The Aurora Bassmasters are pleased to announce that a full field of 80 teams – or 160 anglers are anxiously anticipating Canada’s premier one-day bass tournament.
The Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open on October 25th, 2008 at Sibbald Point Provincial Park in Sutton Ontario is destined to showcase the tremendous fishery of Lake Simcoe. With over ¼ million inland lakes in Ontario, Lake Simcoe arguably has more trophy smallmouth bass than found anywhere else in the province.
Some think this event could see not just one, but two records broken.Â
This tournament is recognized for continually setting and then breaking its own Canadian all time record for the five heaviest bass ever weighed in during a one-day event.  It currently stands at 29.90 lbs for five massive smallmouth that were weighed in during the 2006 tournament.
  If the winners of the event also happen to break the 30-pound barrier, they will take home an additional $10,000on top of the $10,000 guaranteed winners’ purse. Additionally, if the winners also entered the voluntary Shimano Pay to Play Challenge, they could also pocket potential $6,500 on top of the $20,000. Shimano is starting that pot with$2,000 cash plus two of their high-end rods and reels. Any team interested in entering would contribute $40 at registration – but only those who pay can play!Â
The other record that could be broken is the all-Ontario record smallmouth bass–currently sitting at 9.84 lbs. If a single eligible live bass tips the scales at more than this, the team would win a new Toyota Tundra truck and Tracker Tundra boat – a package valued at over $100,000.Â
With all the incredible incentives available for big bass caught during this tournament, the Aurora Bassmasters have made the unprecedented move to purchase a high tech Magic Wand metal detector, similar to those used at airports.
Herb Quan president of the club remarked“We got to thinking that it wouldn’t hurt to have this device, which is capable of detecting even small amounts of lead or other metals, on hand should any fish weigh significantly heavier then it appears. By stroking the Magic Wand over the fishes’ body, a buzzer would go off  if there were any lead or metal inside. Of course, our rules stipulate that no intentional altering of a fishes’ weight is permittedâ€.Â
All accepted applicants have already been contacted via email and a waiting list is in effect. Those on the waiting list will not be contacted unless ateamposition becomes vacant. As new information is made available, it will be posted on the Aurora Bassmasters site at www.aurorabass.com.Â
Application Forms and a complete listing of General Rules, Regulations&Liability are available online through the Aurora Bassmasters and the Official Site of the Bass ProShops Lake Simcoe Open –www.simcoeopen.com (in development).
The Aurora Bassmasters are one of 30 clubs across the province belonging to the Ontario BASS Federation Nation at www.ontariobass.com Lionshead Lakefront Resort, the host hotel will provide competing anglers with their BassPro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Group Rate for Friday and Saturday night from $99.00 for a standard room; limited rooms are available at this rate. With the two-night booking, anglers can add the Thursday or Sunday night room for only$79.00.Â
Please note that in case stormy seas prohibit safe fishing, the event will be held the next day – on Sunday Oct 26th if conditions improve, or otherwise on the following Saturday. The Aurora Bassmasters are one of 30 clubs across the province belonging to the Ontario BASS Federation Nation at www.ontariobass.com. Â
For More Information Contact:Â
Wil Wegman                    wil.wegman@rogers.com                                                                               Â
HerbQuan:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â quanchuk@allstream.netÂ
SimonFrost:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â tymike@sympatico.ca