More Than Fishing is sponsoring the Crab Snare Making Contest in the San Mateo County Fair!
Created to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation within the fishing community, this contest invites crab snare makers of all experience levels to showcase their designs, exchange ideas, and inspire the next generation of anglers and makers. Whether you are a seasoned builder or creating your very first snare, this is your opportunity to share your passion and craftsmanship with the community.
Participants will have the chance to compete for the following awards:
Most Innovative Design,
Excellence in Craftsmanship
Best In Show
Along with a San Mateo County Fair Rosette, each winner for each award category will also receive More Than Fishing Gift Baskets presented by More Than Fishing.
This contest is more than just competition. It is about bringing the community together through creativity, learning, and the shared love of fishing.
Online Application Deadline
Friday, May 8, 2026
Snares not due until Entry Receiving*
Friday, May 22 (2–8 p.m.) or
Saturday, May 23 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
*Entry Receiving are the dates and times competitors can drop off their entry snares at the San Mateo County Fair Venue (Innovation Department)
WHEN FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION:
Use THIS LINK to complete the application.
-Department of Innovation
-Crab Snare Making
-*Choose a Class: see next image
OFFICIAL RULES AND INFORMATION
DIVISION – 060 – Crab Snare Making
SPONSOR: More Than Fishing
Along with San Mateo County Fair Rosette, 1st Place Winners will receive More Than Fishing Gift baskets presented by More Than Fishing!
The More Than Fishing Crab Snare Making Contest is created to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation within the crabbing community. This contest highlights the skill, problem-solving, and design thinking that go into building effective crab snares while inspiring the next generation of anglers and makers. Rooted in More Than Fishing’s mission, which is to share knowledge, recommend reliable gear, and build a safe, kind, and supportive fishing community. This event brings together crab snare makers of all experience levels to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. The contest is not just about winning; it is about showcasing ideas, exchanging techniques, and encouraging a positive culture where creativity and respect come first. By displaying snares side by side for judging, participants have an opportunity to appreciate the innovation behind each design, gain insight into craftsmanship, and inspire younger kids to explore fishing-related skills in a fun and welcoming environment. Our goal is to strengthen the community, foster curiosity, and celebrate the ingenuity that makes crab snare making both an art and tradition.
RULES:
- Snares must be entered to participate online by deadline: Friday, May 8, 2026. Completed snares must be submitted at Entry Receiving: Friday, May 22 (2 – 8 p.m.) or Saturday, May 23 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) for judging.
- In addition to the snare, exhibitors can submit documentation including a description and the methods and tools that were used to create it. Plans, sketches and photos (before, in-process and after) are encouraged and will positively impact judging. Use no more than two sheets of 8½ x 11 paper.
- Each crab snare must include a 6-ounce lead weight as part of its design to ensure uniformity among all entries.
- All designs must adhere to current California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations for crab snares.
- It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure their entries meet these legal standards when in use.
Judging Criteria:
• Design Effectiveness: snares will be assessed on how well the snare’s design suggests it would function in a real-world scenario, even without live testing.
• Theoretical Functionality: consideration of whether the design logically appears capable of catching crabs effectively.
• Overall Build Quality: Judges will also look at how sturdy and well-constructed the snare is in terms of neatness and attention to detail.
• Creativity & Originality: this focuses on how unique and inventive the design is, looking for snares that bring something new to the table.
• Innovative Use of Materials: Judges will consider if the snare uses materials in a clever or unique way.
• Stand Out Features: Any special elements that make the design truly one-of-a-kind will be highlighted here.
• Quality of Workmanship: How well is the snare built? Judges will look at the overall craftsmanship and neatness.
• Attention to Detail: Fine details and finishing touches will be considered to see how polished the snare is.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Judges will also note if the snare is visually well-crafted and looks professionally made.
Competitors can select more than one Class Award Entries
Most Innovative Design, one winner
Excellence in Craftsmanship, one winner
Best In Show, one winner
