Castellano, Murata win Simcoe Open

Paul Castellano and Taro Murata won the 2014 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open, which is hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters.

ORILLIA, Ontario — Paul Castellano and Taro Murata won the 2014 Bass Pro Shops Lake Simcoe Open on Lake Couchiching in the one-day October tournament, which is hosted by the Aurora Bassmasters.

Castellano and Murata, who are both professional fishing guides, caught 24.1 pounds of smallmouth for their victory.

In second place were Pat Campbell and Matt Holland of the Barrie Bassmasters with 24 pounds. The biggest bass of the tournament was a 6.3-pound smallmouth caught by Ben Sabourin and Glenn Thompson, who finished in third place.

The field was made up of 63 two-person teams.

Sponsors included Bass Pro Shops, Jack Links Beef Jerky, BoaterExam.com. Shimano supplied a live release boat and an in-water weigh-in system. Shimano also donated contingency prizes worth $1,000. Product sponsors included Berkley, Rapala, Set the Hook and Lake Fork Tackle. Mustang Survival provided four floater suits for the early bird prize, which was won by Bruce White, Steve Huber, 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,” said Wil Wegman, a member of the Aurora Bassmasters.

“This year’s weigh-in ceremonies were emceed 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.”

To see photos of the Lake Simcoe Open, click here.