Top of the Yorke Crowns Champion Crabber

Published 5th May 2023
After a last-minute rush of entries, a crabber has been crowned the champion in Barunga West Council’s inaugural biggest Blue Swimmer Crab competition.

Jake Lawrence caught the winning crab off of Port Broughton and measured it at a Top of the Yorke crab measuring podium. The winning crab measured an impressive 57.5cm, making Jake the winner of the competition. Congratulations, Jake! As the winner, you have scored the Ultimate Port Broughton Holiday, valued at over $1000.

The grand prize includes accommodation for two nights in a waterfront villa for six people at the Port Broughton Tourist Park, along with vouchers to the Port Broughton Hotel, Port Broughton Central Deli, Palate 2 Palette, SeaRenity Nursery & Garden Centre, Port Broughton IGA, Broughton Meat Store, Port Broughton Home Hardware, and Port Broughton Bakery. Jake also picks up an SA Angler subscription.

The Yorke Peninsula’s biggest Blue Swimmer Crab competition was a huge success, with many recreational anglers participating. Anglers needed to catch a Blue Swimmer Crab in Yorke Peninsula waters, measure their crab from claw to claw on the Top of the Yorke measuring podiums, and upload pictures to Instagram while tagging the Top of the Yorke Instagram page.

The success of the Top of the Yorke's biggest Blue Swimmer Crab competition reflects the thriving tourism industry in the region. Throughout the peak summer tourism season, Top of the Yorke experienced a record number of visitors, with accommodation, local eateries, and businesses operating at high capacity. The seaside towns of Port Broughton, Fisherman Bay, and Tickera were buzzing with the energy of enthusiastic anglers.

Despite a slow start to the crabbing season, the abundance of Blue Swimmer Crabs in the Spencer Gulf waters provided ample opportunities for families to enjoy this beloved local pastime. Barunga West Council CEO Maree Wauchope said: “Blue Swimmer Crabs are a local favourite, and crabbing offers fun for the whole family. It was fantastic to witness so many people out crabbing and enjoying the experience.”

For novice anglers interested in participating in future crabbing events, the Top of the Yorke website provides a comprehensive guide with useful information on equipment, timing, techniques, and regulations related to crabbing for Blue Swimmer Crabs. Prepare yourself for next year's competition by familiarising yourself with these helpful tips at: https://www.topoftheyorke.com.au/things-to-do/blue-crab-guide

The success of the Yorke Peninsula's first biggest Blue Swimmer Crab competition is a testament to the community spirit and support. All prizes for the event were generously donated by local businesses within Port Broughton, further highlighting the close-knit nature of the community.

Excitement is already building for the return of the Yorke Peninsula's biggest Blue Swimmer Crab competition in 2024. Stay tuned for updates and announcements regarding this highly anticipated event.