Sunday, 18 September will see the first ever Bridlington Crab Chase – a catch and release crab fishing competition, which will take place on Bridlington’s Harbour, Crane Wharf, for children under 16.
This new and exciting event has been organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Coastal Services team, with the support of Bridlington Quay Townscape Heritage project.
The competition will highlight the harbour’s shell fishing heritage, whilst at the same time adding a fun element and introducing the youngsters to the wonders of sea life, for what is hoped will become an annual event.
Children, who must be accompanied by an adult, will have the opportunity to come along to one of four heats, to try to catch as many crabs as they can in 45 minutes and be in with the chance of becoming a heat trophy winner, and an overall trophy winner, along with a family ticket to the Snow White pantomime at Bridlington Spa and a fishing rod with reel, courtesy of Waves Bridlington.
The results and presentation will take place later that day at Bridlington Spa, where all competitors will receive a medal and certificate.
Councillor Mike Medini, portfolio holder for cultural and leisure assets, said : “This event is a great idea, and will allow our young people to appreciate the history and importance of the harbour, and its wealth of nature, as well.”
Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic growth and tourism, said: “Creating new events in Bridlington is vitally important to ensure we encourage visitors into the town The Crab Chase event is aimed at children and families, who we hope will come have lots of fun catching crabs and also explore the harbour area, to enjoy the nature it supports, and be reminded of the importance of Bridlington to the shellfish trade.”
Andrew Uttley , townscape heritage officer, said: “We are delighted to support this new event, along with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and to provide such an opportunity to children and their families to engage with something the town is so famous for, whilst also allowing them to explore the heritage of the harbour and the wider areas.”
Each heat will consist of 20 competitors, split into two age groups, under 10 and under 16.
Once a competitor makes a catch, they will take their crab to a marshal who will record it on an entry card and place the crab into a central bucket to be released at the end of each session.
Tickets and more details available online at Bridlington Crab Chase (eastridingcoastandcountryside.co.uk) and are expected to sell out quickly, following a high response so far.
The cost of the tickets is £6.00 and for this each competitor will be supplied with a crab net (RRP £4.00) to use on the day and to keep for future crab fishing adventures.
All competitors must use the supplied net only, but will be able to source and supply their own bait, whatever they feel will give them the best chance of winning!!
Thanks also go to Bridlington Harbour Commissioners who have facilitated the event.
The times of fishing are:
45 min slots
09:00 – 9:45
30 mins change around
10:15 – 11:00
30 mins change around
11:30 -12:15
30 mins change around
12:45 – 13:30
Presentation
15:00
