San Diego Day at the Docks Festival

April 19, 2026, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free. sportfishing.org

Location: San Diego Sportfishing Landings in Point Loma

Port of San Diego each year launches the summer season with an incredible Day at the Docks event which showcases a $3.5 million redevelopment of San Diego's Sportfishing Landings. Day at the Docks celebrates the beginning of the sportfishing season in what is recognized as the world's largest, most modern sportfishing fleet at America's Cup Harbor on San Diego Bay.

Famous for its first-class accommodations and access to some of the best saltwater sportfishing, many of the fleets vessels will be open for the public to browse through, and even take mini-boat and kayak rides on some craft.

Among the highlights of the annual one day event that has been in existence for more than 30 years are guest speakers, demos, give-aways, and raffles for prizes such as thousands of dollars of fishing equipment donated by sponsors and exhibitors. Live entertainment includes great San Diego bands, and the highlight for some is the casting competition. Captains' Dunk Tank, plus kid's fishing and art contests, all are free (except for raffle purchase and any vendor sales).

Highlights:

• FISHING SEMINARS for the serious fisherman. How-to seminars by expert fishermen reveal secrets on improving both technique and results.
• KIDS FISHING ADVENTURE for ages 4-12 years offers opportunities for kids to fish at each of the three landings. Stocked with fish, assistance provided by members of the San Diego Rod & Reel Club and the San Diego Anglers.
• CATCH, PREP & COOK  DEMOS 
• CASTING CONTESTS held at the short pier north of H&M Landing. Points are awarded for distance and accuracy.
• OPEN HOUSE ON BOATS IN THE FLEET
• IZORLINE KNOT TYING COMPETITION. Knot tying demonstrations followed by hands-on competition in which individual knots are tested against the Izorline Knot Gauge, a device that measures a knot's breaking point by pressure. Prizes include ½ day and full day fishing trips.
• BOAT RIDES AROUND THE BAY for a $5 contribution.
• GOURMET GALLEY … Seafood, Thai, Chinese, Mexican from local restaurants.
• HOT TACKLE bargains on fishing tackle from exhibitor retailers and in the landing tackle shops
• MARINE ART
• ENTERTAINMENT ALL DAY ON STAGE plus raffles with prizes includinge fishing trips, tackle, tickets to area attractions and much more!
• MUSIC by an all-star lineup of performers  The Rhythm Ranchers + Bayou Brothers

Directions & Parking

From Highway 5 South or highway 8 West exit at Rosecrans. Take Rosecrans 4.5 miles to North Harbor Dr., turn left. Turn right on Scott Street, the sportfishing landings are on the left.

From Highway 5 North

Exit at Hawthorne. Take Hawthorne to Harbor Drive, turn right. Turn left on Scott Street and the sportfishing landings are on the left.

Parking & Shuttles:

Parking is at a premium around the Landings during Day At The Docks. But don't worry, there's plenty of FREE parking on Shelter Island. Bright red double-decker buses will be running all day providing FREE shuttle service from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to and from the festival.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.