Customers to Enjoy Lure of New Sportfishing Landings

Monday, 14 June 2010
Contact: Dale Frost (619) 686-6461

The three sportfishing businesses on America’s Cup Harbor have moved into their new buildings in time for the busy summer fishing season.

A $3.5 million redevelopment of this segment of America’s Cup Harbor was recently completed, continuing revitalization of the area near Shelter Island.

“Customers love our new look,” said H&M Landing ticket seller Rhonda Jaeger. H&M’s new building includes more space at the ticket counter, and room to display an array of fishing poles, lures and clothing.

“Sales have gone way up,” Jaeger said.

The new H&M Landing and Point Loma Sportfishing buildings opened in April, giving the community a preview during the 2010 Day at the Docks that attracted thousands of people to the San Diego Bay waterfront.

“The modern buildings are a great improvement for the waterfront,” said Robert Falcone, Point Loma Sportfishing general manager.

The H&M Landing and Point Loma Sportfishing buildings are at their original location.  H&M Landing is located at 2803 Emerson Street (map), and Point Loma Sportfishing is at 1403 Scott Street (map).

The new Fisherman’s Landing, at 2838 Garrison Street (map), was built slightly north of the original building to make room for a large public plaza and improved access to the waterfront promenade that affords views of the sportfishing fleet and downtown San Diego. The old buildings were demolished.

“The redevelopment of the sportfishing landings is an integral part of the revitalization of America’s Cup Harbor,” said Kristine Zortman, senior asset manager in the Port’s Real Estate Department.

The just-opened Fisherman’s Landing sports a 2,600-square-foot tackle shop - more than twice the size of its previous retail area.

“We’re probably the largest saltwater tackle store in San Diego,” said Paul Morris, general manager.

Other improved amenities at Fisherman’s Landing include a new ice house to keep fillets fresh, and a secured area to store fishing gear for customers who ship equipment to San Diego in advance of a sportfishing trip.

“People from all over the world come here to fish,” said Morris, adding that Fisherman’s Landing regularly attracts customers from England, France and Japan, as well as from Los Angeles and Arizona.

The sportfishing fleet at America’s Cup Harbor is touted as the worlds largest and most modern, providing first-class accommodations and access to some of the most exciting saltwater sportfishing in the world.

Fishermen can choose from an array of trips that range from a one-half day boat ride to the Coronado Islands to catch yellowtail, to a two-week voyage beyond the tip of Baja where tuna in excess of 300 pounds are often caught.

El Cajon-based Hankins Corporation was the contractor for the project.

The three sportfishing landings generate approximately $35 million in sales annually and about $1.5 million in rent revenue to the Port of San Diego.

The Board of Port Commissioners in November, 2009, approved new 20-year leases for all three sportfishing landings.

“It’s been a good spring season, and we’re expecting a great summer season,” said Phil Lobred, H&M Landing owner and general manager.