Shelter Island Spring Spotlight: Day at the Docks
Hosted by the San Diego Sportfishing Council, the annual Day at the Docks, on April 19, 2020, invites you to partake in many of San Diego’s most famous traditions. Held at the Port of San Diego, walking distance from Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina, the event boasts a wide range of activities, and it’s only expanded over its 41 years. This time around you’ll find a range of games, events, programs, performances, and more — which we’ve rounded up below.
Entertainment
With marine art by local creatives and a Main Stage kicking things off right at 9 a.m., the day will be full of music, light, and laughter. Don’t forget to enter one of the three raffles benefitting The Burn Institute. Raffle tickets will be drawn at 12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:15 p.m., with prizes including fishing trips, tackle, tickets to area attractions, and much more. Peek into the Sportfishing Landings for dramatic videos of sportfishing events in Baja and Costa Rica and on Clipperton Island.
Contests
A friendly spirit of rivalry is always a part of the day’s festivities. Put your skills to the test and marvel at some real San Diego pros while casting your line, or perhaps compete with others in your age group to tie the strongest fishing knot — as measured by the Izorline Knot Gauge machine. Prizes for these events include half and full-day fishing trips and tackle.
Seminars and How-Tos
Want to pick up some new tips and tricks? You’ll find a host of San Diego fleet skippers and other industry experts here to help you with your fishing game. For the gourmands in the crowd, there’s a Catch, Prep & Cook Center, an excellent place to re-up on the art of proper handling, storage, and preparation of fresh fish, as well as acquire some new recipes.
Boat Tours
With the modern sportfishers of the San Diego fleet hosting a grand open house, first-time boat visitors are encouraged to indulge their curiosity. Step aboard a San Diego Sportfisher or explore thresher boats and other local vessels. Select boats will be traveling all around San Diego Bay from all three sportfishing landings, at a fare of $3.
Kids’ Activities
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a special treat is in store for seafaring young ones. Courtesy of the Okuma Fishing Tackle & Everingham Bros Bait Company, children aged 4-12 years old can fish in an area set aside and stocked with fish, providing kids with the chance to cast a line and make a catch. With members of the San Diego Rod & Reel Club and the San Diego Anglers on hand to give pointers and help out, this is the perfect opportunity for your kids to experience the fun of fishing for the first time.
Dining Delights
If you need a bite to eat, there will be a dining area known as the Gourmet Galley dishing up Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and other delicious cuisines. Local restaurants will be offering specials for the event, as well — and if you head back over to the Catch, Prep, & Cook Center, you can even snag a seafood sample.