San Diego Launches Sportfishing Season

Day At The Docks

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks is the West Coast's largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California's spring saltwater fishing season, Day at the Docks takes place on Sunday, April 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of the world-renowned sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay.

This annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family and especially the sportfishing enthusiast.

The serious fisherman can explore the latest fishing tackle presented by the industry's leading manufacturers. Historical displays underscore how far saltwater tackle design has come.

How-to seminars by expert fishermen reveal secrets on improving both technique and results. Anglers can test their skills at casting contests held throughout the day. Action-packed videos capture the excitement of local and long range adventures.

Sportfishing captains will showcase their vessels and stand ready to discuss plans for the upcoming season. There will also be boat rides on San Diego Bay, displays by marine artists and fishing tackle experts, great food, entertainment, fishing seminars, open house aboard sportfishing boats, kids’ fishing, contests, prizes, and more!

This is the 27^th year the San Diego Sportfishing Council has sponsored its special showcase of San Diego sportfishing. Arizonans are invited to take this opportunity to join the fun and discover a bit more of what the Port of San Diego has in store.

The highlights of the day are as follow:

• Fishing Seminars — These are for the angler who wants to pick up a few tips for that next fishing trip: the "how tos" and "insider tips" from the San Diego fleet skippers and other industry experts.
   
• Kids’ Fishing Adventure — This event is sponsored by Wet Marine and Okuma Fishing Tackle for kids 4-12 years old. From 9 a.m.-4 p.m., while dad is picking up valuable information, the kids can take off for the Kids’ Fishing Adventure; expert assistance is provided by members of the San Diego Rod & Reel Club and the San Diego Anglers.
   
• Casting Contests — Sponsored by Seeker Rods, this competition is for everyone, pro and novice alike. Competition is set for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Points are awarded for distance and accuracy, and fishing trips and tackle are awarded to the winners.
   
• Izorline Knot-Tying Competition — Young and old alike can try their hand at tying the strongest fishing knot with assistance from the pro staff at Izorline. Knot-tying demonstrations will be followed by hands-on competition in which individual knots will be tested against the Izorline Knot Gauge, a device that measures a knot’s breaking point by pressure. Competition will take place in three divisions: small fry (to 10 years), juniors (11-16 years), and adults. A voluntary donation of $1-$5 will benefit the Rollo Fund program to take kids fishing. The contest runs all day from the Izorline exhibit booth. Winners in each division will be announced at the end of the day; prizes include half-day and full-day fishing trips.
   
• Fishing Videos — Inside the Sportfishing Landings and in Tackle Central there will be continuous showings of dramatic sportfishing videos from San Diego to Baja, Clipperton Island, Costa Rica, and more.
   
• Boat Rides Around The Bay — The whole family will want to take a boat ride around San Diego Bay; the cost is $1. Trips run continuously throughout the day from the three sportfishing landings.
   
• Gourmet Galley — There’s no need to go hungry here as a variety of foods — seafood, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and more — is available. Many local restaurants around the harbor will also be serving up Day at the Docks specials.
   
• Hot Tackle — Find out what’s hot on the fish-equipment market. The top manufacturers will be there to show off their latest; you’ll also find some great bargains on fishing tackle from exhibitor retailers and in the Landing tackle shops.
   
• Lots Of Boats — The modern sportfishers in the San Diego fleet will host a grand open house. Visitors are welcome to climb aboard and look around. Joining the fleet for the day will be a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Harbor Police fire boat, Vessel Assist towboats, some smaller fishing kayaks, and trailerable boats.
   
• Marine Art — Cherry Sweig will be returning with some new artworks featuring dorado and flying fish and local Pacific marine life; Fran Koide’s collection includes wall sculptures that utilize the barbless hooks used by San Diego’s commercial fishermen at the turn of the 20^th century. Kevin Pack, an award-winning wildlife artist, shows his dedication to nature and conservations through his paintings. Artist David Wirth will display his life-size sculptures of marine fishes reproduced in polished hardwoods and bronze.
   
• Entertainment All Day On Stage — On the main stage things get going at 9 a.m. There will be three raffles benefiting The Burn Institute: 11:45 a.m., 2:15 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, and tickets to area attractions.