Sportfishing Season to Kick Off at 30th Annual Day at the Docks

Monday, 13 April 2009
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

The West Coast's largest Sportfishing Celebration is coming. The 30th Annual Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks is taking place Sunday, April 19, at the San Diego Sportfishing Landings in Point Loma. The event is considered the official start of Southern California's spring saltwater fishing season.

There's food, fishing, seminars and rides along the beautiful San Diego Bay, and the best part is it's free. The fleet at America's Cup Harbor on Shelter Island is the world's largest and most modern, providing first class accommodations and access to some of the most exciting saltwater sportfishing in the world.

• Day at the Docks Event Guide
  

"In our fleet we have boats that range from a half a day trip to trips in excess of two weeks. The half-day trips will take you to fish on local kelp beds and enjoy an introductory experience to sportfishing," said Buzz Brizendine, owner and operator of The Prowler. "And if you go on one of the two week trips could take you down below tip of Baja finding tuna in excess of 300 pounds."

Day at the Docks features an open house for the fleet, allowing the public the chance to come aboard and get a real-life experience of what the vessels have to offer. And you might just get the chance to win a free trip during one of the competitions or raffles.

Day at the Docks is also going green this year. A new exhibitor, Bioline Fishing, will be featured. The reels for the kid's fishing adventure will showcase a biodegradable fishing line. Also new is Angler's Legacy, part of a national effort asking anglers to promise to introduce at least one newcomer to boating and fishing in the coming year.

"We're trying to get older fisherman or experienced fishermen to sign up new fisherman. Some of the big tackle manufacturers are on board with this. And we're going to have a couple of people helping to sign up people for this, including ex-Padre Randy Jones," said Brizendine.

Parking is limited around the landings in Point Loma, so visitors are encouraged to park for free on Shelter Island and take the red double-decker buses running all day.  Two shuttles will make the rounds every 10 minutes.  Day at the Docks runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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