anglers across the country.
 
The free and exciting weigh-in ceremonies are open to the public and will commence at approx 2:30pm. The public will be able to watch some of the biggest smallmouth bass in the country weighed in by MC Dave Mercer of Fact of Fishing – The Show.   Dave will not only be MC’ing this event, but will partner-up with Getting Schooled TV show host JP DeRose to try and win the 2010 BPS Open. Other notable anglers fishing this prestigious catch and release event include Canada’s own Bob Izumi, open water smallmouth guru’s Mike DesForges and Derek Strub and former winners the Gifford brothers, Bob Formosa and Jason Saliba, John McDonald and Steve Hawkins.
 
This event consistently see’s near record weights every year and many anglers are predicting 2010 will be the year a new all time Canadian bass tournament record is set. Be part of the action in Orillia this Saturday!
 
For more information, please visit the official web site of the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open at www.simcoeopen.com  Please join our Facebook Group at Bass Pro Shops Open!
 
Press Release prepared by
 
Wil Wegman

]]> Ontario Lakes Country behind the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open.AuroraBass.comMain2010-08-04T09:14:01-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fec5af878626d51fb11c35467b63fc87-62.html#unique-entry-id-62http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fec5af878626d51fb11c35467b63fc87-62.html#unique-entry-id-62 
“On behalf of Ontario’s Lake Country, alongside Bass Pro Shops, we are excited to lend our support and commitment to the original fall championship of bass fishing.” said Frank J. Coyle, Chair of Ontario’s Lake Country Board of Directors. “In partnership with like-minded sponsors, the success of the Lake Simcoe Open will continue to grow exponentially into the future. This event is a perfect fit for the region; in conjunction with the Orillia Perch Festival, the Lake Simcoe Open bookends the recreational fishing season here in Ontario’s Lake Country. There is no better backdrop to best highlight the strengths of Ontario’s fall fishery other than right here in Ontario’s Lake Country. The area is one of Ontario’s most picturesque regions, filled with beautiful lakes, rolling hills, clean waters and renowned waterways known for its monstrous late season smallmouth. We look forward to growing with you.” Mr. Coyle concluded.
 
Applications Now Being Accepted!
 
Limited Field … Early Application Encouraged:
Competing anglers are encouraged to pre-apply as the 2010 field will be limited to 100 Teams. NEW: total entry fees per Team will be $380; plus $20 for Yamaha Big Fish ($400 total). Anglers wishing to apply should forward a completed 2010 Application Form accompanied with a $400 non-refundable payment payable to SIMCOE OPEN: A9 – 210 Glendale Avenue, Suite 120        St. Catharines, ON L2T 3Y6. Failure to submit payment in-full will result in nullification of the Team’s entry application. Cheques must accompany a completed 2010 Application Form available through www.simcoeopen.com. A 2010 Application Form by itself, partially completed, does not automatically constitute entry; furthermore, the Tournament Director (TD) and Tournament Organizing Group (TOG) reserve 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.
 
Mandatory Competitors Meeting:
This year’s Host Hotel is the Best Western Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre located at 400 Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia – (705) 325-9511. Additional information will be made available in the very near future.
 
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. 2010 Application Forms and a complete listing of the General Rules, Regulations & Liability will be made available online and updated as required. Please join our Facebook Group at Bass Pro Shops Open!
 
Press Release prepared by:
Wil Wegman                                             Simon Frost
wil.wegman@aurorabass.com                 tymike@sympatico.ca]]>Yamaha Motor Canada has committed to continue its supportAuroraBass.comMain2010-06-11T09:57:51-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/49cfa14c5a7529fb79c0b38489a036b6-60.html#unique-entry-id-60http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/49cfa14c5a7529fb79c0b38489a036b6-60.html#unique-entry-id-60For Immediate Release:  June 7, 2010
Yamaha Motor Canada has committed to continue its support of the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open slated for October 23rd out of Couchiching Beach Park, City of Orillia.
"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.
Applications Now Being Accepted!
Limited Field Early Application Encouraged:
Competing anglers are encouraged to pre-apply as the 2010 field will be limited to 100 Teams. NEW: total entry fees per Team will be $380; plus $20 for Yamaha Big Fish ($400 total). Anglers wishing to apply should forward a completed 2010 Application Form accompanied with a $400 non-refundable payment payable to SIMCOE OPEN: A9 - 210 Glendale Avenue, Suite 120, St. Catharines, ON L2T 3Y6. Failure to submit payment in-full will result in nullification of the Team's entry application. Cheques must accompany a completed 2010 Application Form available through www.simcoeopen.com. A 2010 Application Form by itself, partially completed, does not automatically constitute entry; furthermore, the Tournament Director (TD) and Tournament Organizing Group (TOG) reserve 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 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.
Mandatory Competitors Meeting:
This year's Host Hotel is the Best Western Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre located at 400 Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia - (705) 325-9511. Additional information will be made available in the very near future.
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. 2010 Application Forms and a complete listing of the General Rules, Regulations & Liability are available online and updated as required. Please join our Facebook Group at Bass Pro Shops Open!
Press Release prepared by:
Wil Wegman                                             Simon Frost
wil.wegman@aurorabass.com                 tymike@sympatico.ca]]>2010 Law Enforcement Fishing ClassicAuroraBass.comMain2010-06-11T09:53:43-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/9f5e8b346d683af34420ceca02b805f7-59.html#unique-entry-id-59http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/9f5e8b346d683af34420ceca02b805f7-59.html#unique-entry-id-59On June 6th, 2010 I fished my first 'open water' tournament of the season. It was the 2010 Law Enforcement Fishing Classic (LEFC) on Lake Simcoe and was hosted by the Toronto Police Amateur Athletic Association and the Toronto Police Association.
Over 120 participants came to fish this Northern Pike tournament and support the two charities that benefit from the proceeds of the LEFC. Participants were made up of anglers from across the Province who were Law Enforcement Officials (Toronto Police Service, OPP, York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, and Durham Regional Police) as well some of the top name anglers and sponsors in the Province.

A Great Double Charity Tournament:
Once again the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) Children's Tackle Share Program and the Tema Conter Memorial Trust (TCMT) will receive a significant donation on behalf of the participants of the LEFC. The TCMT provides assistance for emergency services personnel who have faced traumatic events resulting in serious physical, psychological and emotional effects. The TCMT was founded to give our heroes the attention they deserve. The OFAH Tackle Share program is designed to lend fishing rods, reels and basic tackle to children and novice anglers who do not have their own fishing equipment and are eager to experience the excitement of fishing. The OFAH Tackle Share program has arrived to more than 100 communities across Ontario, giving aspiring anglers an opportunity to go fishing. Participating Ontario Provincial Parks, public libraries, Conservation Authorities, youth camps and Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations host OFAH Tackle Share loaner sites. Through these locations, children and new anglers can sign out a rod and reel and an assortment of tackle the same way they would borrow library materials.
Fishing Conditions:
The first tournament of the season began much like the last one I fished in 2009. Fighting the elements is par for the course on Lake Simcoe with heavy rain, wild winds and four foot waves. I was fishing with fellow Aurora Bassmaster Bob Kendall of Newmarket who has caught his share of tournament winning pike over the years. We were proud to be representing Lake Simcoe Living magazine - a local quarterly full color magazine that is distributed around the lake. I have been the Hooked On Fishing columnist since day one and wrote about this event in the Spring issue.

pike-june-6-2010-3

Bob with his big pike shortly after it was caught

pike-june-6-2010-1

Wil holding his pike (right) and Bob’s winning pike (left).
Bob sliced his hand on his pike and was unable
to hold his fish - Wil gladly obliged for this photo opp.

Getting Bit and How:
We tried battling the waves for the first couple of hours but neither Bob nor I got bit by any of the toothy critters we were after. Finally we had enough of battling the wind. "Let's try that windward shore where it's calmer and we can work these baits properly, " I said to Bob. "Just what I was thinking," was all the response I got and before you knew it we were trolling our jerkbaits baits on the deep edge of the weedgrowth. My Rapala X Rap was just tickling the luscious green coontail plants - much of which overwintered nicely thanks to plenty of light penetration we had this past winter without too much snow cover. Bob caught the first pike - a nice 6 pounder that hit the bait hard. Mine, a twin to Bob's came only a few minutes later but didn't strike hard at all - just engulfing my X Rap instead. Fortunately the 25 lb test Suffix Floro I was using as a leader held up to the razor sharp teeth of the pike and didn't break off.
With this tournament we were permitted to weigh in one pike each - so we had our count. Fishing slowed down after that but Bob was able to upgrade with a nice fish that we estimated might be pushing ten pounds - not a bad fish for tough conditions on Cooks Bay. That fish did slice Bob's hand pretty good though. Before we knew it, it was time to travel back to Boston Pizza in Keswick, the tournament headquarters, to weigh in. We heard last year's winner - Mark Kulik and his tournament partner this year Mike Morson (representing Strike Zone Baits) had a nice fish. The tension built for awhile but when all was said and done- Bob's pike was nicer at 9.15 pounds. Morson's fish was good enough for 2nd place at 7.22 pounds but Steve Jojos also caught a 7.22 pounder that tied it. Jojos was fishing with one of Metro's finest and fellow Aurora Bassmaster Rob Takeda representing Ouzo Baits.

pike-june-6-2010-2

2nd place winner Mike Morson(left) and Mark Kulik with their 7.22 pound pike

pike-june-6-2010-4

 Lake Simcoe Living team member Bob Kendal (centre in pink) with other winners

Amateur Division:
1. Andy Oddi - PIKE PUNISHERS - 9.6 lbs.
2. Volodymyr Zvezdomkin - PIKE FURY - 7.13 lbs. 
3. Matt Emptage - DERBY KINGS - 7.0 lbs.
Smallest Fish: 
Glen Abate-MARINES - 1.11 lbs.
Sponsors:
Lake Simcoe Living, Rapala, (Normark Canada), Molson Coors Canada, Bass Pro Shop, Tracker Marine, Ouzo Baits, Radio World, Strike Zone Tournament Baits, Extreme Angler, Canadian Tire Markham, Siltec Design, Canadian Sport Fishing League, Mizmo Baits, Pizza Nova, GnG Electronics, Boston Pizza and Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. A special thanks to Corrado Rabbito and his assistant Rob Takeda for all the hard work they did planning this tournament. There were enough great draw prizes for practically everyone who entered ... including a 32" Sony Bravia HD television won by one of Toronto Police Service's finest- Jeremy DiPoce.
For more information please visit: www.lefc-ontario.com

Wil Wegman 
Focus On Fishing

]]>ANNUAL LAKE SIMCOE PIKE TOURNAMENT RESULTSAuroraBass.comMain2010-06-03T12:32:03-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/46257f77673131bff60876be78c93b78-58.html#unique-entry-id-58http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/46257f77673131bff60876be78c93b78-58.html#unique-entry-id-58RESULTS WEIGHT LBS

1st Deb and Mike Caesar $750.00 14.76
2nd Bob Huntley / Grant Spence Big Fish 6.94 $210.00 $350.00 14.3
3rd Bill Scott / Peter Fairweather $175.00 13.96
4rd Chris and Bob Kendall $125.00 13.02
5th Carlo Puiatti / Tom Tsatskas $100.00 10.78
Andre Langdon / Peter Marrocco 8.90
Terry Chomski / Stan Tsysar 8.26
Metello Levi / Gus Bevros 7.08
Brad Jamieson / Mike Griepsma 6.32
Spence Moreau / Grigorios Leoniadas 2.62
Rick Lewis / Rob Takeda 1.42
Alex Perrone / Gabe Fiorello 0
Rick Harrison / John Miel 0
Brent Breitkrenz / Joe Gidari 0
Harry Hakkarainen / Thomas Baddeley 0
Adam Stuart / Larry Emmanoni 0
Randy Dulude / Gary Janes 0
Des and Derek Barnes 0
Gavin and Brad Towers 0
James Clark / Karlo Blom 0
Paul Corcoran / Mike Macphail 0
]]>For Immediate ReleaseAuroraBass.comMain2010-05-14T09:19:41-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/b437abf1e7e9ee589f47ea30a17f4724-57.html#unique-entry-id-57http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/b437abf1e7e9ee589f47ea30a17f4724-57.html#unique-entry-id-57hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters and presented by Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, BoaterExam.com and Ontario Lakes Country, has been unprecedented in Canadian bass tournament history. Today we are pleased to announce that Bass Pro Shops has again committed to Title Sponsor of the Lake Simcoe event slated for Saturday, October 23, 2010, based out of Couchiching Beach Park, City of Orillia.
Of note, the Toyota Truck Record Payout eluded 2009 Simcoe Open Champions, Barry Graves and Jason Gough who weighed in 29lbs even. Their weight was shy of the previous unofficial Canadian one-day tournament record of 30.35lbs. With no team topping The Record, the Toyota Truck Record Payout will increase by $5,000 for the 2010 event - a total bonus valued at $20,000!
 
“We’re excited to be back as Title Sponsor of the 2010 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open.” says George Wallace, Canadian Market Manager, Bass Pro Shops. “The Tournament 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 have played an integral role in this past year’s successes. In particular, we would like to thank participating sponsors, suppliers and volunteers. Of course we cannot forget the full-field of competing anglers who support this event year in and year out. With this in mind, we’re looking forward to what the 2010 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 what is the original and premier one-day fall championship of bass fishing in Canada!” Wallace concluded.
 
Over $200,000 in potential cash and prizes!
Other tournaments may claim to be the biggest and the best but the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open is the Granddaddy of them all! With a 250+% payback, realistic and achievable contingencies from some of the industry’s most respected brands, the Simcoe Open is an unparalleled fishing experience. Here competing anglers not only fish against some of the most recognizable tournament anglers in the country but battle against Mother Nature herself. Coinciding with the exciting weigh-in is the bass-tagging research project spearheaded by the Aurora Bassmasters. A portion of the proceeds will be directed to this award-winning work. In partnership with the Canadian Sport Fishing League, the tournament emphasizes fair play and measures of certification.
 
Applications Now Being Accepted!
 
Limited Field … Early Application Encouraged:
Competing anglers are encouraged to pre-apply as the 2010 field will be limited to 100 Teams. NEW: total entry fees per Team will be $380; plus $20 for Yamaha Big Fish ($400 total). Anglers wishing to apply should forward a completed 2010 Application Form accompanied with a $400 non-refundable payment payable to: SIMCOE OPEN, A9–210 Glendale Avenue, Suite 120 St. Catharines, ON L2T 3Y6. Failure to submit payment in-full will result in nullification of the Team’s entry application. Cheques must accompany a completed 2010 Application Form available through www.simcoeopen.com. A 2010 Application Form by itself, partially completed, does not automatically constitute entry; furthermore, the Tournament Director and Tournament Organizing Group reserve 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.
 
Mandatory Competitors Meeting:
This year’s Host Hotel is the Best Western Mariposa Inn & Conference Centre located at 400 Memorial Avenue in the City of Orillia – (705) 325-9511. Additional information will be made available in the very near future.
 
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. 2010 Application Forms and a complete listing of the General Rules, Regulations & Liability will be made available online and updated as required. Please join our Facebook Group at Bass Pro Shops Open!
 
Press Release prepared by:
Wil Wegman                                                           Simon Frost
wil.wegman@aurorabass.com                 tymike@sympatico.ca]]>1St Annual Canal Lake Pike Tournament ResultsAuroraBass.comMain2010-05-06T21:39:50-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7737771348b3f4efc7945c73b86fee93-56.html#unique-entry-id-56http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/7737771348b3f4efc7945c73b86fee93-56.html#unique-entry-id-56RESULTS                                                                                                   WEIGHT LBS 
1st Craig Denham / Tim Cook                                                    $1100.00       17.2
2nd Dean Hornick / Mike Otani        Big Fish  8.1  $320.00     $820.00         16.8
3rd Jeff Cousins / Travis Wiggs                                                   $250.00 tie   16.7
3rd Gary Franklin / Chris Marlay                                                 $250.00 tie   16.7
5th Basil Tserotas / Nick Tserotas                                                $150.00         15.5 
Mike Allen / Tom Allen                                                                                     14.7
Bob Huntley / Grant Spence                                                                               14.4
Steve Stinson / Dustin Bruce                                                                              14.2
Ron Goal / Brad Taylor                                                                                      13.9
Rob Derongo / Anthony Chiado                                                                         13.9
Bob Kendall / Chris Kendall                                                                              13.3
Brad Jamieson / Mike Griepsma                                                                        13.0
Jayson Douville / Brian Martin                                                                          12.8    
Tom Tsatskas / Carlo Puiatti                                                                              12.6
Jof Cultrard /Diavid Shen                                                                                  12.5
John Delicata / Joshua Dojoy                                                                            12.4
Dave Miller / Gary Miller                                                                                  12.3
Joe Nobili / Marko Imbrogno                                                                            11.5
Jason Malfara / Anthony Mogavero                                                                  11.1
Jeff Noble / Mike Milligan                                                                                 9.9
Rick Lewis / John DeBartolo                                                                             9.2
Stephen Yuricek / Ivan Pavick                                                                           7.5
Numo Antunes / Irnoloo Moniz                                                                          7.4
Luis Pereira / Manny Progenca                                                                           7.1
Eric Santoro / Barry Clayton                                                                               6.2
Lidio Godino / Paul Godino                                                                                0.0
Chris Johston / Luis Pereira                                                                                 0.0
Shawn Griffin / Tarasewicz                                                                                 0.0
Andre Langdon / Doug Stephens                                                                         0.0
Mark Macinnis / Jason Noble                                                                              0.0
John Sturmas / Robert Blowes                                                                             0.0
Robert Couture / James Wylie                                                                             0.0
Mark Kupec / Dan Meneses                                                                                0.0 ]]>Aurora BASSMASTERS Lake Simcoe Pike Tournament and Transfer.AuroraBass.comMain2010-05-06T19:43:32-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fb718f5488db2971d99786ec2842ac00-55.html#unique-entry-id-55http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/fb718f5488db2971d99786ec2842ac00-55.html#unique-entry-id-55 
As part of an ongoing MNR Community Fisheries and Wildlife Involvement Program, several of the pike caught during this event will be chosen for an adult pike transfer to nearby Fairy Lake and the upper reaches of the Holland River in Newmarket.  Here, the pike will become the top predator and will play an important role in balancing the small aquatic ecosystem of this Urban Fishery.
 
Herb Quan president of the club, explained that "This annual pike tournament and transfer is an excellent example of how our Ministry of Natural Resources and tournament groups can work together to benefit our fisheries”.  He, added “Lake Simcoe currently has an incredibly productive northern pike fishery that at one time included those upper reaches of the Holland River and Fairy Lake where we release our annual 20-30 pike. With dams and obstructions however in the river,  the pike from the lake have a tough time making it south to Newmarket without our help."  
 
For the past several years, the Aurora Bassmasters have been proud to host Canada’s premier one day bass fishing tournament – the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open at the end of October. Earlier this month they hosted another successful pike tournament on Canal Lake ... their first one there and 33 teams showed up to compete. The Aurora Bassmasters are proud members of the Ontario Bass Federation Nation which is made up of about 30 B.A.S.S. chapter clubs across the province. The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) is the world's largest fishing organization, with over 600,000 members and  federation nations in 46 states plus Japan, Zimbabwe, Mexico, South Africa, Italy and of course here in Ontario.
 
Click link below for attached rules and entry form.
Lake Simcoe Pike Tournament Form V2
Pike Tournament Rules

Media Advisory prepared by:
Wil Wegman, OBFN Conservation and Media Director]]>Canal Lake early season pike tournamentAuroraBass.comMain2010-04-04T21:21:47-04:00http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/1cbccf32d440ef1a1543e824861b5f01-54.html#unique-entry-id-54http://www.aurorabass.com/blog/main_files/1cbccf32d440ef1a1543e824861b5f01-54.html#unique-entry-id-54For Immediate Release:                                                                                                           March 29, 2010

 
The Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce their inaugural Canal Lake early season pike tournament on Sunday May 2nd , 2010 out of Sunset Cove Marina near Bolsover Ontario. The attached entry form can be used by anglers to register for this unprecedented early season pike fishing competition.
 
“In January 2010 the Ministry of Natural Resources opened up Fisheries Management Zone 17 in the Kawartha Lakes for year-round pike fishing,” explained Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters. One of the prime reasons to allow for this increased fishing opportunity centred around the fact that northern pike are not native to the Kawartha Lakes and their presence is known to result in declines within the native muskie population. “Canal Lake was the first lake within the Kawartha chain to see northern pike and ever since their numbers have flourished there while muskie have plummeted. Anglers who participate in this early season pike tournament can expect some incredible action and a chance to fish competitively before the traditional pike opener in southern Ontario a week later on the 2nd Saturday in May”, concluded Quan.    
 
The event will start at 7am and all waters from the host site of Sunset Cove Marina up through Canal Lake will be open for competitors. Entry fees are just $100 – including a separate BIG FISH pot for those who register prior to April 23rd. 80% Paybacks to the anglers will apply. All those who register and pay the morning of the event (beginning at 6am) will pay an additional $10.00 to compete.
 
Although the Aurora Bassmasters are proud members of the Ontario BASS Federation Nation, this is an “Open Event” meaning entry is not limited just to those belonging to this grass roots organization.  The club will use proceeds to further their conservation initiatives which in 2010 will include: The award winning Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Project, the Earth Week Roadside Clean-Up Day, the Keffers Shoreline Rehabilitation Project, the Pefferlaw and Beaver Rivers Fisheries Monitoring Project, The Fairy Lake Pike Transfer Project, and the Lake Simcoe Bass Nesting Enhancement Project.
 
“For the past several years, the Aurora Bassmasters have been proud to host Canada’s premier one day bass fishing tournament – the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open at the end of October. With this new pike venture, we are starting off small just like we did with that bass tournament but hope that by offering one of the earliest tournaments of the season on a premier pike fishery like Canal Lake, that we can quickly grow this event”, concluded Dave Meadows the tournament director for the club.

Entry Form Click here:


For more information please contact: Dave Meadows de_meadows@aurorabass.com

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