For Immediate Release: May 2nd , 2008

The Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce that Ontario Parks has once again thrown its support behind the exciting new partnership between their club and Bass Pro Shops Canada, Inc. for the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open slated for Saturday, October 25th out of Sibbald Point Provincial Park.

“I’m proud to support the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open fishing tournament” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “In partnership with Bass Pro Shops and the Aurora Bassmasters, Ontario Parks will award a 2009 Ontario Parks Summer Pass to each member of the top ten teams. Visiting Ontario’s provincial parks is a great opportunity to experience some of the best fishing in the province.”

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added that, “On behalf of the entire Aurora Bassmaster chapter I’d like to thank Ontario Parks, Minister Donna Cansfield, Ron Speck, Doug MacEachern and his Team at Sibbald Point Provincial Park for their respective commitment. Their continued interest will only lend to the overall success of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open and will ensure its growth on into the future.”

2009 Summer Seasonal Permits: Ontario Parks will award each member of the Top 10 Teams with a Summer Seasonal Permit (valid Apr. 1st to Nov. 30th 2009). Value of this contribution totals about $1,800 and will allow recipients to not just launch their boats at Sibbald Point Provincial Park for the 09 season, but also all Provincial parks across Ontario. An added benefit is that Day Use Season pass holders can also attend a provincial park with their families to have a picnic, swim at the beach, hike, or just enjoy the great outdoors that Ontario Parks have to offer.

Limited Field … Early Application Encouraged:
Competing anglers in the 2008 BPS Lake Simcoe Open are encouraged to pre-apply as the second year field will be limited to 80 teams. NEW: total entry fees per team will be $280; this includes $20 for Big Fish and $10 for Launch. Anglers wishing to pre-apply should send a $50.00 non-refundable deposit (cheque) or the entire amount payable to Aurora Bassmasters: c/o Herb Quan 58 English Ivy Way, Willowdale, ON M2H 3M4. Payment in full must be received prior to September 30, 2008. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the Team’s entry position. Cheques must accompany a completed 2008 Application Form available through www.aurorabass.com. An Application Form by itself does not automatically constitute entry; furthermore, the Tournament Director reserves the right to refuse/deny entry.

Payouts:
Outside the traditional 80% payout structure from entry fees, the overall payout from sponsors and various incentive and bonus programs, brings the actual payout to over 125%. Additional announcements are pending in support of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open by participating sponsors including Toyota, Tracker Boats, Pure Fishing, Rapala, Minn Kota, Humminbird, Shimano, Mustang Survival and many, many more.

In order to maintain the highest level of communication between tournament organizers and anglers prior to the event itself, we are asking all applicants to include their email addresses on the Application Form so that all notices and event-related messaging can be relayed directly to all interested parties.
As new information is made available, it will be posted on the Aurora Bassmasters site at www.aurorabass.com in the coming weeks and months. Application Forms and a complete listing of General Rules, Regulations & Liability will be made available online through the Aurora Bassmasters.

The Aurora Bassmasters are one of 30 clubs across the province belonging to the Ontario BASS Federation Nation at www.ontariobass.com.
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