Memories of Yesteryear
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Happy Angler
Russell Stuart poses with a Black Sea Bass in this photo taken on July 21, 1947.
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Miss California
The Miss California, a converted water taxi, was one of H&M’s first open party boats.
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The Day’s Catch
Note the open slats across the deck visible in this picture. They were intended to help keep the fishermen’s feet “drier.”
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“On Broadway”
When H&M was located at the foot of Broadway a saltwater aquarium was erected so prospective anglers could see the many species of fish they could hope to catch.
August 15, 1934
August 15, 1934
Howard Minor and Ralph Miller Sr. (Barney), two partners in Harbor Water Taxi, took a day off to fish marlin. The two men got hooked on the sport and thought seriously about founding a sportfishing company.
April 6, 1935
April 6, 1935
Mascot II made its maiden voyage from H&M Sport Fishing with 35 anglers who sacked 136 yellowtail at the Coronado Islands.
Winter 1935
November 1, 1935
Four men, Howard Minor, Barney Miller, Tony and Bill Hoss founded H&M Sport Fishing Company.
February 1936
February 21, 1936
The San Diego Sport Fisherman’s Association was formed to define fair practices in the industry. Minor played a key role in its development.
Spring 1937
April 21, 1937
Mascot III was incorporated into the fleet.
December 7, 1941
December 7, 1941
World War II began. Some vessels in the H&M fleet were put into service as military transport and supply craft.
Spring 1949
April 21, 1949
Otto Kiessig’s company, Sportfishers, merged with H&M Sport Fishing Company. Otto had a long range operation running to Guadalupe Island with Sportfishers IV and VI.
April 1949
April 21, 1949
H&M reopened and sportfishing resumed.
Winter 1951
November 1, 1951
Helen Jackson bought Otto’s fleet to become one of the first women at the helm in the sportfishing industry.
Spring 1952
April 1, 1952
Lee Palm bought the Sportfisher fleet and began an “organized” approach to pioneering long range sportfishing from H&M.
1957-1959
January 1, 1957
Banner years in San Diego Sportfishing. Yellowtail, dorado, bluefin tuna, and albacore were plentiful.
March 1957
March 1, 1957
New Mascot, H&M’s first 65′ sportfisher was launched.
Summer 1959
June 1, 1959
The first Albacore sportfishing trips. Skippers recall that it was difficult to persuade anglers to go after albacore. Yellowtail were closer and seemed to be the preferred game fish.
February 1960
February 1, 1960
Malihini, the first sportfisher over 80′ was added to the fleet.
Spring 1965
April 21, 1965
H&M Landing launched a deluxe long range vessel, H&M 85′.
March 1968
March 1, 1968
Ralph Miller, Jr. came into the business after his father’s death assuming control and administration of H&M.
1969
January 1, 1969
With 8 open party boats in addition to its charter fleet, H&M became the world’s largest sportfishing fleet.
1969
June 1, 1969
The City of Santa Barbara petitioned H&M to develop sportfishing at the breakwater.
Fall 1969
October 1, 1969
H&M Landing, Santa Barbara was opened.
Winter 1969
November 1, 1969
H&M Pioneered the first Natural History Expeditions into Baja California. An extensive natural history program was developed which attracted passengers from all over, including international markets.
Spring 1971
March 6, 1971
65′ H&M Speed Twin, the first aluminum catamaran sportfisher on the West Coast, was launched. On July 18th the H&M Speed Twin broke the World Record by successfully pulling 58 water-skiers at once.
February 1973
February 1, 1973
New docks and building, constructed under Ken Golden’s ownership, were completed and H&M moved into the facility it occupies today.
May 1977
May 1, 1977
The Miller family resumed ownership of H&M. Ralph Miller shared administration and operation with daughter Catherine and son Bob.
November 1978
November 1, 1978
H&M was able to secure authority from Mexico to enter the Baja whale lagoons which had been closed to public access.
April 1979
April 1, 1979
H&M Landing took a leadership role in the organization of the San Diego Sportfishing Council, an organization composed of the San Diego landings and auxiliary businesses, formed to boost promotion of salt water angling.
February 1984
February 1, 1984
A new partnership came into H&M Landing. General manager and partner Phil Lobred, together with other partners, Jan Kirk, Frank Kadota and William Ishibashi, carried the H&M tradition forward.
April 6, 1985
April 6, 1985
H&M Landing celebrated its 50th Anniversary, maintaining its position as the West Coast’s oldest, most experienced and diversified sportfishing company.
February 1997
February 1, 1997
H&M Landing entered the world of cyberspace with its own website, https://www.hmlanding.com.
September 2000
September 1, 2000
H&M Landing first offered online booking.
April 2010
April 21, 2010
H&M Landing moved into their newest building.