THE FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE

A San Diego sportfishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sportfishing. Signaling the official start of Southern California’s spring saltwater fishing season, Day At The Docks takes place on Sunday, April 7, 2024 against the colorful and dynamic backdrop of world renown sportfishing fleet on San Diego Bay. This annual event provides marine attractions for the whole family.

We have expanded our focus to include the area around us.  We invite you to discover and explore the many marine recreational opportunities on our waterfront, the restaurants and breweries in the area.  A bay side walkway provides access around the perimeter of America’s Cup Harbor from the commercial fleet docks and fish markets at  Driscoll’s Wharf on the north by restaurants and the sportfishing landings en route to Shelter Island on the south side.

MAP OF THE AREA
Click on the map to the right for a larger view of the area.

STAGE & SEMINAR SCHEDULES
Get the Stage and Seminar Schedules Here

FISHING SEMINARS
The serious fisherman can explore the latest fishing tackle presented by the industry’s leading manufacturers. Historical displays underscore how far saltwater tackle design has come. How-to seminars by expert fishermen reveal secrets on improving both technique and results.

KIDS FISHING ADVENTURE
Sponsored by Okuma Fishing Tackle & Everingham Bros Bait Company. From 9 am-4 pm. For kids 4-12 years old. The Kid’s Fishing Adventure is made up of areas set aside and stocked with fish, providing kids with the chance wet a line and make a catch. Expert assistance is provided by members of the San Diego Rod & Reel Club and the San Diego Anglers. There are opportunities for kids to fish at each of the three landings. Don’t miss out – there just might be a tasty fish waiting at the other end of the line.

CATCH, PREP & COOK SCHEDULE
Throughout the day our CATCH, PREP & COOK DEMOS will provide ideas and techniques to improve the enjoyment of your catch. There will be presentations on proper handling, storage and preparation of fresh fish to ensure that every fish caught and kept is fully enjoyed. Fillet Demos and Recipes  will be available at the Five Star Processing Weigh Station Stage.

CASTING CONTESTS
You’ve got to try your hand at this true test of an angler’s skill. If you have never cast a line in your life, don’t worry. This competition is for everyone, pro and novice alike. Competition is set for 11 am and 2 pm. The competition is held at the short pier north of H&M Landing. Points are awarded for distance and accuracy.

OPEN HOUSE ON BOATS IN THE FLEET
Step aboard and meet the captains in the San Diego fleet. Have you never been on a San Diego sportfishing boat before? Well now is your chance. You’ll see that the accommodations are quite nice, with many of the comforts of home. Joining the fleet for the day will be several small boat dealers. You’ll find boats of all shapes and sizes.

IZORLINE KNOT TYING COMPETITION
Young and old alike can try their hand at tying the strongest fishing knot with assistance from the pro staff at Izorline. Knot tying demonstrations will be followed by hands-on competition in which individual knots will be tested against the Izorline Knot Gauge, a device that measures a knot’s breaking point by pressure. Competition will take place in three divisions: Small fry (up to 10 years old), Juniors (11-16 years old) and Adults. A voluntary donation of $1-5 to enter the competition will benefit the Friends of Rollo a non-profit organization that takes kids fishing. The contest runs all day at the Izorline exhibit booth. Winners in each division will be announced at the end of the day. Prizes include ½ day and full day fishing trips.

BOAT RIDES AROUND THE BAY
The whole family will want to take a boat ride around San Diego Bay.  A $4  contribution is requested to cover fuel costs. Trips run continuously throughout the day from the three sportfishing landings.

GOURMET GALLEY
There is great variety to choose from… Seafood, Thai, Chinese, Mexican and more. Many local restaurants around the harbor will also be serving up DAY AT THE DOCKS specials.

HOT TACKLE
Find out what’s hot on the fish equipment market. The top manufacturers will be there to show off their latest. Some really new technology has hit the scene. Be prepared this season with the latest and greatest! You’ll find some great bargains on fishing tackle from exhibitor retailers and in the landing tackle shops.

MARINE ART
Peter J Galleries art features painting atop marine charts and Gyotaku, the traditional Japanese method of printing fish. Larry Beard Ocean Fine Art displays beautiful marine photography printed on aluminum, Marea Baja Designs  will be offering beautiful sea glass mosaics. And, there are many other marine artists on display.

ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY ON STAGE
On the Main Stage things get going at 9:00 AM. The day will also feature three raffles benefiting The Burn Institute. Raffles will be drawn at 12:00 noon, 3:00 PM and 4:45 PM – all from the Main Stage. Great Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, tickets to area attractions and much more!

LOTS OF MUSIC
Between fishing seminars, how-to demos and prize giveaways, Day at the Docks attendees will be entertained by an all-star lineup of performers (who also love to fish): at 9 AM The Rhythm Ranchers play a tribute to the pioneers of Rock & Roll, Americana, Roots & Rock-a-billy; With a sound straight out of Louisiana’s dance clubs, Bayou Brothers will get you rockin’ at 12 noon to their rousing, musical gumbo; and Whiskey Fellas take the stage at 3:30 to share their blend of Irish Folk and Country Rock with foot stompin’ perfection.

Come join in the fun and help us celebrate the season’s official start! There’s plenty more to see and do at The Port Of San Diego Day At The Docks 2024. We hope to see you there on April 7th and often through the Year 2024 season.