The Port of San Diego’s 39th annual Day at The Docks celebration of sportfishing will take place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday April 9. The festival marks the official start of San Diego’s spring saltwater fishing season.
The event is held against the backdrop of the San Diego’s sportfishing fleet located in Point Loma at Harbor Drive and Scott Street. The San Diego fleet is unique in many ways – it is the largest assembled sportfishing found fleet anywhere in the world. The boats in the San Diego fleet are some of the most sophisticated, with capabilities of operating trips to some of the world’s most productive and prolific fish-filled waters off Southern California and the coast of Mexico
The festival attracts novice and experienced anglers, families with kids of all ages and members of the general public. The day provides the opportunity to discover new adventures, explore the latest in fishing tackle and techniques, walk aboard and tour boats in the fleet, talk with the captains and crews, take a ride on a boat and partake in the many activities planned for the day. The festival highlights include:
Open house aboard boats in the fleet welcoming one and all;
Fishing and boating “how-to” seminars presented by an all-star lineup of captains and fishing experts;
Exhibits by more than 200 fishing tackle and boat manufacturers and community groups;
Marine art, clothing and accessories;
Cooking demos by local chefs;
Fish fillet demonstrations;
Live music and entertainment;
Contests and prizes for casting and knot tying;
Free fishing areas for kids;
A captains’ dunk tank;
Drawings for thousands of dollars in prizes;
Boat rides around San Diego Bay, $3 per person.
Visitors arrive early and stay late. Parking is at a premium around the Landings but free parking is available on Shelter Island and free round trip shuttle service to and from the festival is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For complete information on Port of San Diego’s Day at The Docks activities and schedules, visit www.sportfishing.org.