REGATTA CRABBING COMPETITION
Probably the best crabbing competition in the World, or Europe, definitely Devon.
Kindly sponsored by Chadwick Financial
Sustainability is key!
Every year the Harbour Authority removes thousands of plastic crabbing lines from the river. This is bad news for our river and it’s inhabitants. This year we will insist all entrants use plastic free crabbing lines, to do our bit for the environment.
Junior Crabbing Friday 30th August
Sign in from 9am at the covered shelter opposite the old Dartmouth Hospital site. Lines in at 10am sharp. Lines out at 11am. Catch as many crabs as you can. Do not cheat, we will be checking! Do not hurt the crabs. Keep them in water.
YOU MUST NOT USE A LANDING NET OR HOOK.
YOU MUST USE A PLASTIC FREE CRABBING LINE.
Ages groups – 7’s and under, 8-9 and 10-12 years
Prizes will be issued immediately after counting. The brave and very important counters decision is FINAL!!!
ADULT CRABBING
Tuesday 27th August
Sign in from 5.30pm on the South Embankment. Lines in at 6pm sharp. Lines out at 7pm.
Catch as many crabs as you can. Do not cheat, we will be checking! Do not hurt the crabs. Keep them in water.
YOU MUST NOT USE A LANDING NET OR HOOK.
YOU MUST USE A PLASTIC FREE CRABBING LINE.
Prizes courtesy of BAYS BREWERY
The brave and very important counters decision is FINAL!!!
Crabbing Guidelines
Do: Use a single crab line with a bait bag at the end, instead of larger drop nets, as crabs can get trapped in them.
Don’t: Overcrowd your bucket—stick to a maximum of 10 crabs per pail.
Do: Add rocks and seaweed to the bucket to mimic the crabs’ natural environment and reduce stress.
Don’t: Keep the crabs all day—return them to the sea after a short while.
Do: Change the water every 10 minutes to prevent asphyxiation. Always use seawater.
Don’t: Store your bucket in direct sunlight.
Don’t: Use a line with a hook. Instead, tie your bait (like bacon) or use a piece of an old pair of tights or netting to hold it.
Do: Handle crabs gently—hold them by the sides of their shell or with one finger on top and one underneath, avoiding the claws.
Do: Separate any fighting crabs—males can be more aggressive.
Do: Ensure all crabs are safely returned to the sea.
Do: Take all your equipment and rubbish home; never leave crabbing gear on the quay.
Do: Enjoy crabbing! When done responsibly, it’s a great way to teach children about marine ecology.
