Barbara Pape
PassPort to San Diego
As a newcomer to the San Diego area, but avid boater and overall ocean worshiper, I was anxiously looking forward to an afternoon of fishing down the West Coast with H&M Landing. After a fairly quick and painless check-in process, receiving our rods and California sport fishing license, we boarded Premier. The boat was equipped with two heads (always better than one), a kitchen and galley for drinks or hot food to order, plenty of space to spread out on deck and a gracious crew that made us feel right at home. With our journey underway, we passed Point Loma and forged south past the skyline of San Diego and Imperial Beach, stopping right at the edge of sparkling blue US Waters with the rolling green hills of Mexico close by.
The crowd on board included a friendly mix of locals and tourists. There were giddy grandkids, proud grandpas, guys who’d clearly fished a time or two, first-timers who clearly hadn’t, sun-worshipers on a girls day out, couples vacationing who’ve fished side by side for years, and even families with grumpy teenagers who were convinced this trip would be “so lame Dad”, but who ended up smiling ear-to-ear, jumping with “almost” joy when their first fish was reeled in.
As more and more fish were caught, the excitement grew and everyone suddenly became a pro. The experienced crew gave us very clear instructions on which fish to be wary of and which to happily welcome on board for that obligatory “kiss your fish” photo op. Although none of the fish caught this trip outweighed the fisherman warranting a dockside weigh-in, almost everyone ended the day watching their well-earned catch being filleted by the crew and prepared to take home and enjoy.
The price was more than right and the generous time allowed for plenty of selfies with seagulls, a school of dolphins to frolicked alongside us, stately pelicans soaring above just in case any fish were left behind, and a big sky full of sunshine and sea air that made this 5 hour+ adventure simply fly by.
Thank you to H&M Landing and to your helpful, friendly crew Captain Brandon, Mary, Eric, Eugene and that other guy (sorry man), for making it a picture-perfect day on the water. Sport Fishing in San Diego…bucket list – checked!
To book a private charter or learn more about their day trips, overnight trips and expansive fleet, call 619-222-1144 or email sales@hmlanding.com.