Press Release https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca Fri, 29 Mar 2024 08:36:45 -0400 Joomla! - Open Source Content Management en-gb Aurora Bassmasters Present Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Report https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/aurora-bassmasters-present-lake-simcoe-bass-tagging-research-report.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/aurora-bassmasters-present-lake-simcoe-bass-tagging-research-report.html Aurora Bassmasters Present Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Report

For Immediate Release: Today the Aurora Bassmasters are proud to release and distribute a report on their Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Project . This report was written by Steven Kerr (retired MNRF biologist and renowned science report writer) with assistance from Wil Wegman (conservation director for Aurora Bassmasters club). It summarizes the results of a five year (2006 – 2010) cooperative research project involving the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the Aurora Bassmasters. This project helped determine characteristics of bass (Micropterus spp.)  angled during eighteen different competitive fishing events on Lake Simcoe and or Lake Couchiching. These catch and release tournaments were comprised of smaller Bassmaster club tournaments, larger one day open events and even the three day Eastern Division B.A.S.S. Federation Nation Championship in 2009.

This multi-year project has already won the Canadian Sport Fishing League (CSFL) Conservation Award as well as the international Berkley Conservation Award. A total of 327 largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and 1,468 smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu) were tagged, sampled and released.

Download Report: Movements of Smallmouth Bass in Lake Simcoe

Report Highlights:

The report  reveals that mean/average total length of largemouth bass caught over the five years was 41.1 cm (16.1in)  The average total length of smallmouth bass was 45.8 cm (18 in ). The average total weight for largemouth and smallmouth bass was 1.36 kg  (2.99 lbs) and 1.92 kg (4.23lbs) respectively.

The results demonstrate the remarkable average size of Lake Simcoe’s bass caught during tournaments. The average smallmouth sizes and weights in particular rival that of any other smallmouth fishery on the planet! This fact was recognized at the 2010 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Bass tournament hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters, when the winners weighed in 31.5 pounds worth of smallmouth, and set the record for the five heaviest bass ever weighed in during a one day tournament here in Canada. During that same event, an 8.05* pound smallmouth (23.5in) was also caught – the largest smallmouth ever weighed in a Canadian tournament; and just like the other bass caught that day, was tagged, sampled and released by joint MNRF and Bassmaster crews.

(* Recorded as 7.9 lbs in the report, as this was the weight recorded on a spring scale at the sample station. The official tournament weight on certified scales was 8.05)
Angled smallmouth bass varied from 2-15 years of age with the average age being 7.4 years.  Largemouth bass ranged from 2-13 years of age and averaged 6.9 years.  Both species first recruited to the competitive fishery at two years of age, and had to be at least 12 inches long; indicating fairly rapid growth rates for bass this far north.  There were 280 smallmouth bass and 5 largemouth bass which exceeded 50 cm (19.7in) in length.  Two hundred and thirty-five smallmouth bass exceeded 2.5 kg (5.8lbs) in weight. Overall, the age composition of smallmouth bass was older than largemouth bass.

Over the five year period, a total of 94 tagged bass that were recaptured were reported. Anglers catching a tagged bass would call the MNRF office in Aurora whose general line was displayed on the tag.  The 94 bass represents a recapture rate of 4.9% for largemouth bass and 6.8% for smallmouth bass. Five bass were recaptured twice. The average time for recapture after release was 260.9 days for largemouth bass and 383.6 days for smallmouth bass.  The longest elapsed time until recapture exceeded five years. Tagged bass reports from this five year study came in until 2014 and are included within the report.

“Each tagged bass tells a story and those are highlighted within the report,” says Aurora Bassmaster president Scott Cochran. “For instance, we had one particular smallmouth that was caught during the BPS Lake Simcoe Open in late October 2010, sampled, tagged and released by the Shimano Live Release Boat in Orillia where the tournament was held. The following spring that same bass was re-caught by an angler and details were called in. That fish had swam up Lake Couchiching, made it past the Trent Severn locks into Sparrow Lake, swam north through Sparrow Lake, bypassed the Big Chute making its way into Six Mile Lake where it went over Whites Falls into Burrows Bay of Gloucester Pool where the angler caught it”, explained Cochran. The total distance travelled from the release site was estimated at approximately 78 km.

During the 2-3 late fall tournaments held every year during this study, many bass angled from deeper water appeared to suffer from barotrauma – which meant the bass would have an expanded air bladder and would have difficulty swimming down to the depths they came from. Therefore  in order to relieve pressure from the air bladder a process known as “fizzing” was used by experienced fizzers at the sampling station near the weigh in. This process involves inserting an 18 gauge hypodermic needle into a special spot on the side of the fish into the air bladder. The air pressure is thus relieved and bass typically have no problem swimming back down to comfortable depths afterwards. A total of 684 bass (mostly smallmouth) were “fizzed” during this study.  Fifty-two of the ninety-four (55.3%) bass recaptured by anglers months or years later had been previously fizzed.

Not a great deal of science has been published on the long term survival of fizzed bass, however this 5 year study demonstrates that over half of all the tagged bass that were re-caught months or years after original capture were previously fizzed and therefore still alive and healthy – contributing to the overall fishery. Catch and release really does work, with fizzed bass that need it or un-fizzed ones that don’t. Carefully live releasing bass to hopefully be re-caught again by some other lucky angler, is the single greatest personal contribution any angler can make to his or her fishery, regardless of whether they like to fish tournaments or not,”  concluded Cochran.

Finally, this report along with several others, demonstrates that biological sampling at competitive fishing events is an efficient and cost-effective means of monitoring the status of local bass populations.  The Lake Simcoe Bass Tagging Research Project helped highlight the incredible size of smallmouth bass in Lake Simcoe; it provided important data on bass movements, age classes and growth rates. The Aurora Bassmasters encourage all interested anglers to read the entire report – which is now available on their website: http://www.aurorabass.com

Sincerely,
Johnny DeBartolo
Aurora Bassmasters Media Director
jdebartolo@gmail.com

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Press Release Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:16:05 -0400
Wil Wegman inducted into the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame for 2017 https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/wil-wegman-inducted-into-the-canadian-angler-hall-of-fame-for-2017.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/wil-wegman-inducted-into-the-canadian-angler-hall-of-fame-for-2017.html Photo: Patrick Walsh

Many of the who’s who of the Canadian sportfishing industry gathered at the International Centre in Mississauga this morning for the induction of the latest member in the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame. As well, the Rick Amsbury Award of Excellence and the Conservation Project of the Year honour were presented. All three awards are presented annually in conjunction with the popular Spring Fishing and Boat Show.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductee was 57-year-old Wil Wegman, a tireless champion of fisheries conservation and recreational angling. “Wil literally lives fishing, from dawn till dusk, practically every day of the year,” said Outdoor Canada’s Patrick Walsh, who had the honour of introducing Wegman during the annual Industry and Conservation Breakfast. (For more on Wegman, see the full transcript of Walsh’s remarks, below. Also, please visit www.wilwegman.com.)

Fishing Boat Show 2017

Story and photo courtesy of Patrick Walsh - editor of Outdoor Canada Magazine

For more visit Outdoor Canada: http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/HOF2017

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Press Release Fri, 03 Mar 2017 08:58:21 -0500
Fin-Wing - The Lure That Swims https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/fin-wing-the-lure-that-swims.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/fin-wing-the-lure-that-swims.html Fin-Wing - The Lure That Swims

Unlike today, fishing was not a priority for the general population during World War II. The rationing of goods, including the gas and oil needed for recreational fishing, was far more important to Americans than wetting a line.  

During wartime, however, innumerable lures of all shapes and sizes were being invented in the minds of military men and women who yearned to be casting and catching fish stateside. And in the years following the war, many of those baits were created, but most didn't have what it took to actually bring bites.

Fast forward a few years post Victory Day, to a father and son fishing on Lake Superior, off the shores of "Copper Country", the Keweenaw (/ˈkiːwɨnɔː/ KEE-wi-naw) Peninsula, to be exact - where men feverishly deep-mined the precious namesake alloy during the boom of operations in the northern most tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

"It was just one of those days the fish were not biting," says Mike Bekkala - now a third-generation Keweenaw lure crafter; who to this day resides in the heart of Copper Country. "Realizing the majority of the baits in our tackle boxes didn't produce as promised, my grandfather Sigurd 'Chic' Bekkala and father, Harold, devised a lure made from strips of metal cut from copper and brass teapots." 

After many attempts at snipping, torqueing, tweaking and drilling holes, as well as countless passes in a water-filled metal wash tub, the Bekkalas created a unique lure (think: spoon meets swimbait) that today goes by the name Fin-Wing™. And "The lure that swims!" has been a Keweenaw Peninsula favorite since its introduction in 1948.

And now that the lure's proven itself locally for 66 years casting, trolling and jigging, Keweenaw Tackle Company realizes it's time to tell the rest of the fishing world that the Fin-Wing has been here for decades and still catches fish like nobody's business.

So Keweenaw Tackle Company sought a strong voice to sing the praises of the Fin-Wing, and Traditions Media is setting up the sound system.     

"We went looking for the right PR Company, whose writers had the knowledge of all things fishing. As well the creativeness needed to spread the word that the Fin-Wing™ is a unique lure that has gone unnoticed, overall, by the fishing industry," says Dale Elliott, president of Keweenaw Tackle Company. "

So as ice fishing continues, autumn bass call and inshore species are on the prowl, it's time to acclaim the maker of the original Fin-Wing™. It'll catch fish whether vertically jigged, cast or pulled behind a boat, and, it works wonders when coupled with soft baits.

Expect to hear more about this premium, versatile lure in the future. 

ABOUT
A symbol of American ingenuity and hard work, the Fin-Wing™ design has been catching fish of all stripes since 1948. Today, the lure is the pride of Keweenaw Tackle Company; built in the Copper Country to the same rigid standards as the handmade original, using only the highest-quality materials and superior long-lasting finishes. Find out more and see the lure in action at www.keweenawtc.com.

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admin@fishinglakesimcoe.ca (Administrator) Press Release Sat, 13 Dec 2014 14:29:25 -0500
Sweet Ice Combo https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/sweet-ice-combo.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/sweet-ice-combo.html The 371 Bro Series Straight Line Combo is available in six lengths and actions, applications ranging from light jigging for crappies, bluegills and perch to finesse walleye fishing.

Plano, IL (December 2, 2014) - Big breakthroughs in fishing these days are as rare as a bona fide 3-pound crappie. In many ways, flippin' for bass - a tactic first exposed when Dee Thomas won the 1975 B.A.S.S. Arkansas Invitational on Bull Shoals Lake - mirrors straight lining - a progressive ice fishing presentation developed by Frabill and its pioneering frontman, Brian "Bro" Brosdahl.

Each year since the inception of the two parallel fishing patterns, anglers have flocked to the awesome gear made to match. Among throngs of new outfits designed to fit Bro's hottest tactic, Frabill's new Straight Line 371 Bro Series Combos  stand alone - featuring truly refined graphite rods and the smoothest, most functional Straight Line reels ever engineered.

"It's like holding the future in my hands," Brosdahl declared recently, while standing on this season's virgin ice. "The 371 is so advanced, so fishable, so ahead of its time."

Among a deep spec list of critical features, Bro stresses a significant point. "The Straight Line 371 is the fastest multiplier-style ice reel on the market. Its 3.7:1 gear ratio retrieves nearly two feet of line with every revolution of its oversized handle. Previously, anglers thought of straight lining as a shallow water technique only. Not any more."

Expanding on the tactic's original advantages - to purge line twist and efficiently comb shallow water - the new 371 reel now adds a seamless free-spool function. Dropping a tiny jig into 5, 15 or 30 feet of water's as painless as tapping a button, watching the morsel descend on your depth finder. The functional, futuristic reel is also imbued with a silky smooth drag. An audible bait clicker even aids deadsticking presentations. Frabill has also added a second, interchangeable reel stem - one for anglers who prefer to palm the reel, and another longneck version for gripping with thick gloves and mittens.

Loaded with fine mono, fluoro or braid, the 371 reel feeds line to rod tip in a continuous free-flowing ribbon. Affixed to this freeze-proof ice tool is one of six various Bro Series Ice Rods, each custom built to Brosdahl's strict stipulations. Two of Bro's application-specific 'faves - a 24-inch Panfish Jig rod and a 36-inch Finesse Walleye model - each sport a "Quick Tip," Frabill's patented uber-sensitive integrated strike indicator system.

Although Brosdahl helped inspire the tricked-out combos, he's quick to give credit where its due: "Behind the scenes, Frabill engineers Ryan Kleckner and Tim Makos do masterful work. They're passionate fishermen, too, so they truly understand all the intricacies involved in bridging the gap between angler and engineering."

Flippin' jigs for big bass or straight lining spoons, tungsten or livebait on ice - elite tactics warrant elite tackle. Good thing Frabill's got your back.

Frabill 371 Straight Line Reel

The much lauded 371 Straight Line Reel - also sold separately - pairs with existing rods to improve overall ice fishing performance.

371 BRO SERIES COMBO MODELS

  • 6860 – 24" Ultra-Light/Panfish Jigging
  • 6861 – 24" Quick-Tip/Panfish Applications
  • 6863 – 30" Light/Finesse Walleyes-Larger Panfish
  • 6862 – 30" Quick-Tip/Panfish Applications
  • 6865 – 36" Light/Finesse Walleyes-Larger Panfish
  • 6864 – 36" Quick-Tip/Panfish Applications  

MSRP $89.99

371 REEL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Spool guarded to allow palm grip
  • Lightweight composite construction for strength and durability
  • Composite construction won't feel cold in frigid temperatures
  • 3.7:1 reel ratio with super smooth drag & instant anti-reverse
  • 22" Line retrieval per revolution
  • Large and balanced spool to maximize retrieval rate
  • Line feeds straight off spool, eliminating line coiling and spinning of tackle
  • 5 plus 1 ball bearing reel with Ultra-Fine free spooling
  • Audible / silent bait alarm switch
  • Long stem positions reel away from rod
  • Accommodates heavy gloves
  • Short stem for those who prefer the compact size to palm the reel
  • Ambidextrous over-sized reel handle for ultimate control
  • Frabill's exclusive Sub-Zero® lube ensures smooth operation in the coldest temperatures
  • Free spool to easily drop smallest jigs

371 ROD SPECIFICATIONS 

  • Technique specific actions to match your fishing style and targeted species
  • Line flows effortlessly through durable aluminum oxide guides
  • Aluminum Reel Seat to securely fasten the reel to the rod
  • Materials used in each blank are chosen to match the technique, action and species

ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. is in its 76th year of engineering premium, trusted fishing equipment. Fishing products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care and management, bait traps and seines, accessories, and premium raingear, including the new F Series Storm Gear. Frabill’s ice fishing product lineup consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration, and premium ice fishing apparel, including the new I Series. Visit www.frabill.com
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admin@fishinglakesimcoe.ca (Administrator) Press Release Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:26:26 -0500
The Custom Jigs & Spins Story https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/the-custom-jigs-spins-story.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/the-custom-jigs-spins-story.html

Coralville, IA (11/30/14) - From humble basement beginnings nearly 40 years ago, Custom Jigs & Spins has stayed true to one goal - handcrafting high-quality jigs that catch fish. 

"In 1988, my dad Poppee and I heard a guy in Pekin, Illinois, had an ice tackle business for sale. Since we were both engineers and fishermen, we thought we'd take a look," says former owner and current Custom Jigs & Spins lure designer Walt Matan.

What they found in William Klingbell's basement operation was a lot of secret equipment draped with white sheets. "Like his jigs, Klingbell was sharp. He said we'd have to buy the company to see what was underneath!"

Walt says what they found under the sheets was "a lot of hard work."

Following the sale, Klingbell taught Walt and Poppee how to hand-pour and hand-solder jigs, and soon the father/son duo was building, packaging and shipping over half a million jigs a year. Like Klingbell, they worked in a modest basement workshop.

Matan laughs: "We moved the operation to the basement of Milio's Hair and Wig Salon in Glenview, Illinois. Milio is a good guy but never trust a barber who wears a wig to cut your hair!"

"We were still working our day jobs, so we'd get off work, start making jigs and package until 10 or 11 o'clock at night. We trained a few high school kids to work for us, and we were all passionate about what we were doing."

The 2-Spot, Rocker and Demon were the first jigs the two built, still classics to this day. The Rat Finkee followed, originally all hand-poured by Poppee. 

Years passed and business grew by leaps and bounds as Walt and Poppee introduced new fish-catching baits.

"We got to the point where we couldn't work our day jobs and run a tackle business," says Walt. "So we knew it was time to sell."

In 1997 several potential buyers visited Walt and Poppee's shop in the basement of Milio's Hair and Wig Salon. Like Klingbell, the father/son duo covered their equipment in sheets before buyers entered the shop.

"We had some big names look at the business but we eventually sold to Bob and Stephanie Gillispie, who planned to keep it a family-owned and operated company. So, we taught Bob about the manufacturing process and my mom, Helen, taught Stephanie packaging and shipping. Bob and Stephanie also wanted us to stay on as lure designers and consultants, which has kept us close to our baby."

Over 17 years into ownership of the company and Matan says the Gillispies are still "keeping it real."

"Bob and Stephanie run a family business. Bob picks up the phone and listens to ice anglers. He's very hands on. Stephanie makes sure customers get their product on time. And several times a year we all sit down, look at customer feedback and start working on new ice tackle designs. Then Bob, Poppee, and I go out and fish the baits and continue to tweak as necessary. The goal is to build the best product possible."

Classic jigs like the Demon, Rat Finkee, Ratso and Shrimpo continue selling like popcorn. The Diamond Jig, Gill Pill, Two-Spot, Nuclear Ant, Poppee, Rocker and Striper Special offer anglers solutions for specific ice fishing conditions. And newer offerings like the tungsten Chekai and Majmum have become instant classics. For example, the Chekai has earned acclaim for its top performance on the NAIFC pro ice fishing circuit.

But there's more to Custom Jigs & Spins than just jigs. The company also offers a host of ice fishing finesse microplastics, giving ice anglers meatless fish-catching options to tip any CJS jig. And the Original and Pro Series Slender Spoon have earned must-have status for just about anything that swims, especially walleyes.

"We can't build enough Slender Spoons. I've already shipped tens of thousands of just our new hammered Pro Series Slender Spoons and it's not even December,"says Coralville, Iowa-based Custom Jigs & Spins owner Bob Gillispie.

But it isn't all about product - it's what the product does for anglers - and that's catch fish. It's also about a community of ice anglers who stand behind baits that work. Not surprisingly, Custom Jigs & Spins' team continues to grow with the likes of top pros and guides throughout the Ice Belt.

Gillispie and Matan encourage anglers to provide feedback on their products via social media, e-mail, even a phone call. "We want to know your success stories and your ideas to make our products even better,"says Gillispie.

"The Custom Jigs & Spins Facebook page is a great place to post your photos and connect with the rest of the team! We want to hear from you!,"says Matan. 

Matan continues: "40 years have passed since Poppee and I first stepped into William Klingbell's basement to learn about his jigs. Today it's still a family-run company with the same simple mission – build high-quality jigs that catch fish."

ABOUT
Custom Jigs & Spins started almost 30 years ago producing high quality ice fishing lures. We continue today by improving our existing lures and developing new ones with input from our Pro-Staff and suggestions from serious ice anglers. We're extremely proud that some of our newest lures, as well as many of our tried and true favorites like the Ratso, Shrimpo, Nuclear Ant and Rat Finkee, have crossed over into the open water market.

We at Custom Jigs & Spins, Inc. use only the highest quality raw materials including Owner and Mustad hooks. Most all of our lures are hand painted with a super hard finish and paint free eyes.”

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admin@fishinglakesimcoe.ca (Administrator) Press Release Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:21:29 -0500
2014 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Results https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/2014-bass-pro-shops-lake-simcoe-open-results.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/2014-bass-pro-shops-lake-simcoe-open-results.html 2014 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Results

Paul Castellano and Taro Murata Win Big at 2014 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open!

For Immediate Release: Oct 22, 2014
Orillia, Ontario Canada: 63 boats and 126 anglers fishing as two person teams blasted off on the relatively calm waters of Lake Couchiching October 18th to compete in Canada’s premier one day bass tournament. All teams would strive to find, catch and ultimately bring back in their livewells the heaviest five bass that they possibly could - but only the winners would take home the guaranteed $10,000 cash payout. Everyone was aware that winds would be the deciding factor and as the strong breeze shifted from the Southwest to Northwest those northerly gusts would force some teams to turn around and call it a day before it ever really started.

Yes the 2014 BPS Lake Simcoe was like so many before it – where hard core tournament anglers battle wind and weather to see who comes out on top. Fish an area on Lake Simcoe where you can cope ... and maintain enough control to catch the trophy sized smallmouth this lake is renowned for – and you might just reap the glory. Fail to do so – and you don’t have a prayer. But for the newly crowned champions of Paul Castellano and Taro Murata their prayers were answered when their waters were not only fishable (barely) but even more importantly their big bass cooperated. Paul and Taro ended up with 24.10 pounds of smallmouth to take home that $10 grand plus an additional $2,000 for the Minn Kota/Humminbird contingency award and $500 from Shimano. Both men are experienced fishing guides. Paul from the Niagara Region and Taro out of Toronto.

Paul Castellano & Taro Murata - Simcoe Open 2014
Paul Castellano and Taro Murata

Finishing within a hairs breath from victory, the Barrie Bassmasters team of Pat Campbell and Matt Holland slammed a pile of big bass and their heaviest five tipped the scales at an even 24 pounds. For their efforts and a 2nd place finish, they took home a $4,000 cheque.

The Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open, hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters capitalizes on one of the world’s finest smallmouth fisheries. As good as Orillia’s Couchiching is ... Simcoe is bigger and so too are it’s smallmouth bass. In 2010, the winning team of Mark Moran and Joey Muszynski set the all time Canadian record with an incredible 31.5 pounds worth of smallmouth bass. Unfortunately for them ... in 2014 their primary destination was simply unfishable and they had to turn back before even making a cast. During that same BPS Lake Simcoe Open event, a Canadian tournament record 8.05 smallmouth bass was also weighed in. This year’s event did not see one quite as big, but 3rd place finishers Ben Sabourin and Glenn Thompson who weighed in 19.75 had a 6.30lb smallmouth that won overall big fish. They received $2,000 for 3rd and $1,100 for the heaviest single bass.

As title sponsor Bass Pro Shops lends their their marketing expertise to partner with the Aurora Bassmaster volunteers to host this event. Platinum sponsors Jack Links Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com are long time sponsors and were a big player once again in 2014. Shimano supplied their live release boat and in water weigh-in system. Additionally, they kicked in $500 if a member of the winning team wore a G Loomis hat and a $500 Gift card for the team just out of the money. Product sponsors included Berkley, Rapala, Set the Hook and Lake Fork Tackle. Mustang provided four floater suits for the early bird prize which was won by the team of Bruce White and Steve Huber as well as Pete Garnier and George Saliba.

Together with staff from Bass Pro Shops and the many volunteers from the Aurora Bassmasters everything ran smoothly from morning blast off and throughout the weigh in. This year’s weigh-in ceremonies were MC’d again by BIG JIM McLaughlin who did an outstanding job entertaining the crowd and anglers. Additionally, we’d like to thank the Competitive Sport Fishing League (CSFL), led by Andy Pallotta and his wife Vita for their expertise, logistical support and tournament equipment. Both anglers and tournament organizers always love coming to the fish-friendly community of Orillia and appreciate their excellent no charge launching and parking facilities. A key figure who helped with so much of the behind the scenes work in Orillia was Doug Bunker of the Orillia Chamber of Commerce.

For more information or to see photos of the BPS Lake Simcoe Open, please visit www.aurorabass.com

2014 BASS PRO SHOPS LAKE SIMCOE OPEN TOP 25 TEAMS

Position Angler & Co-Angler Weight Big Fish Winnings Contingencies Total $
1 Paul Castellano / Taro Murata 24.1   10,000 MINN KOTA HUMMINBIRD, 2,000 12,500
2 Patrick Campbell / Mathew Holland 24   4,000    
3 Ben Sabourin / Glenn Thompson 19.75 6.30 SM 2,000 BIG FISH 1,100 3,100
4 Simon Frost / Melanie Frost 18.85   1,600    
5 Derek Strub / Mike DesForges 18.25   1,300    
6 Carl Linker / Mike Linzmajer 17.6   1,000    
7 Chris Vandermeer / Wes Roffey 16.6   900    
8 John Sheilds / Shawn Grim 15.2   800    
9 Kirk Sullivan / Kevin Sullivan 13.7   700    
10 Greg Klatt / George Schneide 13.4   600    
11 Frank Rotundo / Roy Leuzzi 13.35   500    
Tie 12&13 Jason Clay / Matt Belzil 12.75   250 SPLIT SHIMANO FIRST OUT, 250 500
Tie 12&13 Russ Watkins / Gary Miller 12.75   250 SPLIT SHIMANO FIRST OUT, 250 500
14 Peter Savoia / Scott Murison 12.25        
15 John Whyte / Bob Izumi 12.05        
16 Dave Johnson / Drew Sokolowski 11.85        
17 Mike Reid / Brian Gardy 10.85        
18 Gerry Heels / Wil Wegman 10.6        
19 Brian Milne / Greg Gilson 10.5        
20 Ryan Johnson / Callum Johnson 9.7        
21 Bill Walker / Kal Vaisenen 9.5        
22 Alex Campbell / Todd Currie 8.9        
23 Jim Venizelakos / Joe Cutajar 8.2        
24 Pete Garnier / George Saliba 7.65        
25 Harold Nesbitt / Amy Nesbitt 7.1        

Mustang Floater Suits: Bruce White, Stevehuber, Pete Garnier, George Saliba

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Press Release Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:00:52 -0400
St. Croix's New Avid Carp Rods https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/st-croixs-new-avid-carp-rods.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/st-croixs-new-avid-carp-rods.html

While the American-bred largemouth bass holds court over millions of U.S. anglers, another magnanimous sportfish oversees a much mightier kingdom. Ordained the world's most popular freshwater sportfish, only the carp brings together anglers from numerous nations, each intent on capturing a global crown of a different sort.

New St. Croix Avid Carp RodsFor anglers such as Lee Young, Captain of the Team USA Carp Squad, the carp's regal worldwide status is no news at all. Even in the U.S., says Young, angler attitudes toward carp have recently been trending toward the positive. So much so that for the first time ever, Team USA raised the necessary funds and equipment to enter the World Carp Championship, likely the most prestigious competitive angling event in the world.

Among Team USA's prominent partners for this year's contest was St. Croix Rods, the classic American rod company whose recently hand-minted Avid Carp Series Rods travelled to Italy for competitive battles against teams from 23 other nations. Following the event, Young, who played a key role in designing the definitive three-rod series, credited his team's Avid Carp rods for saving the day.

The preeminent Olympic-style carp fishing contest, this year's World Carp Fishing Championship was held on Lake Pietrafitta, near Perugia, Umbria, Italy, September 24 to 27. The continuous 72-hour endurance event demanded extreme performance from angler and gear alike. Long-range, accurate casting up to 150 yards or more was essential to success, as was the talent to convert as many bites as possible into scoring fish.

When Team USA arrived in Italy, however, much of their tackle remained stalled in German customs - including bait and other specialized gear. Further, at the event's outset the team's top-performing caster experienced a breakdown of his specialist Spod Rod. Immediately, the team pressed a 12-foot St. Croix Avid Carp rod (model ACS120HMF2) into service for "Zig Fishing," a finesse method requiring pinpoint long-range casts with up to 10-ounces of weight.

"The Avid Carp rods performed flawlessly for us," reported Young. "Thankfully, unlike the rest of our gear, the 24 St. Croix rods arrived safely, and we used nearly all of them continuously throughout the 72-hour Championship. Despite not being designed to handle these extreme conditions, the Avid Carp rods worked beautifully, with zero failures. We were amazed by the rods' ability to soak up so much punishment. Despite being rated for 2- to 6-ounces, the 12-foot Avid Rods effortlessly flung our 10-ounce rigs, and performed the task perfectly over 200 times in the last 36 hours. St. Croix has built an amazing all-around series of carp rods."

Thanks to the remarkable versatility of the Avid Carp rods, Team USA managed to salvage the event, finishing 21st. "It was a very respectable result considering the world-class competition, including the performance of the masterful gold medal Croatian team."

Back home, Young recently returned to his favorite local stomping grounds, the rivers and lakes surrounding Green Bay, Wisconsin. "American carp fishing is growing," he observed, noting the numbers of dedicated carp fishers who contact and correspond with him each year. "You simply can't ignore such a wonderful, sporty fish that regularly exceeds 10 pounds; that demands skill to fool and contain."

Young also takes it as a sign of progress when leading-edge U.S. companies, such as St. Croix, spend the time and resources necessary to develop first-class fishing rods dedicated to the singular pursuit of his favorite species.

Justifiably so, says St. Croix V.P. of Brand Management, Jeff Schluter. "We build the rods our customers demand. And interest in our new Avid Carp Series is exploding. Just like bass, walleye, trout and inshore specialists, carp anglers want and need rods built to their own exacting specifications. St. Croix is taking a leadership position in American-style carp fishing, because it's a cool, progressive angling movement we believe in."

Like all other rods in St. Croix's celebrated Avid series, the three Avid Carp spinning rods sport proprietary SCIII high-modulus graphite blanks and integrated Poly Curve (IPC®) tooling technology, plus Fuji Alconite guides, slim-profile ferrules, select-grade cork handles and Fuji DPS reel seats with gunsmoke hoods. Priced from $260, each rod carries a lifetime limited warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

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admin@fishinglakesimcoe.ca (Administrator) Press Release Thu, 16 Oct 2014 00:55:42 -0400
Bass Pro Shops, Perchin for MS & The Power To Pursue https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/bass-pro-shops-perchin-for-ms-the-power-to-pursue.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/bass-pro-shops-perchin-for-ms-the-power-to-pursue.html

Invite You To Join Doug Poirier and Friends For Some Time On The Water Fishing!

Perchin for MS Bass  Pro Shop

When: October 18th, 2014
Where: at The BPS Lake Simcoe Open Bass Fishing Tournament - Orillia

Please come join me, while I host this opportunity to get out fishing for those challenged with disabilities.

Join Doug Poirier (A Disabled fisher himself) and members of the Aurora Bassmasters, while we head out on the BASS PRO SHOPS TRACKER PONTOON BOAT on Lake Couchiching for a little fishing action. 

While on the water, let Doug and Guests offer some advice on different fishing equipment, baits and techniques used to catch bass and panfish.
Bass Pro Shops is generously supplying the fishing gear, all you have to do is come ready to catch some fish.

Interested or Know Someone Who Might Be. Please Contact Doug Poirier at perchin4ms@hotmail.com or through the website at www.powertopursue.com

Who is Doug Poirier

Doug Poirier has been fishing for over 32 years.  Growing up in the Muskoka Region Doug learned to fish at a young age from his father and Great Grandmother. 

Doug is experienced and knowledgeable about fishing equipment, baits, and techniques for many species such as: Pike, Bass, Trout, Whitefish, Walleye, Perch and panfish.

Doug was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in late 2009.  Slowly Doug’s balance and leg strength have become worse and Doug now uses a Walker to get around. 

This hasn’t slowed Doug down.  Instead Doug has been fighting back against this disease and works to try and show others that life still goes on even with a disability.
Doug is the Director and Founder of Perchin for MS - Lake Simcoe’s Premier Ice Fishing Event and recently started The Power to Pursue - an organization aimed at encouraging and getting people with disabilities out fishing and hunting.

Today Doug is still actively fishing even with his disability.  He competes in fishing tournaments and is on or around the water every chance he gets.

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admin@fishinglakesimcoe.ca (Administrator) Press Release Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:28:04 -0400
Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open News https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/bass-pro-shops-lake-simcoe-open-news.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/bass-pro-shops-lake-simcoe-open-news.html

Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open Welcomes Back Jack Links and Boater Exam.com As Major Sponsors!

Orillia, Ontario Canada: Organizers of the Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open bass tournament, hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters, are thrilled to announce they have once again secured Jack Links Beef Jerky and BoaterExam.com as major corporate partners for the 2014 event out of Orillia Oct 18th.  

"It is because of the generous financial support of companies like these ... as well as Bass Pro Shops of course, that we can continue to provide paybacks in excess of 100% of anglers' entry fees": said David Meadows, president of the Aurora Bassmasters.

Typically, the BPS Lake Simcoe Open is the only event in the country that produces several weights over 27 pounds year after year and holds the record for the heaviest five bass ever weighed in during a Canadian tournament at 31.5 lbs. It also lays claim to the heaviest bass ever weighed in during a Canadian Tournament- an 8.05 pound smallmouth also caught in 2010. It’s no wonder this event is recognized as the premier one day bass tournament in the country.

Register Before Oct 10 and save $40 and be eligible for the Mustang Early Bird Draw!

There are still several positions open for the 2014 BPS Lake Simcoe Open. Time is running out to capitalize on this opportunity and to ensure you pay the same entry fee as last year, anglers must register on or before October 10th. Register now and total entry fee (including Big Fish Pot) will remain at $400 per team (plus a small admin fee to Pay Pal) . Those teams registering after October 10th will pay an additional $40 and will need to sign up and pay in cash at the pre tournament meeting (Oct 17th) the evening before the big event. On Line registration thru PayPal will enable anglers to sign up and register easily and securely while on the club's website. Additionally, anglers who register on or before Oct 10th become eligible to win one of four Mustang Floater Suits that will be presented at the weigh in.

Pre-Tournament Meeting and Registration:
At least one member of your two person team must attend the pre-tournament meeting on Friday evening before the event. This year the location for this meeting will be the Best Western Plus Mariposa Inn and Conference Centre which is located at 400 Memorial Ave. Orillia, Ont. Doors Open at 5pm for registration and meeting will start at 6pm.

Bob IzumiSpecial Guest Bob Izumi:
The Aurora Bassmasters are also pleased to welcome back Boater Exam spokesperson Bob Izumi who will be fishing the 2014 BPS Lake Simcoe Open. His partner will be local fishing ace and owner of the Lake Simcoe message board ... John Whyte. "This is really shaping up to be another outstanding event. With the cool weather this fall the bass out there in Simcoe are beginning to stack up ... just like competing anglers hope they would be. I can’t wait for Oct 18th  ... and in speaking with Bob ... I know he’s really excited about fishing it again as well,” said Whyte.

To register and for more details please visit www.aurorabass.com
Press Release prepared By:
Wil Wegman
Aurora Bassmasters Conservation Director

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Press Release Wed, 08 Oct 2014 21:23:40 -0400
St. Croix's New Avid Ice Jigging Rods https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/st-croixs-new-avid-ice-jigging-rods.html https://www.fishinglakesimcoe.ca/articles/press-release/st-croixs-new-avid-ice-jigging-rods.html

Park Falls, Wis. - (October 8, 2014) - Like the 1986 release of Metallica's Master of Puppets, St. Croix's new Avid Ice Jigging Rods are an instant heavy metal classic. 

St. Croix New Avid Ice Fishing Rod Fall 2014

Creators of the ice industry's only patented spring bobber rod and holders of numerous exclusive fishing rod technologies, St. Croix proudly offers six new Avid Ice Jigging Rod models from medium-light to medium-heavy in 27-, 30- and 36-inch lengths.

Built specifically to control proven walleye baits like Jigging Raps, Puppet Minnows, and responsive metal like Slender Spoons and PK Flutter Fish, St. Croix Avid Ice Jigging rods offer walleye ice anglers exactly the right rod for ripping, jigging and bomb dropping walleyes with metal.

Seriously, save the "finesse" for shampoo. From Lake Tobin, Saskatchewan, to the Bay of Quinte (and all points in between), power fishing big jigs, minnow-profile baits and spoons accounts for more monster walleyes than everything else combined.   

But you've gotta have backbone to fish ‘em.

Like the St. Croix Avid Ice Jigging Rod's precision-tapered solid carbon blank, designed specifically for seek and destroy missions of all-day rippin' and freight-train aggression bites.

The new rods are built with an ultra-sensitive carbon handle, too. Perfect for those days when you need to feel a minnow breathe on the end of a walleye-sized tungsten … and know it's just barely touching bottom. Or when it does the herky-jerk, that paydirt is imminent.

"Walleye ice anglers had been asking us to produce a technique-specific rod for Jigging Raps, walleye-sized jigs and spoons. So, we went to work and spent considerable time perfecting the blank and handle designs," says Jeff Schluter, St. Croix Rod V.P. of Brand Management. "Ultimately, through the use of a precision-tapered solid carbon blank and carbon handle we discovered the perfect marriage of power and sensitivity that these baits require."

Avid Ice Jigging Rods also feature Kigan stripper guides and lightweight, low-profile running guides that ensure line flows straight, true and unobstructed, even with the line-to-leader knots or small barrel swivels and fluorocarbon leaders used to fish these baits. 

Creators of the ice industry's only patented spring bobber rod and holders of numerous exclusive fishing rod technologies, St. Croix proudly offers six new Avid Ice Jigging Rod models from medium-light to medium-heavy in 27-, 30- and 36-inch lengths. Each is made in U.S.A. with foreign and domestic materials, and retails between $50 and $55.

About St. Croix Rod
St. Croix Rod is a family-owned and managed manufacturer of high-performance fishing rods headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin with a 65-year heritage of USA manufacturing. Utilizing proprietary technologies, St. Croix controls every step of the rod-making process, from conception and design to manufacturing and inspection, in two company-owned facilities. The company offers a complete line of premium, American-made fly, spinning and casting rods under their Legend Elite®, Legend® Xtreme, Legend Tournament®, Avid Series®, Premier®, Wild River®, Tidemaster®, Imperial® and other trademarks through a global distribution network of full-service fishing tackle dealers. The company's mid-priced Triumph®, Mojo Bass/Musky/Inshore/Surf, Eyecon® and Rio Santo series rods are designed and engineered in Park Falls, Wisconsin and built in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fresnillo, Mexico. Founded in 1948 to manufacture jointed bamboo fishing poles for a Minneapolis hardware store chain, St. Croix has grown to become the largest manufacturer of fishing rods in North America.

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admin@fishinglakesimcoe.ca (Administrator) Press Release Wed, 08 Oct 2014 14:04:11 -0400