Season of Boating Opens on San Francisco Bay on Sunday, April 28

The theme is “The Great Race”

Sunday is the official Opening Day of Boating Season and a busy time on the Bay with sailing and motor boats heading out to the ‘Blessing of the Fleet’ in Raccoon Straight, the waterway between Angel Island and Tiburon peninsula. Raccoon Strait festivities start at 11am, followed by the 96th Opening Day Parade of Boats along the San Francisco Waterfront from Crissy Field to Pier 39, starting at 12 noon until 3pm.

The “Opening Day on the Bay” Decorated Boat Parade, hosted by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association (PICYA), representing over 100 yacht clubs in Northern California, will feature over 100 historic workboats, fireboats, towboats, as well as classic and contemporary craft decorated to the theme.

There are many viewing points along the waterfront and six trophies awarded for the decorating competition.  For more information visit www.picya.org and http://www.mojosail.com/2013/04/22/opening-day-approaches/

Emeryville Yacht Club Celebrates Opening Day  – Sat., Apr. 27

Saturday the Emeryville Yacht Club is hosting a Commodore’s BBQ at Emery Cove in celebration of Opening Day and connecting with members after decorating their boats that will be in the parade of boats competition on Sunday. If you are down in the Marina Saturday afternoon, you’ll be able to preview contenders for best decorations to the theme of The Great Race.

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Fishing Report

According to Emeryville Sportfishing owner Craig Stone, April’s salmon fishing expeditions have been achieving great results. On April 23, Emeryville Sportfishing boats New Huck Fin and New Salmon Queen caught 62 Chinook salmon, with 31 anglers. “We should be seeing local fresh salmon in our markets after May 1.”  In May Emeryville Sportfishing boats will be going out after Salmon, Halibut and Striped Bass daily.

June 1st is the opening of the Rock Cod and Ling Cod season (this writer’s favorite for fish tacos), which lasts until the end of the year. Happy fishing!

Bonus Note: Did you know you could fish without a license off of our municipal pier in Emeryville?