The Dana Wharf Lady Anglers, Southern California’s oldest women’s fishing club, recently held their annual awards banquet on February 20, 2025, at the San Juan Golf Club. The event celebrated the achievements of its members over the past year, bringing together a community of passionate female anglers for an evening of recognition, camaraderie, and storytelling.
Established in 1976, the Dana Wharf Lady Anglers have built a strong legacy of promoting fishing, education, and conservation among women. The club offers a variety of guided fishing trips and excursions tailored for female anglers, creating a welcoming environment for both experienced fishermen and newcomers alike. Throughout the year, members participate in tournaments, engage in marine conservation efforts, and foster a supportive network that shares a love for the sport.
“Since its beginnings, the club has morphed from a small group of ladies who went fishing to a recognized non-profit sports club with over 70 members,” said the Club’s President, Sanda Estep. “We are one of the only women only saltwater fishing clubs in California. We’re a fun group of ladies who always encourage each other and are truly happy when someone catches a nice fish.”
Sandra recalled one of her most memorable fishing moments with the club, laughing as she described the unexpected twist. “We were catching bluefin when suddenly, a bunch of baby sharks showed up. I had one on the line, and everything seemed normal until, out of nowhere, it took off like a rocket. Then, just as quickly, it started coming back toward the boat — only to take off again. I had no idea what was going on. When I finally reeled it in, we discovered the real reason for all the chaos. Mama shark had been lurking nearby, and all I had left was half a tuna!”
The awards banquet honored outstanding achievements in fishing, recognizing members for their dedication and successes on the water. Sandra reflected on the club’s commitment to conservation, emphasizing the importance of practicing catch-and-release for certain species and sizes, something the Dana Wharf Lady Anglers actively promote among their members. She shared how the club supports CCA California’s efforts in educating anglers about marine habitats and responsible fishing practices.
This year’s awards ceremony celebrated the biggest fish caught and the most accumulated points out of Dana Wharf, with members vying for titles such as Club Champion and the unique Turtle Award, given for the most unusual catch. The event took place at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, featuring a buffet of chicken, pork roast, roasted vegetables, salad, and herb potatoes, accompanied by a full bar and wine service during dinner. One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the raffle, which featured thousands of dollars’ worth of donations, ranging from fishing gear to salon and restaurant gift certificates. Each year, proceeds from the banquet go toward supporting local organizations such as Fish for Life and Hero Fishing, reinforcing the club’s dedication to giving back to the community.
The Dana Wharf Lady Anglers welcome new members and are always excited to introduce beginners to the world of fishing. Those interested in joining can visit our website, danawharfladyanglers.com, for membership details and upcoming events.
For the upcoming year, the club has scheduled 11 fishing charters, ranging from inshore trips to overnight excursions and a two-day trip. Additionally, members can look forward to planned field trips, as well as hands-on seminars covering essential skills such as knot tying and casting.
