Memories of Yesteryear
A Brief History of H&M Landing
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.
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A Brief History of H&M Landing
Sportfishing Leaders since 1935
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.
Winter 1935
Four men, Howard Minor, Barney Miller, Tony and Bill Hoss founded H&M
Sport Fishing Company.
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.
February 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
Mascot III was incorporated into the fleet.
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 1946
H&M reopened and sportfishing resumed.
April 1949
The Port of San Diego asked the sportfishing companies to move to Point
Loma because they wanted all commercial sportfishing activity located in
one area.
Spring 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.
Winter 1951
Helen Jackson bought Otto's fleet to become one of the first women
at the helm in the sportfishing industry.
Spring 1952
Lee Palm bought the Sportfisher fleet and began an "organized"
approach to pioneering long range sportfishing from H&M.
March 1957
New Mascot, H&M's first 65' sportfisher was launched.
1957-1959
Banner years in San Diego Sportfishing. Yellowtail, dorado, bluefin tuna,
and albacore were plentiful.
Summer 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
Malihini, the first sportfisher over 80' was added to the fleet.
Spring 1965
H&M Landing launched a deluxe long range vessel, H&M 85'.
March 1968
Ralph Miller, Jr. came into the business after his father's death assuming
control and administration of H&M.
1969
With 8 open party boats in addition to its charter fleet, H&M became
the world's largest sportfishing fleet.
1969
The City of Santa Barbara petitioned H&M to develop sportfishing at
the breakwater.
Fall 1969
H&M Landing, Santa Barbara was opened.
Winter 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
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
New docks and building, constructed under Ken Golden's ownership, were
completed and H&M moved into the facility it occupies today.
May 1977
The Miller family resumed ownership of H&M. Ralph Miller shared
administration and operation with daughter Catherine and son Bob.
November 1978
H&M was able to secure authority from Mexico to enter the Baja whale
lagoons which had been closed to public access.
April 1980 H&M 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
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
H&M Landing celebrated its 50th Anniversary, maintaining its position
as the West Coast's oldest, most experienced and diversified sportfishing
company.
February 1997
H&M Landing entered the world of cyberspace with its own Web Site,
http://www.hmlanding.com.
We are sure that there is a lot of history left out of this
short recap.
If you'd like to add to the pages of H&M history, e-mail us at hmmail@hmlanding.com
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