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current and retired, operate the market including the larger- than-life Gomes, who comes from a long line of Portuguese tuna fishermen dating back to 1892. Known for e Fishmonger, his television show on the Outdoor Channel, Gomes is a passionate spokesperson and advocate for the sportfishing industry and local seafood. He also established a dinner series called Collaboration Kitchen, devoted to educating the public about seafood. 619.317.1900, tunavillemarketandgrocery.com Point Loma Seafoods on Emerson Street was established in 1963 by the Christianson family, serving seafood plates, fish sandwiches on fresh sourdough bread with the restaurant's signature Mrs. Kelly's tartar sauce, as well as sushi rolls, sashimi, and seafood salads. Dine indoors, at tables outside, or on the upper patio with city and bay views. 619.223.1109, pointlomaseafoods.com Before heading home, on a clear, sunny day, I walked along Sunset Cliffs. In the distance, I could see the statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the Portuguese explorer, who in 1542 became the first European to set foot on what is now the west coast of California. e statue is part of Cabrillo National Monument, a national park that also offers tours of the Old Pt. Loma Lighthouse, hiking, tide-pooling, and bird-watching. 619.523.4285, nps.gov/cabr Later, Portuguese, Japanese, and Italian fishermen and their families made Point Loma their home port. Another must- visit is the Tunaman's Memorial in Shelter Island's Shoreline Park, dedicated in 1988 honoring, as a plaque at the memorial reads, "those that built an industry and remembering those that departed this harbor in the sun and did not return." Each year, the Portuguese Historical Center, which raised money to sponsor and build the monument, holds a Tunaman's Memoriam Service to honor those who lost their lives at sea. phcsandiego.com When I visited, eager anglers were about to board a boat for an overnight fishing trip, among the first of the season. Fisherman's Landing offers quarter- to multi-day fishing trips in search of dorado, tuna, yellowtail, and more. Prices include "bait and bunk" and fishing licenses. Private charters are available for big game fishing trips that can range more than a thousand miles into Mexican waters. 619.221.8500, fishermanslanding.com Even if you don't fish, the landing is a fascinating place to explore. Bring your appetite — there are many restaurants from which to choose. One morning, I checked out colorful public art at Sun Harbor Marina, home to the Sportfishing Association of California, and stopped in at Jimmy's Famous American Tavern on e Promenade for an alfresco brunch. e menu features the Bubba, a house-made buttermilk biscuit with free-range chicken, cheddar, bacon, sausage, gravy, a fried egg, and tater tots; short rib tacos; and avocado and prosciutto toast on local sourdough. Jimmy's Famous is also known for its wagyu beef cheeseburger. Dinner favorites include beer battered fish and chips and pan-seared salmon. Our cheery waitress suggested dessert: Bundt cake soaked in Screwball Whiskey with peanut butter whipped cream, peanut brittle, and chocolate syrup. 619.226.2103, jfamous.com Mitch's Seafood Kitchen & Bar reels in customers with a menu that includes Baja-style fish tacos, grilled and fried fish, New England clam chowder and fisherman's stew, sides, and salads. "If it's any fresher, it's still swimming" reads a sign at the entrance. Patrons can sit outside along the railing and watch the fishing boats go by in the marina. 619.2236.2103, mitchsseafood.com Nearby is TunaVille Market and Grocery on Driscoll's Wharf, a partnership between Tommy "the Fishmonger" Gomes and Mitch Conniff of Mitch's Seafood, featuring sustainable seafood fresh off local boats. A group of commercial fishermen, both TUNAMAN'S MEMORIAL: PHOTO BY ANDREA NAVERSEN TOMMY THE FISHMONGER GOMES: PHOTO BY VINCENT KNAKAL @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE MAY 2024 69 Tommy "the Fishmonger" Gomes Tunaman's Memorial