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A Flying Adventure from Phoenix to San
Diego’s Day at the Docks 2010
by
Chris Dunn (April 18, 2010)
Living
in the Phoenix, Arizona area has finally given me my first opportunity to
combine both the Flying Weatherman and the Fishing
Weatherman into a one-day adventure: San Diego’s Day at the
Docks, 2010...
9:00 AM: With reports of fog, low ceilings and reduced visibility
in the San Diego area first thing in the morning, I was a bit hesitant to
make the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) trip over to the coast. However,
knowing that in the nearly three hours it would take for my flight it would
likely improve, and the forecast called  for improving
weather by my planned arrival time, I launched into clear blue skies over
the desert. After a quick radio call to flight service to open my
flight plan and a check-in with Phoenix departure for radar service
(flight following), I was well on my way, still hoping for favorable
weather on the other end. It’s trips like this where my instrument
rating would provide a perfect cushion to this flight. Only problem
is I have been out of currency for a few years and haven’t had the time
or need (until now) to perform an instrument proficiency check (IPC).
Arrival:
Just under 3 hours later I arrived at San Diego’s Lindbergh Field,  which was now in
the clear and reporting a visibility of 5 miles with haze. One thing
I had been cautioned about flying in here in a “small” aircraft that I
found to be true: Be prepared to mix it up with the
airliners! It really wasn’t a problem. Just be on your game,
listen closely to controller instructions and be willing to do what it
takes to work your way in the mix. I was told to tuck in behind an
MD-80, caution wake turbulence, keep your speed up, expedite turn off the
runway, etc. In other words, it can be a busy time at a busy place.
 
12:15
PM:
Landmark Aviation gave me a convenient place to park AND a free 5 -minute
shuttle ride down to a very congested Shelter Island. OK, I did top
off the fuel tanks but they waived the ramp fee ($25) and even through I
was “only” flying a Skyhawk , they still treated me like I just arrived
in a Citation X. I soon arrived on Scott Street to a crowd of
thousands milling about, mulling over deals on tackle, checking out the
boats and learning a few things from the experts. 
A
Family Affair: One
of the highlights of the event, in my opinion, were the kids fishing
areas set up at all three landings. Shrieks and shouts of excitement
could be heard across the docks as the younger set had a chance to catch
some feisty and willing mackerel. Sure, it’s not a 100# yellowfin
tuna, in fact these fish could be used as BAIT for a 100# yellowfin, but
for many it was their first fish ever. It’s good to see events like
this that take positive steps to encourage the next generation of anglers.
Boat Rides: For those who had never ridden aboard one of the
many boats that make up the largest sportfishing fleet in the world, boat
rides were offered for just $2. A nominal fee to take a quick tour
of San Diego bay and get a sense of what great fishing platforms these
vessels provide. This was also provided a great opportunity for
anglers to show those non-fishing members of their families just how
clean, modern and safe the fleet really is.
Long
Rangers: Day
at the Docks also adds to the excitement  of an upcoming
long range or multi-day trip by allowing anglers to meet with boat
skippers and crews well in advance of the trip. In some cases, as in
mine, it’s checking out a boat and meeting the crew for the first time
AFTER I’ve already booked the trip! I have always heard great things
about the Shogun (actually, there aren’t too many boats in the
fleet I have heard bad things about) and it really is a beautiful
boat. I had an opportunity to meet with skipper Bruce Smith and
we’re both excited about the possibilities of the upcoming Big Fish Happen 5-day trip in June.
I also had a chance to visit with the crews of the American Angler and Grande. Looks like the Angler is ready to
rock-and-roll for the season ahead. Meanwhile, James McDaniels,
owner/operator of the Grande, has done a great job in building his
reputation within the fleet and I hope to get back out on that 85’ Ditmar
once again.
Back
to the Airport, Back to Phoenix: My time in San Diego was soon
coming to an end.  A quick call to
Landmark Aviation had a shuttle back to pick me up and deliver me at the
airport. After my pre-flight preparations I received my departure
clearance and headed to the runway. Leaving San Diego Lindbergh
Field seemed to be a little less complicated than
arriving. Basically it’s an exercise in “get out of the way of the
airliners as quickly as you can.” Fortunately, the marine layer (a
deck of low clouds that typically hangs out just off the coast) stayed
offshore and my VFR departure went off without a hitch. As you can
see by the photo below, there is a LOT of desert between San Diego and
Phoenix...
 
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