Crabfest is the first event of the year for NCKA (Nor Cal Kayal Anglers Forum) anglers. This event is only open for memebers of NCKA. If you would like more information on future events visit norcalkayakanglers.com and become a member.
Crabfest has always had variable weather year to year and it
was nice to arrive Friday to a sunny and non-windy day in Bodega Bay. It has been
the event that brings NCKA together for the New Year. The first thing I noticed
when we arrived on Friday was that anglers were already on the water searching
for crab while families enjoyed their time on the beach. I knew this was going
to be a great weekend.
Crabfest 2017 did not disappoint, the weather and crab
decided to cooperate and gave us some of the best conditions Crabfest has ever
seen. The day use area had a line of vehicles waiting for the gate to open with
anglers waiting to register. The day started off with some wind, but soon
turned out to be a beautiful winter day on the Sonoma Coast.
The Dungeness crab were in attendance this year with many
anglers bringing in limits, while some still struggled to find one of legal
size. There were over 40 crabs brought to the measuring station, with some red
crab reaching the size of jumbo Dungeness crab.
Lunch time rolled around shortly after the check-in table
closed and once again the potluck was brimming with good dishes to be shared by
all. Some of the items that stood out to me were the ab chowder, fried striper
and sturgeon, Crabfest pie, duck, oysters, crab, and bistek. There was so much
food, and you could hear people talking about the spread. I didn’t get to eat
much since I was getting ready for the awards, but next year I will make sure
to check out everything and take a moment to grab some food.
This event has been free since day one and runs on the
donations from sponsors. This year’s primary sponsor was Native Watercraft and
they donated a Manta Ray Propel kayak to the raffle that was won by "Big Al". There were demo kayaks
from Native Watercraft available the day of the event and the day after
provided by The Headwaters kayak shop. The Headwaters kayak shop was another
primary sponsor this year, including Promar/Ahi USA. Both Promar and the
Headwaters have been sponsors since the first Crabfest at Doran Beach in 2011. Crabfest 2017 marked the sixth year of this event. Supporting
sponsors included Orion Coolers, YakAttack, Kala Brand Music, Kokatat, Hoo-Rag and 707
Embroidery Zone.
There were some big crabs this year and all the winning crabs
measured in over 7 inches. There was a perch category this year, but none were
entered.
Results:
Biggest Red Rock Crab-
The
biggest Red Rock Crab went to Brian Turner, who has one this category before.
His crab weighed in at 2.2 lbs and measured in at 7.11”. This crab was almost
as big as the third place Dungeness crab.
3rd Place Dungeness Crab-
Third
place went to Myong-Jae Kin whose crab weighed in at 2.51 lbs and measured in
at 7.23 inches. Myong-Jae had several crabs that measured over 7 inches.
2nd Place Dungeness Crab-
Second
place went to one of the most kind and positive person I know. Raydon Shippey
took home 2nd place with his biggest crab weighing in at 2.55 lbs
and measuring in at 7.31 inches.
1st Place Dungeness Crab-
Annie
Nagel took home 1st place this year at Crabfest. Her biggest
Dungeness crab measured in at 2.47 lbs and measured in at 7.40 inches. Annie
continues to amaze all of us with her fishing skills. She caught the winning
crab while still having time to fry up the sturgeon she caught just a week
before. Congrats Annie on the win!
This year’s raffle raised over $3500 and all proceeds will
be going to Diabetes Youth Families (www.dyf.org), an organization that supports families and children living with type 1
diabetes. The funds raised will help send some kids to camp for an experience
they will never forget.
Each year, there is so much work that goes into putting this
event together. My goal has always been to keep it free and family friendly. This
weekend reminded me why I continue to do this event. Thank you to all of the
NCKA family that make this event possible.
