Day at the Docks in 2019 is on April 14th, 9am–5pm.
It is a fun day for all of the family. See our story from last year and see if it is something you would like to do!
The Day at the Docks
On the end of the line, the mighty trout was fighting for dear life while on the other end, Staycationer JoJo was fiercely reeling it up to the surface. As the fish tugged and pulled, the rod would bend over almost to its breaking point.
Two minutes into this struggle, JoJo was huffing and puffing as her face was turning a bright crimson red. She was getting tired now although soon it would be over. You see there wasn’t really a live fish on the line, this was just a simulation, one of many booths and demos at the annual “Day at The Docks” event in San Diego.
JoJo trying to catch a fake trout
Prior to her trying this demo, there was a young boy working rigorously to snare in a large Marlin that could be seen on the TV monitor in the tent. Every time it jumped out of the water he would reel in the line at a rapid pace. When it was her turn, big kid JoJo selected a smaller fish thinking she wouldn’t have to work that hard. The trout proved to be quite a challenge.
I briefly thought I’d give it a try but the line behind me was full of youngsters anxiously waiting their turn. I had to give it up for the kidlets as it was a great chance for them to try fishing.
The even younger tykes were given an opportunity to catch real fish in a penned in area next to one of the docks. The netted area was stocked with small mackerel and from what I saw, every one of them caught a fish.
All of this interaction was part of this amazing celebration and was a perfect day for the whole family.
Day at the Docks:
I feel bad about reporting about it after the fact although sometimes we have to experience it ourselves first. If it is a worthy happening as this one was, hopefully you will put it on your bucket list for the following year.
Held at America’s Cup Harbor near Point Loma, every year the “Day at the Docks” celebrates the beginning of the sport fishing season. San Diego’s sport fishing fleet is known as the worlds largest.
Part of Americas Cup Harbor
This one day free event features among other things, numerous booths full of fishing gear, clothing, and various other products.
Several commercial fishing boats hold an open house allowing you to come on the docks and leisurely browse around their vessels. Even some of the galleys were open for you to actually buy food and drinks.
We saw one of the boats that offered overnight trips, so we decided to investigate the sleeping quarters below deck. In an extremely tight space with no windows, multiple bunk beds were set up three high. Sardines came to mind as I looked around and decided that the beds looked thin and uncomfortable. Plus I didn’t see anything that would keep me from falling from the top bunk during rocky seas.
I wouldn’t even consider doing this but I was outnumbered as my other two friends said they would. Just to be sure, I looked at the bunks again…nah, I need my comfy bed and pillow.
The overnight sleeping quarters
A few of the boats were giving rides around the main San Diego Harbor for a nominal three dollars, so we jumped on the chance. I am all over it to get a cheap ride on the water and my friends felt the same way!!
Leaving America Cup Harbor for a forty minute cruise
The forty-five minute excursion around the bay was over way too soon but it was now time to see more of the event.
Besides the tents full of every type of fishing poles, reels, tackle, and accessories, there was art, live music, give-aways, raffles, and a substantial food section.
Also, seminars on fishing and demos of every sort were going on at certain times. On our way to the docks, we passed by a demonstration where a man was expertly cutting up a large tuna to show the crowd the proper way to filet.
We Almost Didn’t Go
I am so glad we attended especially since we almost didn’t go as we worried about parking. The promotional advertisement said that spots were scarce nearby, but they also mentioned there were plenty of spaces on Shelter Island.
I was still thinking about a sailing regatta that was held a few months earlier that had virtually no parking close. There were pay lots far away and even though they provided shuttles, the cost was $40!!!
There was no such thing at this event. Even though parking wasn’t close either, as promised, there were plenty of spaces at Shelter Island. Four shuttle stops provided rides that took you right up to the entrance and all of this was free!!
This is a fun time for all of the family especially if you like boats and fishing.
Even if you don’t, it’s still a great day on the harbor. Sorry if you missed it for 2018, but you can still find out when it is scheduled for 2019 and put it on your calendar or follow them on: https://www.facebook.com/DayAtTheDocks.
Story and photos: Debbie Colwell
Staycations California 