Crabfest 2016 Report (Photo Heavy)

Even though crabbing was closed, Crabfest 2016 was a great success. We arrived on Friday to rain, but shortly after it cleared up and we were able to relax before the big day.

The morning of the event was beautiful and I couldn’t have asked for better conditions. It reminded me of the first Crabfest where the ocean was flat and calm. This year since Crabbing was closed, the target species was changed to Perch. There were three categories: Kayak, Shore and Junior, the single largest perch in each category would win.

Despite crabbing season being closed, the event had 80 registered anglers, not including the families of those who registered. Throughout the morning the beach became lined up with anglers and families searching for Perch. Some headed towards the golf course, some in front of the campgrouns and about 8-10 headed out in kayaks. Crabfest has always been a family event, but this year it was great to see all the children on the beach fishing with their parents.

Not only was there fishing and kayaking, there were children playing on the beach building sand castles and flying kites. You could feel and see the spirit of NCKA everywhere you looked. There were many NCKA members who just showed up to hang out and chill with friends. Throughout the morning, my wife sold raffle tickets for items donated by all the sponsors. Each participant who registered for the event got a raffle ticket for the kayak and extra tickets for the raffle could be purchased for $5, all proceeds of the event being given to Diabetes Youth Families.
 
The potluck at Crabfest never disappoints, there was such a large spread I don’t think anybody went hungry. Hopefully someone will post pictures of all the food. A big thank you to everyone who helped clean up after the event, there was really nothing left for me to clean up after the event.

And the winners are:

The biggest perch from a Kayak went to Frank Nunes (Ghost), his perch measured in at an event 13 inches. Frank took home a Powell Fishing Rod, Promar Crab Trap, Crabfest Klean Kanteen, and a Amadeo Bachar Hat.

The biggest perch from Shore went to Jerry Heitman (Ski Pro 3), his perch measured in at 11.25 inches. Jerry had fished the day before and caught 10 perch from the shore. It sounds like he went back to the same spot again for the win. Jerry went home with a prize pack that included a Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing guided trip, Promar Crab Trap, Crabfest Klean Kanteen, and a Amadeo Bachar Hat.

The Junior Division winner went to Caitlyn Abuan. Caitlyn caught a perch measuring in at 10.7 inches. Caitlyn went home with a prize pack that included a Promar Crab Trap, Crabfest Klean Kanteen, and a Amadeo Bachar Hat.

The winner of the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 (Headwaters) went to Lesley Welborn, her excitement after hearing her number was priceless. Congrats on your new kayak, I look forward to seeing pictures of you enjoying it on the water.

All raffle proceeds this year went to Diabetes Youth Families, an organization close to my heart that helps children and families living with type 1 diabetes. This year’s raffle despite the lower attendance raised $1900 to help send children with type 1 diabetes to camp.
 
This event runs on the donations of all the sponsors, this year’s sponsors included: The Headwaters Kayak Shop, Promar, Powell Rods, YakAttack, Hoo-Rag, Klean Kanteen, Studio A.Bachar, Eddyline Paddles, Kala Brand Music, Santa Cruz Kayak Fishing and Real Fish. Please take the time to say thank you by sending an email or giving a big thanks on facebook.
 
A big thank you to NCKA, without all of you I wouldn’t be putting on this event. To me the biggest reward is seeing everyone hanging out and having a great time with friends and family. The last thank you goes to my wife Narisa who helped check in all the participants and sold tickets for the raffle. Since the first year she has been the backbone of this event with all of her support.

I know we will all most likely see each other again in 2016 at other events, but I look forward to seeing everyone again at Crabfest 2017.

good fun, good people,nice weather,excellent food and prizes and still no crab.Thanks to Victor,Headwaters and the good people of NCKA.

Sorry I miss this event this year.  Work got in the way again!  Looking forward to see lots of pictures.

Would have rather been there than sick in bed all day.

Laura and I fished the beach on front of the campgrounds. We got skunked fishing, but limited out on a great time with great friends!

The boys and I had fun! Hopefully we can organize a Crab and chill there soon when crab season finally opens! Thanks for all the hard work,Victor and thanks again for the awesome paddle!

Fun as always!!!
Already looking forward to next year. 

Everyone had a great time kids loved fishing from the surf. We got a spot for next year already looking forward to it.  It was great to meet everyone and thanks for a awesome event Victor.

Thanks to Victor, Dan and everyone involved with this great event also extra thanks to all the sponsors for their generous donations my wife and I had a wonderful time and can't wait until next year .

So far it never happened.

Howard will check in soon with his photos.
Lots of fun and good food!

Old Guys Rule!

I had a great time chillin' with old friends and new SCSS members! 

It's always fun getting people stoked on upcoming Islander trips, too.

Out of the literally hundreds of times I've fished Doran, that was my very first time surf fishing for perch there. Kiel and I fished by the golf course. I missed two quick bites and Kiel landed a nice 10.5" calico. Some fellas baitnwaitin' had a very nice BSP. First one I've ever seen at Doran. It looked like there were some decent holes out there that need to be probed more thoroughly on an incoming tide, but it's hard to pull away from my more proven beaches to the North. 

Thanks to Victor, Dan, etc. for all of your hard work and major props to all the sponsors who donated some awesome prizes.

I have 100 or so pics to re-size still. Maybe this evening.

Victor, Dan  a great day had by all
Tony,  thanks for the jam, it's what we needed!!!

Scotty

Lots of fun! Great hanging with the crews, feeling the breeze....