Ventura County Sportfishing Club

SUNDAY - APRIL 19, 2026 ~ "Day at the Docks"
2026-04-19 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Port of San Diego, 2803 Emerson St, San Diego, CA, 92106-2716
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://sportfishing.org/day-docks-to-do/
If there’s one event that signals the unofficial start of Southern California’s saltwater fishing season, it’s the Port of San Diego Day at the Docks, and this year’s celebration is shaping up to be another can’t-miss day on the waterfront.
Set for Sunday, April 19, 2026, the annual event returns to San Diego Bay as the West Coast’s largest public sportfishing festival, drawing anglers, boaters, families, and industry professionals together for a full day of hands-on experiences, education, and dockside energy. Held against the backdrop of San Diego’s iconic sportfishing fleet, the event has long served as both a kickoff to the spring fishing season and a celebration of the region’s deep-rooted maritime culture.
For those behind the scenes, the event represents far more than just a day on the calendar. As Frank Ursitti, President of United Sportfishers of San Diego Inc., explains, “Day at the Docks signals the start of the San Diego Sportfishing season. Founded in 1980 to promote our fleet, it has evolved to the largest single day event of its kind on the West Coast. Diverse in attendance, anglers both tenured and curious, along with those just wanting to explore opportunities and spend time along the waterfront, will descend upon the promenade surrounding our fleet for this free to the public event.”
From seasoned offshore anglers to first-time visitors intrigued about life on the water, Day at the Docks offers something for every level of experience. And while fishing remains the centerpiece, the event has continued to expand in recent years, inviting attendees to explore the broader waterfront, from working docks and fish markets at Driscoll’s Wharf to restaurants, breweries, and the scenic harbor walk that stretches toward Shelter Island.
That accessibility is part of what makes the event so important to the region’s fishing community. Ursitti notes, “Day at the Docks is the only free-to-the-public event of its kind that allows folks to see new and improved vessels, meet the crews and captains, and talk about what the upcoming season holds in terms of opportunity for sportfishing.
Attendees are encouraged to walk the docks, board vessel, and gain a feel for the ones you may fish on this season. It’s also a great opportunity to engage with tackle manufacturers, retailers, and artists.
Additionally, the event pairs with local businesses that support our fleet, such as restaurants offering cooking demos — as well as processors demonstrating their products. Kids Fishing Pens, provided by Everingham Bait Company and staffed by local fishing clubs, offer fishing opportunities for young anglers for the day.
The event also kicks off KIDS FISH FREE MONTH, where every child fishes free (half-day) through the end of May when accompanied by a paying adult. Don’t miss out on what promises to be one of the best seasons in San Diego history!”
At its core, the event is about connecting people to fishing, and nowhere is that more evident than in the lineup of expert-led seminars. Throughout the day, top anglers and industry professionals will share techniques, strategies, and insights designed to help both novice and experienced fishermen improve their success on the water. From tackle trends to species-specific tactics, these seminars provide a valuable opportunity to learn directly from those who spend their lives chasing fish.
For those looking to test their own skills, casting contests offer a hands-on challenge that levels the playing field between beginners and seasoned pros. Held at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. near the pier by H&M Landing, the competitions reward both accuracy and distance, giving participants a chance to showcase their technique or simply have fun trying.
Meanwhile, one of the most popular attractions returns with the open house aboard San Diego’s sportfishing fleet. Visitors are invited to step aboard a variety of vessels, meet captains and crew, and get a firsthand look at the accommodations and operations of these working boats. For many, it’s an introduction to sportfishing that turns curiosity into a future trip booking.
That introduction has always been a central mission of the event. Ursitti emphasizes, “Day at the Docks was founded on introducing our fleet to anglers not familiar with San Diego fishing, and has evolved to serving not only that mission, but even more so to introducing those new or curious to the sport to our fleet.
San Diego is world famous for its access to unparalleled opportunity with both local and offshore fishing. We boast some of the best coastal bass fishing with the Point Loma kelp beds providing some of the best habitat found anywhere in Southern California for both Calico and Barred Sand Bass.
Our Proximity to the Los Coronado’s Islands (just 14 miles) places us in pole position to target San Diego’s most sought-after local gamefish…Yellowtail. This spring has started off with incredible island fishing, harkening back to the “old days” with incredible daily catches as of this writing.”
For younger attendees, the Kid’s Fishing Adventure provides an unforgettable entry point into the sport. Designed for children ages 4 to 12, the experience offers stocked fishing areas where kids can cast a line and, with a little luck, reel in their first catch. Supported by experienced volunteers from local angling clubs, the program combines education with excitement, creating a welcoming environment for the next generation of anglers.
Extending that family-friendly focus beyond the event itself, a seasonal promotion will also allow kids 15 and younger to fish free on select half-day trips from April 20 through May 23 when accompanied by a paying adult, further reinforcing the event’s role in growing participation in the sport.
Back onshore, the CATCH, PREP & COOK demonstrations bring the fishing experience full circle, showing attendees how to properly handle, fillet, and prepare their catch. These sessions emphasize not only technique but also respect for the resource, ensuring that every fish caught is fully utilized and enjoyed.
For those interested in gear, the “Hot Tackle” area highlights the latest innovations in fishing equipment, with leading manufacturers showcasing new products and technologies. Skill-building continues at the Izorline knot-tying competition, where participants of all ages can test their ability to tie strong, reliable knots while supporting youth fishing initiatives.
On the water, short boat rides around San Diego Bay offer a chance to experience the harbor from a different perspective, while onshore, live music, raffles, and marine art displays add to the festival atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, however, bringing an event of this scale to life requires extensive coordination. Ursitti explains, “Day at the Docks is produced by the San Diego Sportfishing Council, whose members include all the vessels in the San Diego Fleet along with each landing; H&M Landing, Point Loma Sportfishing, and Fishermans Landing.
The event is expansive and relies on participation of member vessels, landings, exhibitors and sponsors. Months of preparation and coordination go into producing the event in scheduling seminar speakers, vendors, and exhibitors.
Much time is spent curating speakers on relevant matter to our fleet, our ridership, and those interested in the sport. Often we host representatives from Mexico, where our fleet fishes, as well as resource managers that manage our fisheries. It’s a heavy lift, however the effort is worth it. Our fleet is the most advanced of its kind, and transports close to a half million anglers annually on trips ranging from 6 hours to 18 days in duration.”
As for what attendees can expect this year, the focus remains on delivering a well-rounded and engaging experience. Ursitti adds, “2026 is going to be very exciting with an early start to the season. We’re sticking to the same formula along with new exhibitors, the event will be fun, friendly, and informative. Spend some time along the waterfront, come to Day at the Docks 2026!”
Ultimately, what sets Day at the Docks apart is its ability to bring together all facets of the maritime and fishing community in one place. It’s an event where industry meets recreation, where education meets entertainment, and where lifelong anglers and newcomers alike can share in the excitement of the season ahead.
As boats prepare to head offshore and anglers begin planning their first trips of the year, Day at the Docks serves as both a starting line and a celebration. It’s a reminder of why people are drawn to the water in the first place and why that connection continues to grow stronger with each passing season.
With a full schedule of activities, hands-on opportunities, and waterfront experiences, April 19 is sure to be a day that captures the spirit of Southern California sportfishing at its finest.

WEST COAST SPORTFISHING EXPO 2026
2026-05-01 10:00 - 2026-05-03 18:00 | Ventura Fairgrouds, 10 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001, 10 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA, 93001
WEST COAST SPORTFISHING EXPO 2026
May 1-3, 2026
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
Google Map > LINK

Free Workshops From The Best Fishing Guides:
May 2025 Daily Schedule:

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fly Fishing in the Surf
Lee Baermann

2 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Bass Fishing
Fred Klinshaw

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Seabass Fishing
Shawn Stewart

2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Speed Jigging for Tuna
Ceasar Chang

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Surf Fishing
Brian Evans

4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Prostaff Harbor Fishing
IROD

5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Fly Fishing
Lino Jubilado

MAY 6 - VSCS MEETING
2026-05-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Black Bear Diner (Ventura), 2401 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA, 93001, United States
Celebrating 40 years on television Sport Fishing with Dan Hernandez

is California’s longest running television fishing program. Every week on television Dan teaches his viewers about fishing. He helps newbies and experienced anglers become better anglers. Sport Fishing is the first television program to teach his viewers how-to cook their catch. We are proud making history for being the longest running fishing program in California, but we are most proud of the hundreds of thousands on new anglers we have introduced to the sport we all love so much . . . “Sportfishing”.

5:30 – dinner & social time
6:30 – meeting
Opportunity drawings – all night long!

Location: The Black Bear Diner
2401 E Harbor Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001 | Map

PLEASE READ — LOCATION & POLICY CHANGE:

As part of our agreement with Black Bear, all attendees are expected to order at least one food item and one beverage from their reasonably priced menu, so come on down, enjoy a nice hot meal and enjoy the club meeting in a nice private room with a BIG SCREEN tv for presentations!

“Fuzzy” ITINERARY

Dinner: 5:30 – 6:30pm
Meeting starts: 6:30pm

Club Business
Opportunity Drawing
Speaker Presentation
2nd Opportunity drawing

Wrap-up & Exit around 8:00-8:30pm-ish

** Our opportunity drawings are like door prizes. It costs nothing, but we hope you will throw a little something in the club’s donation box to keep it going all year! Get your tickets when you arrive.
You can find the list of the prizes that are up for grabs tonight at: https://vcsc.info/prizes-meeting/

DAN HERNANDEZ – bio / about
Dan Hernandez was born in Los Angeles, CA and went to school in Montebello, CA. Dan went on to graduate from college at Los Angeles Trade-Tech in Los Angeles. His outdoor writing career started as a field photographer for Sport Afield magazine. Then as a staff writer with Western Outdoor News, after WON, he went on to write for many other outdoor publications, such as Pacific Fisherman and Sport Fishing.
Hernandez is a popular speakers on a variety of species caught in California and in Baja, Mexico. In an effort to expand on his successful writing career he moved on to television, first by developing and hosting Fish-On! A cable fishing show that focused on California saltwater fishing. After three years at Fish-On! Dan went on to produce and host his own television fishing program, Sport Fishing with Dan Hernandez. This is Dan’s 40th year on television.

🌟 Books, Videos & Instruction
He has produced a series of how‑to fishing videos, authored the instructional book Saltwater Fishing Adventures, and published A Fisherman’s Cookbook, blending technique with culinary preparation.

🧒 Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation
Founded in 2000, the Daniel Hernandez Youth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to introducing children—especially from underserved communities—to fishing and marine science.
Key impact:

Tens of thousands of kids introduced to fishing
Free youth fishing events at lakes and on ocean trips
Programs designed to build self‑esteem and self‑confidence through outdoor experiences

Hernandez received the Spirit Award from Hispanic Business Magazine for being one of the first Latinos to own, host, and produce an English‑language network TV series, and for his work with inner‑city youth.

ABOUT THE VENTURA COUNTY SPORTFISHING CLUB
Join us for our monthly meetings!

Looking to connect with fellow fishing enthusiasts? Be a welcomed visitor, where conversation flows as easily as the beer, wine or water!

Whether you’re new to sportfishing – or surf fishing, this is a great spot to swap tips, meet friendly faces, and enjoy the community. It’s casual, it’s free, and everyone’s welcome.

Come early and join us for dinner and drinks (5:30pm). We’ll be having opportunity drawings. A raffle to raise funds for a kid’s charter. Announce what charters still have openings and more!

We are the “reel deal” Sportfishing club in Ventura

THE ABC’S OF WHO WE ARE!

ABOUT US

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CALENDAR & EVENTS
MEETINGS, MONTHLY
MEMBERSHIP/JOIN OUR CLUB!
NEWSLETTERS
SOCIAL MEDIA
SUBSCRIBE TO EMAILS!
LINKTREE
CONTACT US!

VISIT US ONLINE:

https://vcsc.info/
https://www.facebook.com/VCSCVenturaCountySportfishingClub
https://www.instagram.com/venturasportfishingclub/
https://twitter.com/VCSportFishClub

https://linktr.ee/venturacountysportfishingclub

We are the “reel deal” Sportfishing club in Ventura

2026 SUMMER POTLUCK-PICNIC at the park!
2026-07-19 13:00 - 17:00 | Camarillo Grove Park – 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Rd. Camarillo, CA 93012, 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Rd., Camarillo, CA 93012, CA, 93012, United States
As always fun in the park.
Great food. Great fun.
GREAT RAFFLE & GREAT PRIZES!!

VCSC ANNUAL POTLUCK-PICNIC!
Sunday, July 19, 2026
1:00-5:00PM
Camarillo Grove Park > map
RSVP for the picnic > click here
RSVP for Brian’s casting clinic > click here
Check out the raffle prize page > click here

AND SPECIAL EVENT – casting lessons with Brian Nguyen in the park!
**Class size will be limited. Please sign-up to reserve a spot for the casting clinic > click here

Camarillo Grove Park
6968 E. Camarillo Springs Rd.
>> Site ______<<
Camarillo, CA 93012 | google map

** There is a small parking fee.
** The area is right next to the parking lot!!
So, no need to haul your cooler any great distance.

VCSC SUMMER PICNIC 2026!
We will have ice chests with water, but if you want beer, wine, or soda please bring your own. We have a lot of smoked fish, so beer is welcome! The members caught it – barracuda, yellowtail and tuna.
The setup crew will be there at 12-noon, and the party starts at 1pm
That park is usually cool being closer to the ocean breezes (than TO), so it should be a great day.

Remember to bring ten bucks cash for the parking envelope.
And we need donations to pay for the park rental.
There will be a donation jar.

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Our VCSC Summer “Potluck-Picnic” will be on — Sunday – July 19, 2026
We are having a BIG raffle at the picnic– raffle info below.
** Winners need not be present, but you must buy tickets to win!
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The club holds two raffles a year.
The summer picnic and the Christmas Party raffle pay for the kid’s trip.
Tickets for the summer raffle are $5.00 each!
SUMMER PICNIC RAFFLE & PRIZES > Learn More
PLUS – Grab bags. You pick what you want from what’s available at the time your ticket is drawn!
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To order tickets, send a check to VCSC, PO Box 302, Moorpark, CA 93020
OR Zelle the money directly to the club bank account: Ventura Co. Bluewater Sportfishing Club > ZELLE INFO LINK
Contact Rick Lane 310-819-7372 if you need help with payment.
Remember more tickets mean more opportunity to win!
If you can’t attend the picnic but want in on the raffle, send us money for tickets… Peter will notify you if you win.
Deadline to buy tickets online – Saturday morning, July 18th!!
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TO RSVP email _________________ click on this email link [insert email]
If you are going, please reply with a “yes” and let Art Hernandez know how many in your group, include yourself and your potluck item. Those not attending need not send an email.
Water provided.
Bring any other beverages you want….(wine, beer, soda) !
