The San Diego area is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. Every year, tourists flock to San Diego to visit the San Diego Zoo, enjoy SeaWorld, and attend Comic-con. For the fishing-minded visitor, San Diego is home to the largest sportfishing fleet in the world. Four sportboat landings serve anglers by providing everything from local half-day trips to multi-day long-range trips on luxury fishing vessels.
For local anglers, though, many enjoy fishing the local waters for saltwater bass species like the calico bass, barred sand bass, and spotted bay bass. Each year, their passion is celebrated in the San Diego Anglers Open Bay Bass Tournament.
I once called the San Diego Anglers Open Bay Bass Tournament the best-run in the city.
I may have underestimated the tournament. I haven’t been to every bass tournament held in our state, but I’m willing to say there isn’t a better bass tournament in California when it comes to its rich tradition, how well it’s run, how well it’s received and its outreach to the entire fishing community.
In addition to a competitive tournament that draws the best saltwater bass fishermen in the region, the tournament includes a barbecue lunch open to everyone, a giant tent with vendors showing off products and a raffle that generates funds for the club’s many charitable ventures.
Photo credits: The San Diego Union-Tribune (top), SoCal Salty (above)
