From the most experienced sportfishers to those simply looking for a fun afternoon on San Diego Bay, Day at the Docks has something for everyone. The event, now in its 29th year, celebrates the start of the spring saltwater sportfishing season in San Diego.
“It’s not like a trade show [and] it’s not like a boat show,” said Catherine Miller, Day at the Docks event producer. “It has a whole different sense to it. It’s really much more like a local happening.”
Day at the Docks will be held Sunday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the sportfishing landings in Point Loma, located at Harbor Drive and Scott Street.
Miller said the free event is expected to draw a hefty crowd.
“There are thousands of people that come through during the course of the day,” she said. “Some people come and they spend a couple hours. Some people come and they spend all day.”
Though Day at the Docks is the kickoff for the spring sportfishing season, the start of the season is not marked by a specific date. It is instead marked by the first albacore caught.
“We have a couple of boats going out on Friday night and coming back in Sunday morning,” Miller said. “They’re hoping to catch albacore.”
Regardless of outcome for the excursions, a wide array of festivities is planned for Day at the Docks. These activities include the chance for visitors to tour a sportfishing boat.
“All the boats in the fleet will be open for open-house inspection,” Miller said. “It’s really a great opportunity to go down there and see what that whole [sportfishing] community is all about.”
In addition to the open house, Day at the Docks will feature marine art, fish cooking and preparation seminars, a food court and live entertainment on three stages. The entertainment will range from classical guitar to zydeco blues.
There will also be activities for children. Kids will be able to try their hand with the brush at the marine art station and experience the joy of catching a fish.
“We’ve got some stock-fishing areas where kids can fish for mackerel with the assistance of our local fishing club members,” Miller said.
For the competitors in the crowd, a casting contest will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with the opportunity to win a new rod and reel and an open-party fishing trip. Knot-tying contests will also take place throughout the day.
The event will include drawings to benefit the Burn Institute at noon, 2:15 and 4:30 p.m. For $1, prizes include a 10-foot bass boat, a digitally controlled reel, an outboard motor and fishing trips and tackle.
Free parking for Day at the Docks will be available on Shelter Island, with free double-decker buses shuttling people to and from the event between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
For more information, including a calendar to help plan the day, visit www.sportfishing.org.