It’s finally here! The Aurora Bassmasters are thrilled to unveil the most anticipated trophy spectacle within the Canadian sportfishing industry - the Advanced Taxidermy Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Trophy!

Advanced Taxidermy’s craftsmanship and re-creations are considered amongst the best in the world; this hand-crafted trophy is taken from the pages of NASCAR® and the world of auto sports, establishing a benchmark for others to follow and rightfully adding to the stature of this unique event.

The trophy itself is hand-crafted from walnut with cherry inlays; using river stone and custom pewter plates; and, adorned with an 8.9lb original smallmouth mould. “This is a trophy of champions!” said Shawn Galea, Proprietor, Advanced Taxidermy & Wildlife Design. “On behalf of the Advanced Taxidermy Team, we are proud to provide a trophy that will be a merit badge all its own; both the recreational enthusiast alongside some of Canada’s most established professional tournament anglers will compete to hoist this trophy and have their names forever-etched into the fabric of this great event.”

“This is a natural extension of the work committed to Bass Pro Shops locations across North America. Where you find Bass Pro Shops, no matter the city, you will also find the precision craftsmanship of Advanced Taxidermy.” said George Wallace, Canadian Market Manager – Bass Pro Shops. “This trophy is on a level all its own! What better way to highlight the strengths of this fishery and the monster smallmouth bass it produces than by incorporating this into the trophy itself!” Wallace concluded.

Herb Quan president of the Aurora Bassmasters added that, “I was left speechless! This trophy instills a true sense of pride. Competing anglers will have one thing on their minds; having their names etched on the trophy itself.”