When I think of a day spent fishing, I tend to think of my grandpa in his little steel rowboat. He would get up well before sunrise, paddle out into the water, then sit for hours with his back to the rising sun waiting for the slightest nibble. Some days, he would come home with a cooler packed full of his day’s bounty.
Other days, his cooler was packed with the crusts of the stinky salami sandwich he’d wrapped in wax paper and the dregs of stale beer in the bottom of crushed cans. I realize that all fishing doesn’t go that way, and there is a lot more to it (or perhaps not) than a little metal dinghy in an algae-covered pond hoping to catch more than a couple carp. And Dana Wharf is exactly that. It’s MORE.
About Dana Wharf
This place is situated in Orange County, California in Dana Point Harbor. The warm water in the area makes Dana Wharf the perfect location for all kinds of marine life. From sea lions to whales, Dana Wharf has thriving sea and wildlife that makes it the perfect destination for tourists or locals alike!
Free Fishing Clinics
One of the coolest things that Dana Wharf offers is their free fishing clinics. Every Sunday at noon, they teach kids how to fish FOR FREE! Dana Wharf provides all the equipment needed to learn how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in a fish. The entire clinic is extremely informative so that kids are learning about native sea life while they also learn a new skill.
Whale Watching Tours
Because of the beautiful and warm waters of Dana Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean in this area, Dana Wharf is an excellent location for whale (and dolphin, seal, and sea lion) watching. The crew explains the migration patterns, eating habits, and other great little tidbits about the beautifully peaceful and serene creatures.
Living in California, it’s easy to sometimes overlook and take for granted some of the beautiful opportunities we have right here. Although I love to travel and take every available opportunity to do so, it’s also great sometimes to be a visitor to my own space and place. Dana Wharf was the perfect opportunity for this local to take in some touristy things with the family while integrating local color into the outing. The whole experience was fantastic, and a great learning experience for the whole family!
Although I am a world traveler, there is something to be said about enjoying the sites and amenities around home, too. This is not our first trip with Dana Wharf, and certainly will not be our last!
