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If you’re a serious angler in search of the catch of a lifetime, an Outer Banks vacationer looking for fun, or a boat owner seeking a new OBX marina to call home . . . Pirate’s Cove Marina can hook you up! Outer Banks Charter fishing at its best!

Our mission at Pirate’s Cove is to focus on the highest quality of customer service a World Class Marina can provide. We are here to make your stay more enjoyable as any boating resort community can be. Our goal is for Pirate’s Cove Marina to be your number one destination along the entire East Coast.

Fishing Reports & News

We are loving this cool weather and loving what it’s bringing us! The Offshore fleet was on top of the…

The Nearshore Fleet has been busy while majority of the Offshore Fleet is away at the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament….

The Offshore Fleet is catching a mix of Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna with a few billfish releases! The…

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• 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, AL 36561
• Marina 251-981-4044
• Restaurant 251-280-8008
• We are open 7 days a week and fish year round!
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Zeke's Restaurant Open Mon-Sun 11AM-10PM 251-280-8008

Zeke's landing & marina 251-981-4044.

• Inshore Charters
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Zeke’s Lady

Home Charters Zeke’s Lady

A fishing charter for the whole family!

We have two party fishing boats at Zeke’s Marina. Both are available for daily trips for 6 hours. For Party Fishing Boat reservations, your boat assignment will be determined the morning of your trip at check-in.  We fish primary offshore south of the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. We specialize in bottom fishing targeting Red Snapper, Triggerfish, Vermilion Snapper, White Snapper and Lane Snapper.  There are creel limits and seasons to when you can keep certain fish.  Please contact the Charter Office for current seasons and creel limits.  The party fishing boat is meant to be an introduction to offshore fishing.  You can expect to ride a minimum of one and a half hours to reach the first fishing spot.  The party fishing boat will carry up to 45 passengers.

**Please call the Charter Office for afternoon trip details, as they are not as common as morning trips. Charter Office – 251-981-4044

Everything needed for a guaranteed good time is provided. That includes, bait, tackle, rods and reels, and fishing licenses, all on the best Party Fishing Boat in Orange Beach. Our informative and helpful assistants in the Charter Office will provide departure and return times for your charter. Food and beverages are not provided by the boat. However, our Dock Store does carry drinks and sandwiches along with other snack items. Please do not bring glass bottles on your charter. The deckhands on your trip work for tips and fish cleaning only. Customary tip is 18-20% of your total trip cost. The deckhands will gladly filet and bag your fish for $0.30 per pound, whole weight. Cash is usually preferred. Rubber-soled shoes are beneficial for fishing.

Purchase Gift Card

Party Fishing Boat

• Adults: $125
• Children 10 and under: $95   (Age minimum: 5 yrs. old)

Private Party Fishing Boat

The Party Fishing Boat can be reserved for a private trip. This is perfect for businesses, large families, church groups, and wedding parties.

• 6 Hours $5500
• 8 Hours $6000
• Requires 24 hours notice; please call the Charter Office for availability.

Cancellation Policy

Party Fishing Boat Trips-

Only the Captain can cancel the trip for weather/sea conditions. The Captain has up until the morning of the trip to cancel. The Charter Office will notify you if canceled. You have until 1:00pm the day before your scheduled trip to change or cancel your reservation at no charge to you. Trips that don’t meet the minimum number of passengers will be cancelled.

Private Party Fishing Boat Trips-

We accept cancellations up to 21 days in advance of the departure date with a full refund. Any cancellations made less than 21 days in advance will forfeit the deposit unless the trip can be rescheduled and ran one time only on the same boat within 90 days of the original booking date. Any cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance will forfeit both the trip and the deposit. In case of inclement weather only the captain can cancel for weather. If he/she does so, they have up until the morning of to cancel. If that should happen you would have the option of rescheduling or receiving your money back.

Please Note

Fish do have a season, size and creel limits. All trips include license, bait and tackle. Please bring your own ice chest with food and drink. No glass containers are allowed on boats or docks. Your deckhand(s) works for tips and fish cleaning only. Tip is customarily 18-20% of the cost of your fishing trip. They will gladly filet your fish for $0.30 per pound whole weight. Cash is preferred.

• 251-981-4044
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Hawaii's Marina Paradise

Ko olina marina, full service 342-slip marina featuring state-of-the-art bellingham floating docks, market and activity building..

Ko Olina Resort & Marina®

Sport Fishing

World-Class deep sea fishing just about minutes off the Marina.

Ocean Snorkeling

Snorkel in the sparkling blue water along the Wai'anae Coast.

Sunset Cruises

Experience the sights and the breathtaking Hawaiian sunset on the sea.

Boat Charters

Celebrating something special? Fun ocean activities for your group.

Marina Services + Amenities

The 43-acre Ko Olina Marina is a boater’s dream, with 342 full-service slips able to accommodate up to 200-foot vessels. The marina features state-of-the-art Bellingham floating docks, a fuel dock for gas, diesel and pump-out and the Marina Market.

Guest Slips

5-Star amenities along with a friendly staff, open space and well maintained

Water & Parking

Water is included in monthly slip fees, except for slips which are designated as commercial.

Electricity

Each slip is metered individually, thus you pay for what you use.

Performance Fee

Is equal to one month's total slip fee and is required prior to entry into the Marina.

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The Latest @KoOlinaMarina

Sailfish Marina Resort 98 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404

9th annual spiny lobsterfest, just minutes from the gulf stream, our crystal blue waters are swarming with prized game fish waiting to be caught..

Sport Fishing, and Luxury Yacht Charters

Positioned as the closest marina to the Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet, Sailfish Marina Resort is the home of one of the world’s finest sport fishing charter fleets. Just minutes from the Gulf Stream, our crystal blue waters are swarming with prized game fish waiting to be caught. Our charter fleet is comprised of vessels ranging from 27′ to 65′ and is geared with all of the latest safety and electronic equipment. The captains are qualified veterans and knowledgeable authorities on finding, catching and releasing any game fish.

Sport Fishing Charters are available year-round. Prices may vary depending on the size of the vessel and duration of the charter.

* Extra hours by request

Live bait, gratuities and refreshments are not included. There is a maximum of 6 people per boat. A reservation and $100 non-refundable deposit are required for all charters. There is a 72-hour cancellation policy. We support catch and release.

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Better amenities

• Convenient Ship’s Store for all your boating and fishing needs
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Premier location

• Located on the intracoastal waterway
• Unmatched sunset views and abundant wildlife
• A short drive away from historic Charleston & Mt. Pleasant and minutes away from golf courses and tennis courts at the Wild Dunes Resort

Smart technology

• Our custom “IOP App” makes scheduling launches and retrievals a breeze
• Manage your membership from your smartphone
• Smart marina technology provides seamless monthly billing and accountability

Better service

• Our custom “IOP App” conveniently schedules dry storage launches, as well as add-on “Marina Concierge” services
• Reserve water toys, fishing equipment and beach gear delivered directly to your boat
• Schedule pump out, bottom cleaning, maintenance and more!

IOP MARINA OUTPOST

Ship's store & deli.

first class

Ship's store, free parking, boat rentals, and more..., iop boat club, memberships limited, inquire today, rates & services, dry storage.

• IOP Resident discount available!
• Trailer required
• Metered electric billed monthly
• Wi-Fi, water & dockbox are included
• No Liveaboards!

           30AMP

               $10.00/day,            50amp,                $20.00/day,            100amp,                $40.00/day, iop boat rentals, book your rental today, fishing charters.

CHARLESTON FISH FINDER

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TAYLOR MADE CHARTERS

HEADSHAKER CHARTERS

BEN ALDERMAN FISHING

Group expeditions.

PRIVATE GROUP CHARTERS

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Tours & charter boats.

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Boat, kayaks & paddle board rentals.

Please enter your information and we will contact you ASAP!

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(843) 886-0209

50 41st Avenue Isle of Palms, SC 29451

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Tournaments

• Cruisin' Tikis
• Tellin' Tales

Located between 21st and 22nd Street Ocean City Maryland

Featuring ocean city's largest small boat rental fleet.

Bahia Marina carries a large selection of tackle and live, fresh or frozen bait for the bay, surf or offshore fisherman. Bahia Marina also boasts one of the finest offshore charter fishing fleets in Ocean City. You can fish for bluefish, tuna, dolphin, marlin and more aboard our charter boats ranging in size from 25 to 50 feet. If you prefer bottom fishing, try a half-day trip for sea bass, tautog, ling cod, trout or croakers aboard the 75 foot Judith M. We also offer 3 hour fishing trips in the back bays for flounder aboard the Tortuga. When you want to just sit back and enjoy the ride, then Bahia Marina's scenic cruises are the way to go. Climb aboard the Judith M for its nightly sunset cruise and view beautiful downtown Ocean City from the bay and the ocean. And when your busy fishing day is over, relax in Fish Tales, Bahia Marina's bayside bar and restaurant. Have a cold drink while our expert fish cleaners make your day's catch oven-ready and bag it for the trip home. Whether it's fishing, sightseeing or just relaxing by the bay in our "boat yard", be sure to stop by Bahia Marina, Ocean City's sportfishing headquarters, on the bay between 21st and 22nd Streets in Ocean City, Maryland.

Bahia Marina is Mercury Outboard sales & service center.

Ocean City's only authorized Mercury dealer on the water. We offer winter storage, Bottom painting - fiberglass & aluminum boats, batteries charging, marine hardware, boat maintenance, Dock Calls and much more.

Bahia Services

• Non-ethanol gas
• Fishing tackle and bait
• Ticket agent for headboats
• Charter boats marina
• Cold beer, ice, snacks, and soda
• Fuel (gas and diesel)
• Pump-out station
• Official IGFA weigh station
• Fish cleaning available

Bahia Marina

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DELICIOUS FOOD & BEVERAGES AT

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Our charter fleet boasts the finest group of sport fishing boats in the Mid-Atlantic, all operated by Coast Guard licensed captains. The fishing season begins in early May and runs through early November. Take this opportunity to catch numerous species of fish including white and blue marlin, tuna, dolphin and wahoo. A day deep sea fishing makes the ideal adventure for corporate outings, a family affair, or a friend’s day out. Take home a memory that will last a lifetime.

Contact the Sunset Marina office today to book your charter at 1-877-514-FISH .

Reel Opportunaty

The Natural

Blue Runner

Grande’ Pez

Primary Search

Troublemaker

Pumpin Hard 58′

Christine Marie

White Lightning

Make up charters.

Don’t have a group of six people to book at charter trip? Let the staff at Sunset Marina find a group of other individual anglers for you. Just call the office to make your reservation and payment of $400.00* and await our phone call confirming a trip ( *price reflects a cash discount. ).

Here’s How it Works:

• Contact the marina at  1-877-514-FISH  with the dates you are available to fish.
• Provide the office with a cell phone number where you can be reached while you are in Ocean City.
• Make your reservation with prepayment of $400.00 *price reflects a cash discount
• Await a call from the Sunset staff as they find other available anglers.
• Meet your group at the docks on the morning of your trip.

Catch fish! If our staff is unable to find other available anglers for your specified date(s), your payment of $400.00 is fully refunded. No cash refunds.

TOURNAMENTS

12th Annual OCMC Franky Pettolina Memorial Day Tournament

May 29 - May 30 2021

EXPERIENCE THE TRUE SALT OF THE OUTER BANKS

Wanchese was the first fishing village on Roanoke Island. Wanchese Marina is famous for our fishing culture, delicious food, beautiful scenery, and quick access to the splendor of the Atlantic Ocean.

YOUR PLACE FOR OUTER BANKS FISHING CHARTERS, TOURS AND MORE

Wanchese Marina offer one of the finest fleets of professional charter fishermen, charter booking service, dolphin tours, dive charters, shrimp charters and even crabbing charters. We have both diesel and non-ethanol fuel, a professional fish cleaning facility and an official North Carolina Citation weigh station.

EXPERIENCE a dolphin tour!

Enjoy the view & dine at the landing grill.

Welcome to The Landing Grill, the hub of Wanchese Marina, where delicious food awaits you from 6am to 8pm. Kickstart your morning with a hearty homemade breakfast spread. Stop in for a great Wanchese lunch of fresh-caught tuna, chicken salad, awesome burgers, or a custom pizza. Enjoy some fresh, local seafood at our Steam Bar with mesmerizing waterfront views.

Need a place to dock your boat? look no further.

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YACHT SALES

Of marina pez vela.

THE MARINA HAS ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR NATURAL SETTINGS ANYWHERE ON THE PLANET WITH RAINFOREST COVERED MOUNTAINS, TEEMING WITH WILDLIFE, CASCADING DOWN TO THE TURQUOISE WATERS OF THE PACIFIC.

A WORLD CLASS MARINA, YACHT YARD AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ROOTS FIRMLY PLANTED IN THE HISTORY, CULTURE AND STUNNING NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE QUEPOS/MANUEL ANTONIO AREA.

UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

Dorado derby 2024, dorado derby dos 2024, pelagic rock star offshore tournament 2025, rooster rodeo 2025.

How Costa Rica’s New Marine Law Is A Game Changer For The Superyacht Industry

The Costa Rica Legislative Assembly (Congress) has passed a major milestone agreeing to open up the country to international superyacht...

Superyacht Destination Guide: Costa Rica

It may not be one of the first places you think of when planning a cruise, but given its vast array of luxurious qualities there’s no reason...

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NOW DISPENSING 100% POLISHED DIESEL FUEL

Hubbard's Marina | Deep Sea Fishing | Dolphin Watching Tours | John's Pass Madeira Beach FL

• (727) 393-1947

Friendly Fisherman

80ft locally custom built duckworth hull.

Call For Pricing 727-393-1947

The Friendly fisherman is a very large party boat fishing vessel with a single hull design. It normally runs our 5 and 10 hour fishing trips near shore and offshore.

The Friendly fisherman offers a spacious air conditioned cabin with comfortable cushioned benches, full galley, 13 community live wells, men and woman’s bathrooms, and more! The boat can legally accommodate up to 80 people, however 70 is recommended for 5 hour trips, and 60 is recommended for 10 hours and more.

The Friendly Fisherman is a great choice for day time fishing trips since it’s our faster party boat offering more fishing time on 10 and 12 hour day trips compared to the larger, stable, slower Florida fisherman 2.

What Trips It Can Run

• 5,8,10, and 12 hour fishing trips
• Near shore and offshore deep sea fishing
• Ash Scatterings
• Large offshore signings
• Corporate events/team building
• Family reunion trips
• Booze cruises

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Your Port of Call Sailfish Marina of Stuart

For dockage & dry storage, choose the closest marina to the St. Lucie Inlet.

LATITUDE / LONGITUDE N 27 09.656 W 080 11.709

Boat Left You High & Dry? Sailfish Sideyard to the Rescue!

Let our experienced staff handle your maintenance & repair needs.

Love Fishing? Drop Your Line in Stuart, FL

Host to premier sport fishing, with onsite bait & tackle, charters, and tournaments.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK South Fuel Dock: 6am – 7pm North Fuel Dock: 7am – 5pm

MON — FRI Office: 8:30am – 5:00pm

CONTACT Office: (772) 283-1122 South Fuel Dock: (772) 278-6794 North Fuel Dock: (772) 278-6795 Email: [email protected]

CURRENT FUEL PRICES Non-Ethanol Gasoline: $4.859/Gal. Diesel; $3.899/Gal. +tax

$.05 discount for cash $.05 discount for BoatUS & SeaTow Members

Monitoring VHF16

Stuart, Florida

Whether for short or long stays, you will find Sailfish Marina to be an ideal location. We have 55 wet slips up to 90′ in length and can accommodate larger vessels on our fuel docks for single-night stays. The Manatee Pocket is a “No Wake Zone” and offers protection from wind and waves. We are easily accessible from the ocean, ICW, or St. Lucie River. There is plenty of parking, and transient boaters can access downtown Stuart via Uber or Lyft. Wet slip availability is always limited, so please book well in advance.

Dry Storage

Our two large high & dry storage barns can accommodate 200 power boats up to 29 feet in length. Keep your boat out of the sun, wind and rain. Our multi-level rack system with two forklifts offers a safe, protected and convenient way to store your boat. Our experienced staff are here 7 days a week from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. to launch your boat. When you return, they will clean your water line, rinse the hull and flush your engines before putting it away.

Maintenance & Service

We offer a full-service concrete yard with 50-MT travel lift to handle your repair and maintenance needs on boats up to 60’ in length and 18’ beam. From bottom paint to mechanical repairs, we have the expertise to care for your boat with high quality work and get you back in the water quickly. And for outboard engine maintenance and repairs, we also have certified Yamaha repair mechanics onsite to assist you.

Stuart, Florida, has long been known as the “SAILFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD”. Offshore fishermen come from all over to test their skill against the “Sails” that abound just off the St. Lucie Inlet where the Gulf Stream lies 10 miles from shore. When the Sailfish aren’t striking, there’s an abundance of dolphin, wahoo, grouper, snapper, cobia and king mackerel to keep your reel humming. It won’t take you long to have poles in the water as Sailfish Marina is the closest marina to the St. Lucie Inlet with no bridges to the Atlantic Ocean. And if you prefer to stay inshore, the trout, snook, pompano and tarpon abound in the St. Lucie and Indian Rivers.

• Yacht Sales

Buying or selling, Sailfish Marina has the resources on site to meet your needs. Please follow the link below to learn more about Manatee Pocket Yacht Sales. Their helpful staff will be happy to assist.

• Event Venue

Looking for an event venue for your grad party, retirement party, birthday, reception, or other event? Our waterfront tiki hut and covered deck offer the perfect setting for a memorable occasion. Available to rent by the hour or by the day. We have ample parking, and our staff can assist with design and arrangement of tables, chairs, and other accommodations to meet your specific needs.

Members Portal

Long-term Wet Slip and Dry Storage customers, please access this portal for the latest announcements and information pertaining to Sailfish Marina and the surrounding area.

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After 32 years of family ownership, Point Loma’s commercial fishing marina drifts toward a port takeover

T om Driscoll’s commercial fishing wharf at the north eastern tip of America’s Cup Harbor in Point Loma is falling apart. The marina’s four, fixed piers — home to as many as 120 fishing boats in their prime — appear to be on the brink of collapse. The business model gave way long ago.

The substandard conditions will remain suspended in time until the Port of San Diego assumes control of the facility at some future date.

The agency is pushing Driscoll out of the marina that has held the family name for 32 years — but also forcing him to stay put for now.

Port commissioners considered and rejected two formal redevelopment proposals from Driscoll, the first in 2017 and the other in 2022. Then, in late 2022, the agency declined to renew Driscoll’s lease, opting instead to move forward with its own takeover and redevelopment plan for what it’s now calling the Shelter Island Commercial Fishing Wharf.

“We decided it was probably in the best interest of the commercial fishermen and the commercial fishing industry if the port were to just operate (the wharf) directly,” said Christian de Manielle, who is the port’s real estate department manager.

The port eventually plans to replace the existing piers with a single set of floating docks. First it must study the environmental impacts of demolishing the piers and constructing the replacement floating docks.

The transition could take two years or more.

For now, Driscoll is tied to the marina where he’s no longer wanted. He must also pay rent on a lease that will remain in hold-over status until the environmental work is done and the piers can be razed (at his expense), which is a requirement of his contract with the port.

“We have come to accept that the port no longer wants us there and are ready to fulfill our obligations as required under the lease,” Driscoll said. “Unfortunately, the port wants us now to remain for an indefinite amount of time for plans to be developed while we continue to assume liability and everything else that goes with managing the wharf.”

The family business

One of three family businesses on San Diego Bay, Driscoll’s Wharf dates to 1992, when Driscoll and his father, the late John Gerald Driscoll III, acquired the 40-year leasehold for the commercial fishing marina at 4918 N. Harbor Drive for $2 million from a bank that had foreclosed on the previous owner.

“We are mariners. My dad was into everything involving the water, including commercial fishing. And so, we took over operations. We spent a lot of time and resources cleaning things up,” Driscoll said. “Unfortunately, the bank wanted more than it was worth. We could only invest what the business operations generated in revenue. So, that’s what we did. It was just enough.”

The marina is just one of two dedicated — meaning protected and regulated — commercial fishing facilities in San Diego. The other is Tuna Harbor, which was built in 1977 and is operated by the port.

The Point Loma site covers roughly 2.4 acres of land and 6.6 acres of water. The marina includes a fish offloading dock and four old-fashioned fixed structure piers that pre-date the port’s existence and were likely built in the 1950s. There are also three, two-story commercial buildings that were constructed in the 1980s.

The Driscolls made piecemeal improvements over the years. More substantial upgrades were stopped short by various obstacles.

In 2007, a state agency, California Coastal Conservancy, stepped in with cash and a sweeping analysis of how to revitalize San Diego’s commercial fishing industry.

The industry has been in decline since the 1980s, when tuna canneries such as Bumble Bee Seafoods and Van Kamp moved abroad due to regulations. They took with them the larger tuna fishing fleets.

As it stands, commercial fishing remains a protected use, with dedicated water acreage preserved by the California Coastal Act of 1976. But the two San Diego Bay marinas reserved for commercial fishing don’t bring in enough business to support anything more than day-to-day upkeep.

“The antiquated design, age and deferred maintenance of the fixed piers are contributing to a condition near functional obsolescence,” the Coastal Conservancy wrote in a 2007 staff report, prior to expending grant money on a study to identify improvements at Driscoll’s Wharf and the port’s other commercial fishing facility, Tuna Harbor. “Commercial slip rent control required by the Coastal Commission, land-use restrictions and development configuration limitations have discouraged redevelopment.”

The agency’s ensuing April 2010 report laid the groundwork for more than $20 million in upgrades at Driscoll’s Wharf and up to $8 million in improvements at Tuna Harbor. That plan was approved by port commissioners in January 2011. But the Coastal Conservancy’s grant money evaporated after the completion of phase one improvements, financed jointly by the port, the conservancy and the Driscoll family.

Structural improvements were made to Driscoll’s fish offloading dock. A new ice machine and fish holding tank were installed. But larger projects went adrift.

More recently, the board twice rebuffed Driscoll’s lease and redevelopment proposals, which also floated slip rate increases to finance improvements. The commissioners considered the proposals in closed session in December 2017 and in March 2022.

The agency declined to share specific details of the closed session meetings.

“We, along with the Coastal Conservancy and the port, paid for and completed the first phase of improvements with the anticipation that we would get a new lease,” Driscoll said.

Driscoll’s requests included proposed lease language that mirrored the intent of his original lease, he said, meaning he wanted to be able to charge commercial fisherman half of the going rate for recreational boats.

In the interim, the fishermen have openly grumbled about the facility’s condition.

“I’ve been here for dang near 30 years, and when the Driscolls came in, they really did just suck the money out of this place,” Matt Pressley, a sea urchin fisherman, was quoted saying in a 2013 news article . “They never put a nickel back into it. The buildings are falling apart, we’ve had fires from electrical things. … It should literally be condemned.”

More than a decade later and further deteriorated, the marina still functions.

There are nine commercial fishing boats and a dozen other vessels of varying kind docked at the facility, Driscoll said. One is Driscoll’s boat, another is a houseboat that his son lives on. There are also two sanitation boats (or “pooper pumpers” as Driscoll calls them), an abandoned houseboat and two city of San Diego boats.

Most of the remaining boats have been pushed to piers 5 and 6. Piers 7 and 8 are too dangerous to tie up to.

Driscoll’s offloading dock is, however, in good condition. And in a recent eight-day period of unusual fortune, fishermen offloaded more than 200,000 pounds of squid at the marina.

The two commercial buildings, where wholesale seafood company Chula Seafood and the seafood market Tunaville are based, are also worth keeping around, according to a 2022 conditions assessment report prepared by engineering firm Kleinfelder for the port. However, the commercial building at 4922 N. Harbor Drive, where MTV’s “The Real World: San Diego” was filmed in 2003, is a teardown .

No one is impressed with the place, least of all the fishermen.

“It’s a derelict, (expletive) dump,” said Pete Halmay, who is president of the San Diego Fishermen’s Working Group.

The nonprofit was established in 2010, around the same time that the conservancy was doling out grant money, and aims to protect commercial fishing interests.

The working group aligned with developer 1HWY1, after a bumpy start to the relationship, on the Seaport San Diego project. The Seaport project calls for the port’s other commercial fishing marina, Tuna Harbor, to get new floating docks with room for 96 fishing boats, up to 120-feet in length, as well as a commercial fishing operations building.

It hasn’t been decided whether the port or the developer, or even some entity that includes the fishermen, will operate Tuna Harbor after the redevelopment is completed, said Yehudi Gaffen, who runs 1HWY1.

There’s no alignment across the bay, where Driscoll says there has been friction with a small faction of fishermen since the day his dad started running the place and implemented rules.

“Some of these fishermen just don’t like rules,” Driscoll said, noting that he has a good relationship with other commercial fishermen, including the handful that pay substantially more to dock their boats at his recreational marina in Mission Bay.

Halmay characterizes circumstances differently.

“Tom had 20 years to fix this place, OK. And he didn’t do it. He didn’t put any money into it. And I agree that there was no money to put into,” Halmay said. “Tom is out. … We’re more comfortable with (the port operating the wharf) than having a guy that buys it for profit, because we don’t think there should be profit in there.”

The sad state of affairs is a confluence of competing forces — and personalities.

The fishermen, with Halmay as their spokesperson, have aggressively and successfully pushed to preserve every inch of the marina for themselves as they look toward the future.

“We’re working very hard to bring the fisheries back and while we bring them back, if you don’t have a place to offload, you don’t have a place to tie up, you don’t have a fishery,” Halmay said. “You gotta have these places.”

Driscoll’s lease allows him to rent to recreational or alternative vessels, as long as space is available and the recreational boats are kicked out if commercial fishing ships need the slips. The secondary use accommodation allows Driscoll to collect market rates for some of his slips.

That changes with the Port Master Plan Update, Michael LaFleur, the port’s vice president of maritime, said. The tighter restrictions in the new plan are linked in part to discussions with the fishermen’s group, he said.

‘It doesn’t pencil’

The port, Driscoll and commercial fishermen tell different versions of the same story: The marina with one foot in the watery grave was suffocated to death by a lack of investment.

What’s more, commercial fishing facilities seem to be only viable if they are propped up by subsidies.

Government entities have regulated themselves into a financial jam. They must not only maintain the acreage currently dedicated to commercial fishing but also keep intact discounted slip rates for commercial fishermen working on slim margins. And the agencies will hear from the fishermen if they drift off course.

The port acknowledges this reality.

“Commercial fishing is a tough use to try and operate on tidelands,” de Manielle, the port real estate manager, said. “There are a lot of regulations that are put on this particular use, such as how much the berthing rates can be charged to the commercial fishermen, and then also the amount of secondary uses that can be operated at the facility. … And the Port Master Plan was written in a way to obviously give commercial fishermen the best opportunity for them to thrive and protect their use, which makes it challenging for a private operator to operate under under those (restrictions).”

LaFleur, the maritime executive, put it more simply.

“When I look at it from a business standpoint, it doesn’t pencil,” he said.

The port spends around $300,000 to $500,000 per year on basic upkeep, utilities and security at Tuna Harbor, where there are, on average, 65 to 75 commercial fishing vessels renting slips, LaFleur said. The agency collects between $150,000 and $200,000 per year in revenue, he said.

The Port of San Diego charges $3.15 per month per lineal foot of berthing for commercial fishing boats at Tuna Harbor.

The slip fee, defined in the agency’s tariff policy for maritime fees, compares to a market rate of $22 to $25 per month per foot at a well-kept recreational marina, de Manielle said.

Driscoll said he charges $2.99 per month per foot. He is not tethered to the port’s tariff, but he is restricted by the narrow language in his lease. The lease set a maximum rate for year one and allows for nominal annual increases linked to the consumer price index. In 1994, the marina charged $2.37 per foot, the port said through a spokesperson.

Coastal Commission staff have resisted past proposals or discussions regarding slip rate increases that go beyond what Driscoll’s lease stipulates, the port spokesperson said.

The takeover

Looking ahead, the port will use $3.1 million in previously allocated money to conduct its environmental analysis and install one set of floating docks at the Point Loma commercial fishing marina. The docks will provide enough space for 23 boats.

A best-case scenario will see the current piers demolished in early 2026, after the environmental analysis is complete. The port then plans to construct the initial set of floating docks in mid- to late-2026, according to a staff presentation for last month’s Board of Port Commissioners meeting.

Driscoll, ready to move on, wants to demolish the piers without waiting for the environmental work. The port, he said, is adamant that he must stick around. And, at least for now, that seems to be where things have settled.

The port’s longer term redevelopment plan envisions adding two more floating docks for a total of 75 slips. That will require an additional $8.7 million to $11 million in nonexistent funding, and the timeline is far less certain.

“The path to full redevelopment faces challenges, particularly in terms of feasibility and funding,” de Manielle told commissioners last month.

The staff report also noted that the projected revenue from the commercial fishing facility will not offset the project cost or the operating expenses of the full redevelopment plan.

Meanwhile, Tuna Harbor is slated for its own makeover courtesy of the aforementioned Seaport San Diego project.

The project has since 2016 been working its way through the entitlement process — all while Driscoll fought and failed to secure a new lease for his facility.

The Tuna Harbor improvements would likely be financed with some of the $550 million in public funds that the developer plans to seek to pay for project infrastructure and amenities.

The sequence of events suggests that 1HWY1 or the port may be considering a future in which the Point Loma facility and Tuna Harbor are tied together. The topic of consolidation has been broached before. The agency confirmed that the development team has approached port staff in the past about running Driscoll’s Wharf. There are no active conversations on the topic, a port spokesperson said.

The Seaport San Diego project has no connection to Driscoll’s, Gaffen, the 1HWY1 executive said. But he has followed with interest the port’s planned takeover of the marina.

“Our commitment, my personal commitment, to revitalizing our local commercial fishing is very much part and parcel of everything we think about at Seaport,” Gaffen said. “One of the things that we have spoken to the commercial fishermen about is, is there the opportunity to link the two (commercial fishing wharfs) and to have the two be managed together? Because it would make sense.”

©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Cedar Mills Marina & Resort

Family friendly marina with much to offer on Lake Texoma. Drive in, boat in, or fly in - just get here!

Stop in to the main office so that we can help make your next vacation/getaway a great one. 903-523-4222

Pelican’s Landing Waterfront Restaurant

Don't forget to swing by and grab yourself a bite!

Welcome to Cedar Mills Marina & Resort

Labor day weekend schedule.

Pelican’s Landing Restaurant Open Friday 11am-10pm. Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday 8am-3pm (Morning Breakfast Buffet Friday – Sunday)

Lake Texoma’s family fun destination 

Make your next getaway with us here at Cedar Mills Marina & Resort on beautiful Lake Texoma. Lake Texoma opened in 1944 as the largest man-made lake in the nation. With over 89,000 acres of water surface, Lake Texoma offers ample space for all boating activities, from sailing to fishing to cruising to gunkholing or just enjoying great anchorages and so much more!

Lake Texoma is also the striper fishing capitol of the USA. With just the perfect amount of salinity the striper population in this lake has flourished to make every fishing trip a memorable one. Need a guide? Follow the link to book with one right out of our marina. Fishing Guides

We are located on the west end of Lake Texoma in far North Texas, with easy access to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and just a quick drive from I-35, south of the Oklahoma border near the Willis Bridge, off US HWY 377.

Check out the links below for local weather and current lake levels

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Parts and Service

Cedar Mills Marina & Resort is ready to cater to all your boating and recreation needs. Our professional parts and service team has years of experience to be able to take care of any issues dealing with your boat. Just looking for a part? No problem! Our parts team will be able to get whatever you need. Need some service work done? No problem!  Whether it’s maintenance or looking to give your boat a new look, the parts and service department has you covered! Contact them today at 903-523-4222 ext 240 for Service and ext 243 for Parts.

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Our marina offers an array of different amenities, including a place to lay your head. So check out our Cottage and RV spot rentals and make that next vacation with us!

This is the perfect getaway to unwind, relax and enjoy the beauty and peace that nature provides in this unique setting.

Pelican’s Landing Waterfront Restaurant

Our restaurant has a fun and casual atmosphere with a magnificent lakeside view of Lake Texoma. Dine inside or out, and enjoy great food served by friendly wait staff in a warm beachfront atmosphere. There is always something going on at The Landing, from rockin’ bands to wine tastings and gourmet dinners.

Can’t find the information you are looking for? Just follow the link above to connect directly to our Pelicans Landing website. Hope to see you soon!

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Looking for the perfect boat for your next adventure? Check out the inventory in the link provided to see if you can find the one that fits you. Whether its sail or power, there is something for everyone at Cedar Mills Marina & Resort.

The standard of quality that we established over 30 years ago continues today, as we carry on the tradition of warm hospitality.

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