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Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching Celebrates Successful Annual Catch and Release Tournament

By September 9, 2025No Comments
Dana Point, CA – Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching is thrilled to announce the conclusion of our annual Catch and Release Bass Tournament, which wrapped up on August 31. This year, we welcomed an impressive 691 participants, raising a total of $3,455 for the California Conservation Association (CCA), the voice of the saltwater angler.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our customers who joined in the excitement, targeting both calico and sand bass. Each angler practiced catch and release, contributing to a vital sand bass research project being conducted by both CCA and the Sportfishing Association of California.

The tournament celebrated not only the spirit of fishing but also had monthly winners. In August, Gary Williams took home the title with a  2.4-pound calico bass. July’s winner, Brandon Guido, claimed second place overall with a 3-pound, 14-ounce sand bass, while the overall champion  and winner for June was Alex Samala, whose impressive catch weighed in at 6 pounds, 8 ounces. Alex Prize Pack from our sponsors was valued at well over $1000.


We also want to express our sincere appreciation to our sponsors whose generosity has greatly impacted our anglers and the success of this event:

– Turner’s Outdoorsman
– Costa Sunglasses
– Daiwa USA
– MC Swim Baits
– Promar
– Bass Pro Shops

– Hogan’s Bait and Tackle

Thank you to all our participants and sponsors for making this tournament a memorable experience. We look forward to seeing everyone next year for even more fishing fun!

For more about our Tournament please visit