Historic Portchester Castle on the south coast was transformed into a bustling hub of excitement and education as it hosted the highly anticipated Sea Angling Classic Crabbies Children’s Crabbing Competition recently.
The event drew over 400 enthusiastic participants, eager to engage in a day filled with crabbing, learning, and community spirit.
The competition, a cornerstone of the Sea Angling Classic, was supported by an array of esteemed event partners, including Reuben Heaton, Shakespeare Fishing, YETI, Lowrance Fishing, Factor O, Crewsaver and Fresh From the Boat. These partnerships brought fantastic prizes and essential resources, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
From the moment families arrived at Portchester Castle, the air was filled with anticipation and joy. Children of all ages, armed with crabbing lines and buckets provided by Angling Spirit free of charge, lined the castle’s scenic waterfront. As they cast their lines into the waters, the children’s eyes sparkled with excitement, embodying the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Throughout the day, the competition saw a flurry of activity, with children eagerly reeling in crabs of all sizes. Each catch was met with cheers and applause, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition. However, the event was not just about winning prizes; it was an opportunity to impart valuable lessons about marine life and environmental conservation.
All crabs caught during the competition were carefully released back into their natural habitat, underscoring the importance of respecting wildlife and maintaining ecological balance. This practice of catch and release was a central theme of the event, aiming to teach children the significance of sustainable fishing practices.
Beyond the excitement of crabbing, the event featured educational sessions on water safety and environmental stewardship teaching children how to stay safe while near or on the water. These sessions covered essential topics such as wearing life jackets, understanding tides, and recognizing potential hazards, ensuring that safety was always a top priority.
In addition to safety education, the event emphasized the importance of respecting and protecting the environment. Representatives from Portsmouth University marine department shared insights into the local marine ecosystem, highlighting the role each participant can play in preserving it. Children learned about the delicate balance of marine life and the impact of human activities on these fragile environments.
The competition culminated in an award ceremony, where the efforts and achievements of the young participants were celebrated. Fantastic prizes from the event partners were handed out, with Shakespeare Fishing providing top-quality fishing gear, YETI offering durable outdoor equipment, and Lowrance Fishing. Factor O contributed prizes and Fresh From the Boat provided the crab bait.
As the event came to a close, the smiles on the faces of the children and their families were a testament to its success. The Sea Angling Classic Crabbies Children’s Crabbing Competition not only provided a day of fun and excitement but also instilled valuable lessons about safety, respect for nature, and the joy of outdoor activities. Portchester Castle, with its rich history and stunning views, proved to be the perfect backdrop for this remarkable event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
In the words of one delighted parent, “It was a fantastic day out for the whole family. The kids had a blast, and we all learned so much about the importance of caring for our environment. We can’t wait for next year’s competition!”
“Staging the Crabbies crabbing event is part of our respect for the environmental initiative that we have introduced to Angling Spirit event,” said Ross Honey, event founder. “These events help to get children out by the water and are a great way of introducing them to fishing. It’s most important to look after the next generation and pass on the knowledge that we have to them.”