The club was formed in 1975 as the Marina City Anglers. The name was changed to Marina Del Rey Anglers in 1986 and incorporated as a 501(3)C non-profit. The first Halibut Derby was held in 1974. The entry fee was $5 and we had 35 anglers. The Marina Del Rey Anglers Halibut Derby is the oldest fishing competition on the West Coast. The Derby is operated by dedicated volunteers, and the proceeds fund the club's philanthropic and conservation activities.

    The club has operated a white Seabass nursery since 1995 and has since released over 150,000 juvenile White Seabass into tthe Santa Monica Bay.

    MDRA Members have also organized and operated a Youth Fishing program since 1983, and a Veterans' fishing program since 2016.