Pulling 58 water-skiers at once

Over 80 years ago, Howard Minor and Ralph Miller Sr. took a day off to fish for marlin. The two were partners in Harbor Water Taxi, which shuttled sailors from ships to downtown. A little over a year later, Minor and Miller joined with two brothers, Tony and Bill Hoss, to form H&M Landing. On April 6, 1935, their converted water taxi, Mascot II, made its maiden voyage from H&M Sportfishing.

On that trip to the Coronado Islands, 25 anglers boated 136 yellowtail. By 1969, H&M had become the world’s largest sportfishing fleet, with eight open party boats in addition to its charter fleet.

In 1971, the first aluminum catamaran sportfisher on the West Coast, H&M’s Speed Twin, broke the world record by pulling 58 water-skiers at once.

In 1977, Ralph Miller Jr. brought his two children, Catherine and Bob, into the business. Young Catherine Miller had the concept of an event for the public to come down to the landings.

Day at the Docks takes place on Sunday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Scott Street landings in Point Loma.

The annual event features boat rides on San Diego Bay, displays by marine artists and fishing tackle experts, food, entertainment, and fishing seminars.