Crabfest 2013

Despite the windy weather, the kayakers arrived on January 27, 2013 to Bodega Bay, Ca for the second annual Doran Beach Crabfest. Around 99 anglers/kayakers gathered to crab from kayaks and hang out with other Northern California paddlers. The sun was out, but the wind blew all day, reminding us why the town can be called blow-dega, Bay.

Participants signing in. 

Rey "Lapu Lapu" getting his AI ready

Kayaks on the Beach

The event started at 7:30 and kayakers were given information on how to stay safe on the water. Many chose not to go out and just hang out with all the others who were there for the event. In total there were near 99 registered kayakers competing for the biggest Dungeness crab. At one point 80 kayaks were counted on the water. The rules were simple: Maximum 4 Traps/Rings per person, no overnight soaks, kayaks only and no Motors Allowed.  For many the crab traps of choice were Promar collapsible traps and Promar ambush nets.

Kayaks on the big blue.

Just hanging out on the beach.

John with a nice Dungeness Crab.

Staying warm and having fun.

Crabbing on the Eddyline Caribbean 14

I Pinch.

Throughout the morning crab were brought in to be measured and it seemed the crab kept getting bigger and bigger. Many of the crab that were caught were donated to the potluck that started at 12:15. The potluck consisted of many different items, such as White Sea Bass Chowder, apple cobbler, and fresh crab.

One of the winning Crabs

        

Crabfest is an event for the Family

Bringing in Crabs in a Promar Trap

Be careful they pinch!

Each participant received a raffle ticket for entering the event, which gave him or her a chance to win many different items donated by all the sponsors. There was also a raffle for the new GoPro Hero 3 Silver with the proceeds being split between the Mooch LPA and the Diabetic Youth Foundation. A total of $800 was raised, from the GoPro raffle.

As for the winners of the event here are the details:

Biggest Dungeness Crab-

1^st - Chuck E.  with a Dungeness measuring in at 7.21”

Prizes included a Thule Hullivator, Promar Heavy Duty Crab Trap, a.Bacahar Dungeness artwork, and Outdoor Pro gift certificate.

2^Nd – Kim Garo with a Dungeness measuring in at 6.93”

Prizes included Stohlquist Fisherman PFD, Promar collapsible Trap, and Outdoor Pro gift certificate.

3^rd – Sonny Nguyen with a Dungeness measuring in at 6.74”

Prizes included Bending Branches Angler Classic paddle, Promar Ambush Net and Outdoor Pro gift certificate

Biggest Red Rock went to Ken Sund with a giant measuring in at 6.58”

Prizes included Promar Ambush Net, and a Outdoor Pro Shop Gift Certificate.

Eddyline Kayaks donated Caribbean 12 kayak  for the Grand Prize Raffle and the winner of the kayak was Joseph Velho.

Crabfest was such a great success and it was all in part to the sponsors and all those that came to hang out, eat and crab.

Thanks to Dan at The Headwaters Kayak Shop, once again your sponsorship of Crabfest was greatly appreciated in making this event successful.

A big thank you to the Sponsors: Eddyline Kayaks, Promar/Ahi USA, The Headwaters kayak Shop, Seattle Sports, Thule, GoPro, Stohlquist, Grundens, A. Bachar, Bending Branches and Headwaters Adventure Company and Outdoor Pro Shop.

And as always, thank you to all of NCKA for making this an awesome event! Can’t wait to see everyone at Crabfest 2014.

For more information on kayak fishing in Northern California visit NCKA.org, and headwaterskayak.com


Thank you,

Victor Woolworth aka "vwool"

Thank you!

Photos Provided by Victor Woolworth and Joe Arbuckle