The Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament draws a large crowd each year, and the 11th annual event was no different.
Under sunny skies and beautiful spring weather, 300 anglers began the search for the largest perch. This is all in an effort to gain a trophy and bragging rights while raising money for the local hatchery. During this one-day event, held March 14, anglers can fish where they desire before having their prized perch weighed in by 1 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Portuguese Hall. At that time, they are greeted with an event T-shirt, a barbeque lunch, awards and a full raffle.
The Sand Crab Classic filled up fast this year, and entrees were closed early. The categories include kids, women, seniors and even a spot for an exotic species.
Releasing perch is encouraged, although all contenders must be weighed in. Samara Cortazzo was able to catch a third-place winning black perch. She kept it alive in a bucket and after it was weighed in, she released it alive. After the perch was released off the wharf, she came back with her father for lunch and received her trophy. Other contestants formed a line just before 1 p.m. The line filled with adults and children alike, all with large perch in hand.
The grand master prize of the event was awarded to Joe Voss from Ventura. This was Joe’s first time to the event, but he is an experienced angler. He proved his skills with his 2 pound, 6 ounce Barred perch that measured in at 15 and 1/4 inches. Joe took the winning perch while using pile worms for bait and fished near the Salinas river mouth. Michael Calura was close behind as he took 1st division with his 2 pound, 4 ounce Barred perch.
The perch bite had been hot all winter and into early spring. As of recent, the bite started to fade, and smaller perch have moved in. The event day held fair conditions, as anglers caught fish but had to work for them. After a fun day of fishing with friends and family, a full stomach and a fun award ceremony and raffle most contestants had a great day. Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project was at the event, as all proceeds are donated to MBSTP, a local nonprofit that helps bring more fish to our area.
The Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament is a great way to get together with friends and family and raise money for MBSTP showing anglers do care about fish. While perch are a smaller game fish, a 2-pound perch is large, as are the efforts that go into making this event happen.
– Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 15 years. Contact him at
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