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33rd California “Day at the Docks”
California Fishing Articles, Regional Fishing, United States Fishing Articles | California theangler PM
Long before the opening, there was a crisp excitement matching the chilly morning as early arrivals gathered in front of Pete Gray and Rick Maxa’s “Let’s Talk Hookup” broadcast while vendors set up their booths. The two hour show, which opened D@D with their weekly ode to sportfishing packed full of the latest sportfishing news, flew by. When they signed off, John Cassidy flipped the switch on his microphone at the main stage and welcomed the already large and still growing crowd. Thumping rhythms from the first of several popular local bands, “Pound Dogs,” greeted folks arriving on British Bus Company’s double-decker from the free parking area on Shelter Island.
The “Kids’ Fishing Adventure” sponsored by Okuma and Everingham Brothers Bait Company was a hit as kids lined up to try their hand at catching a mackerel. Volunteers from San Diego Rod and Reel and San Diego Anglers clubs were on hand with tackle and assistance.
By noon, the Gourmet Galley was full as hungry visitors were attracted by tantalizing aromas of Thai, Chinese, Mexican, BBQ and of course seafood. The lines were longest at Tommy Gomes and his gang’s Fish Taco Stand. Again this year the proceeds went directly to Monarch School. Gomes thanked Specialty Produce, Mitch’s Seafood and Catalina Offshore Products along with the whole gang at San Diego Sportfishing for their monumental effort in cooking 300 pounds of fish and raising a record-breaking $5,000.
By early afternoon, the crowd swelled to standing-room-only in front of the Typhoon Optics Main Stage as “Buck” Everingham reviewed his family’s 20 year involvement delivering 1,000 pounds of mackerel for the Kids’ Fishing Adventure each year.
California Assemblyman Martin Garrick presented the Marlin Club of San Diego with a State Proclamation for 80 years of service, acknowledging their importance in Southern California Sportfishing.
Mike Farrior, International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Trustee, joined by Ingrid Poole, announced the induction of Ingrid’s late husband, Captain Bill Poole, into the IGFA’s prestigious “Hall of Fame” later this year. Farrior then presented a special certificate of appreciation to Ingrid for her many years of continued support of sportfishing.
The entire Board of Directors of San Diego’s Marlin Club then joined Farrior to be presented a plaque commemorating their recent national recognition by the IGFA for maintaining a public weigh station and ongoing historical contributions to sportfishing.
The response to the annual Blood drive sponsored by BDOUTDOORS was epic, the most ever, fifty-three pints of blood were donated during the event according to one of the owners, Ali Hussainy.
Before the third of the popular raffles held throughout the day was held, Vic Gamboa, assistant event director, announced that Richard Smith, San Diego, won both the Avet and Seeker Rod Casting Contests benefiting the San Diego Burn center as well as the Izorline Knot Tying competition benefiting the Friends of Rollo Fund.
Catherine Miller, event director summed it up, saying, “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our sponsors: the Port of San Diego, County of San Diego, Douglas Insurance, Berkeley and Penn Fishing Tackle, Everingham Brothers Bait Company, Seeker Rods, Avet Reels, H&M Landing, Fishermen’s Landing, Point Loma Sportfishing, Lee Palm’s Sportfishers, Okuma Fishing Tackle, Izorline, Typhoon Optics, and exhibitor sponsors.”
“We also appreciate our many volunteers and contributors who made this event possible, including San Diego Rod and Reel Club and San Diego Anglers, Urgent Care and more for our event first aid. The Burn Institute, OMBAC members, our seminar speakers, landing personnel, boat owners, crews, exhibitors, and prize donors,” Miller added.
“The dates for the 34th annual ‘Day at the Docks’ will be April 21, 2013. We are already looking forward to another exciting fun-filled, successful Sunday celebrating San Diego Sportfishing.”
