Day at the Docks

My family has been going tot his event for 20 years! My father took me and my brother and then my children and grandchildren go now!
The Kids Fishing is probably the best part… it’s free and the kids can do it as many times they want and catch lots of fish! The let them fish for as long as it take for them to catch one… The boat owners are babpul and again let the kids go aboard their boats and investigate what a fishing boat is all about… Lot’s of food… Free and often the boats offer tuna to sample (fresh caught!) The parking is a little difficul, but they offer shuttles and it’s free. This is a MUST DO for anyone who comes to or lives in San Diego to learn about sportfishing and our fishing heritage. We love this event and look forward to it every year!

My family looks forward to this every year. The weather is typically beautiful, and it has a lot to offer. My kids used to do the kid’s fishing event, now they are a bit old for that, but they now try the casting contest. There is wonderful art, great deals on fishing gear, and very nice San Diego Bay boat rides, for only about $ 2. This is the best deal in town. Also, excellent bands on multiple stages, fishing seminars, delicious foods, and boating and fishing booths. Anyway, you know I love it. A really good time. And just park on Shelter Island and hop on the free shuttle bus. Very well organized, raffles, and just a fine place to be.

The Port of San Diego’s 34^th Annual Day at The Docks is scheduled for Sunday April 21, 2013. Produced by the San Diego Sportfishing Council, which represents the sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay, the event is all about the sea, fishing, nature and the tastiest, freshest seafood you can get. And, you can catch it yourself! I never miss this event. And, it’s Free.

I know nothing about fishing. However, I do know that I love street festival-​ish type things with food, games, shopping and fun activities!
Day at the Docks seemed to be part Fishing Expo and part Street Fair. Lots of food, tons of vendors and lots of great people watching.
Highlights (for me at least) were the fresh-​squeezed lemonade, the fierce hat I bought (totally Del Mar Racetrack worthy!), and the $ 2 boat rides. That’s right — $ 2 got you on a boat for about…30−45 minutes I’d say. Long enough for me to get a FIERCE sunburn.
Definitely a recommended activity!

Even if you don’t love sportfishing like I do, you would still have a great time at «Day at the docks». Its very seldom that you come across anything free in San Diego so why not take advantage of it? There is so much to see for all ages. There is beautiful art work including wood carvings and shell carvings all the way to oil paintings.
Don’t expect it to be like the Fred Hall show. However, it has plenty to offer anglers and boaters alike. Great show deals on equiptment and apparel. The guys from fish dope and bloody decks are usually there to answer any fishing questions that you have and help you with anything that you could come up with. I would highly recommend taking the whole family out to enjoy the beautiful weather San DIego has to offer.

Day at the Docks is the west coast’s largest sportsfishing celebration and it is free! The 31^st annual one is upcoming in early April 2010 and it is a family-​friendly event that provides a fun day of marine attractions.
This large scale public celebration of fishing signals the official start of Southern California’s saltwater fishing season.
My son and I usually try and go every year because it is heaven for the fishing enthusiast. A sample of what there is to do: Boat rides on San Diego Bay, displays by marine artists and fishing tackle experts, great food, entertainment, fishing seminars, open house aboard sportfishing boats, kid’s fishing, contests, prizes and more!
Since up to 25,000 people are expected to attend, you can imagine the parking situation. I have seen people parking at the very top of Garrison Street in Point Loma and walking down that big hill. There is usually a red double-​decker bus that shuttles guests back and forth from the Shelter Island parking lots, but finding a spot can be brutal.
My solution is to get there early and walk around when it’s cool and uncrowded.
My son loves the boat tours where you can go climb aboard Coast Guard cutters, Sea-​Tows, Harbor Police Fire boats, and Vessel Assist boats. The Open House on the various sportsfishing boats are popular. Last year we toured the latest new boat at H & M, and I remember being amazed at how luxurious it was.
The Kid’s Fishing Adventure is popular. The rug rats get a rod and reel and some help to try their luck at catching some mackerel that is loaded up in a pen. Always long lines for this one too. It goes without saying that an event such as this would have loads of delicious food booths-​like the usual found at street fairs and farmers markets.
But Day at the Docks also has gourmet chefs preparing outstanding seafood delicacies and scrumptious healthy fish dishes. That is well worth all the schlepping around to enjoy such great food!
So grab the kids and sunscreen and go get them all tired out at Day at The Docks. With more than 200 exhibitors showcasing a wealth of items from tackle to cool art, there is no getting bored here. It is a boatload of fun from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.