Crates becomes Fish Craft Champion

Mike Crates

After 41 years of competing, and coming second no less than 19 times, Cardiff’s Mike Crates has finally been crowned British Fish Craft Champion 2013 on August 25.

An emotional Mike, 55, who works at Ashton’s in Cardiff and lives in Penarth, said.

“It’s hard to believe after so many years of competing and coming so close, but it feels great.   Every year I think, I’ll give it one last shot, and now my ambition has been realised.’

Mike’s boss, Jonathan Adams, MD of Ashton’s and newly elected president of the National Federation of Fishmongers, was delighted.

“Mike always gives it his all, he’s been asked to be a judge so many times, but he loves competing, and giving it his best shot this year has really paid off.”

Mike beat off strong competition from top fishmongers from all over the UK, fellow competitors included entrants from major supermarkets such as Tesco and Morrisons, as well as competitors from independent fishmongers such as Wye Valley Smokery and Channel Fisheries.

Mike says he might just sharpen his fish knives one more time, and give the big one another shot in 2014.

“You never know,” he says “I might be on a lucky roll.”

The 2013 event is the 61st British Fish Craft Championship, and is the fifth time that it has been held in Cardiff – forming part of the city’s Harbour Festival.