The sixth annual Sand Crab Classic perch tournament had a few changes this year and still proved to be a positive event for all.
The one-day perch fishing tournament was at the Santa Cruz Portuguese Hall, and 300 contestants and volunteers came together to fish, eat great food, have fun and raise money for the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project.
The event had some growing pains to endure this year, and with more people wanting to compete, the decision was made to find a new venue. That meant a larger sound system, more prizes, a giant barbecue and more food. Thanks to 20 volunteers and over 260 people that entered, the day went off with out a hitch.
The masters division was taken by Dave McGuire of Santa Cruz with his fine catch, a 2-pound, 4-ounce black perch. Tom Larimer took second place with a 2-pounder, followed by Matthew Jimenez with his 1-pound, 14-ounce black perch.
The event had masters’, women’s and children’s divisions. All winners received a trophy and gift items, including rod-and-reel combos, tackle and tackle boxes. All contestants received a T-shirt, a great meal and a raffle ticket. The raffle, made possible by donations from local businesses, had more than $4,000 worth of prizes. The largest donation was a brand-new Mercury Motor that was donated by Jim Moore of Moore and Sons Mercury Marine in Santa Cruz. This is the second year Jim has made such a generous donation, and this helps the event raise money to give back to fisheries.
The tournament raised enough money to donate several thousand dollars to the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. The main focus was to keep people fishing, having fun and giving back. It is great to see family and friends and businesses in the community work together for this event.
• 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 ca************@ya***.com. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080) from 7:06 to 8 p.m. Thursdays April through September.
