A 30 Year Tradition Spotlights San Diego's Sportfishing Fleet

The Port of San Diego's Annual Day at the Docks?? will take place Sunday, April 19,2009, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year's Day at the Docks will celebrate the beginning of Southern California's spring saltwater fishing season as it has for the past 30 years.

A free one day festival, the annual event provides marine attractions featuring an open house on many of the 70 renowned, modernized Sportfishers docked there. The pride of San Diego, the fleet is one of the largest, most modern to be found anywhere in the world.

Skilled sportfishing Captains will be aboard their vessels sharing their vast fishing knowledge and discussing their perspectives and schedules for the upcoming season.

Throughout the festival, the industry's leading manufacturers will display the latest in fishing tackle while in contrast; antique tackle collections and historical displays highlight innovations which have been developed during the evolution of sportfishing.

Some of the West Coast's recognized experts will conduct seminars throughout the day, revealing their secrets on improved fishing techniques and results.

Kid's Fishing Adventure, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for kids 4 to 12 years old, is sponsored by West Marine & Okuma Fishing Tackle with expert assistance provided by members of the San Diego Rod and Reel Club along with the San Diego Anglers. Let your kids catch a big one while Dad takes in a seminar or checks out some of the great deals offered by merchants displaying a variety of items.

Casting and Knot Tying contests held throughout the day will challenge anglers' skills.

Action packed videos will provide a glimpse of the excitement of local and long-range trips.

Narrated boat rides on San Diego Bay will be offered aboard fleet vessels.

Each year, the festival provides new and unexpected finds at displays that include marine artists, the leading tackle manufacturers, local fishing clubs, tackle retailers and food vendors offering up some delicious eats.

Admission to the Day at the Docks is absolutely FREE. Free parking and shuttle aboard a double deck bus to and from event add to the fun. Live entertainment on three stages, free fishing for kids, tackle and trip giveaways and much, much more fill out the day. Entertainment and exhibitor listings are available on the website: www.sportfishing.org

Day at the Docks?? is held at the San Diego Sportfishing Landings, Harbor Drive and Scott Streets in Point Loma.

The event is produced by the San Diego Sportfishing Council with support from the San Diego Unified Port District and the County of San Diego.