Somers Point's Sixth Annual Assault on Patcong Creek
Crabbing Tournament & Barbecue, Saturday, June 27
New Jersey's largest annual crabbing tournament is a competitive event and fun for the entire family
Somers Point, NJ – Crabbers grab your traps – the sixth annual Assault on Patcong Creek – a crabbing tournament and barbecue in Somers Point, NJ – returns on Saturday, June 27 in the waters surrounding the City of Somers Point.
The Assault on Patcong Creek began in 2010 as an on-the-water-gathering of a dozen or so crabbing buddies, and has grown each year over the past five years to more than 34 boats and 100 crabbers from nine different states participating in 2014, making it one of the largest crabbing tournaments in the country.
Special events include the after-tournament barbecue and the Largest Crab Contest – a cornerstone to the event that attracts crabbers from several surrounding states attempting to get their name engraved on the coveted Largest Crab Contest trophy. New for 2015 are crab races and a children's division.
With bushel baskets and crabbing traps in hand, participating teams launch their vessels into the water in search of rich crab habitats. Teams include long-time friends, husbands and wives, father-daughter and father-son duos crabbing aboard vessels with names like Big George, Bushelled Out, Circa '68 and Little Orca, the competition promises to be just as fun as it is fierce.
"This event continues to grow in success because it is a great way to have fun with friends and family," said Ron Meischker, founder of the event and the City's Harbormaster. "We hope to continue to grow and expand the event with help from our great sponsors and the City of Somers Point," Meischker added.
Rules for the Assault on Patcong Creek tournament are as follows:
All crabs must be blue crabs.
All measurements are taken "point-to-point."
Only legal blue crabs may be entered.
All crabs must be caught by handline, traps (ring, box, star, triangle, topless) or trotline. No crabs may be submitted if caught from commercial-style crab pots.
All crabs must be caught the day of the tournament no earlier than 6 a.m.
All crabs must be at the party location and in line for check in no later than 1 p.m. Crabs must be alive at check in.
All crabs must be caught from the following bodies of water: Patcong Creek, Great Egg Harbor Bay, Great Egg Harbor River, Middle River, Tuckahoe River, Tuckahoe-Corbin City Fish and Wildlife Management Areas, Peck Bay, Steelman Bay and Scull Bay.
A major highlight of the Assault on Patcong Creek is the after-tournament barbecue, held for crabbers and their families. It has become tradition for all of the crabbers taking part of the tournament to contribute their catch to the steam pot for consumption at the party. To date, the record is 9.5 bushels of crabs caught during the morning on the water. The barbecue menu also includes two whole roasted pig, clams, beer, soda and other beverages – and homemade covered dishes, salads and desserts.
Entertainment will include local band the SSP's and Cullermagic, a professional magician.
2014 marked the first year raising money to help cover tuition costs for children to attend the NJ Fish & Wildlife's Sedge Island Summer camps. The 2014 recipients were John Henry of Mays Landing and Josie Sykora of Somers Point, NJ. In 2015, the event plans to provide tuition for four children, two from Somers Point New Jersey, where the event is based, and two for children who are somehow related to the tournament, whether through direct participation, or through the participation of a relative.
The Assault on Patcong Creek Crabbing Tournament and BBQ would not be possible without support from their generous sponsors: The Blue Crab Archives, JO Spice Company, The Custard Hut, Gregory's Bar & Restaurant, Campbell's New Generation Marine, Sure Storage, Ardex Laboratories, Passion Vines Wine and Spirit Company, Hank Sauce and Lumpy's Crab Market.
To register for the Assault on Patcong Creek, make a donation or become a sponsor call 609-517-2531, e-mail info@assaultonpatcongcreek.com or visit www.assaultonpatcongcreek.com.
For more information on the City of Somers Point, NJ visit www.somerspointgov.org or call 609-927-9088.
