Port of San Diego’s 2010 Day at the Docks Celebrates Sportfishing

Monday, 22 March 2010
Contact: Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

It's known as the West Coast's largest public celebration of sportfishing.

The Port Of San Diego's Day At The Docks is the traditional start to Southern California's spring saltwater fishing season. This year, the fun takes place on Sunday, April 18, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the San Diego Sportfishing Landing on Shelter Island.

There's food, fishing, seminars and rides along 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.

"In our fleet we have boats that range from a half-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 sportfishing boat, "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."

This annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family, and especially the sportfishing enthusiast. Plus there's something new this year.

There are three sportfishing landings in America's Cup Harbor: H&M Landing, Pt. Loma Sportfishing and Fisherman's Landing. All three are undergoing renovations for a total cost of $3.5 million. H&M and Pt. Loma Sportfishing anticipate opening their new buildings just ahead of Day at the Docks. Fisherman's Landing anticipates opening sometime later this summer.

"The San Diego sportfishing fleet is the largest in the world. Our captains have led the way in innovation to technique and equipment development in the sport," said Catherine Miller, event organizer for Day at the Docks. "As an industry, the fleet on San Diego Bay contributes in excess of $50 million annually to the local economy. With the current investment in new facilities, the Port's sportfishing tenants are demonstrating their confidence in the industry's future."

Another new feature at this year's event will satisfy your taste buds! Catalina Offshore Products and Specialty Produce are sponsoring the "Catch, Prep and Cook" demos (five are to be offered during the event) with "star power" chefs from San Diego's top restaurants.

Parking is limited around the landings in Point Loma, so visitors are encouraged to park free on Shelter Island and take the red double-decker buses running all day. Two shuttles will make the rounds every 10 minutes.