The most fun you can have shopping in my experience is to take a walk out on the Navy Pier on Saturday mornings to talk to and buy from our local commercial fishermen and fisherwomen.

It will not be just a shopping trip. It will be an adventure in learning and interacting with fascinating people of the sea.

You can learn so much and enjoy some stories with these folks and you can buy the freshest seafood possible while you are at it. These professional anglers love sharing their stories and building ongoing relationships with shoppers.

The market manager Ava Schulenberg is a sharp lady who knows her people well. I told her I wanted to write a column about the market and she ran off to her people and got quotes from a number of the very people you will be buying from. Here they are:

Schulenberg:

“The Saturday Fishermen’s Market of Santa Barbara is a very special place that’s been around for nearly 30 years.

“You can go down and shake the hand of the fisherman who caught your food, and know exactly where your meal came from – a concept that we’ve lost touch of as a society, given that we’re running out of places where we can do that in today’s world.

“Whether you’re there to buy seafood or not, the Saturday Market is a great place to educate yourself about our local fishing industry and see first hand some of the species our fleet catches, It’s fun for the whole family.

“Given the option to buy fish from the store that’s sourced from who knows where versus fish that’s caught from your local fishermen’s market where you can learn about how and where exactly it was caught, it’s a no brainer; plus it’s better for the environment.

“Why not take advantage of the fact that we get to live in a town with a working harbor that provides the freshest, locally and sustainably sourced seafood direct from the boat to you, I mean, how lucky are we?”

Vendors:

Connor Streett – 805 Seafood:

“We are so happy to answer questions and educate the community by providing fresh, local seafood every Saturday straight off the boat to you.

“Come on down and get your fresh hook-and-line-caught fish direct from the fisherman who caught it. We thank you for supporting small, local businesses.”

Joe Garrigan – Joseph and Melissa Garrigan Seafood Co.:

“We are proud to offer our local, sustainable catch to the community. We’ve gotten to know so many wonderful people and their families over the years. If you haven’t met your local fishermen, please come down and check out the Saturday Fishermen’s Market.”

Doug Bush: The Cultured Abalone Farm:

“Abalone is an incredibly nostalgic part of the Santa Barbara seafood history. Being at the market we get to hear stories about abalone cookouts on the beach, and get to be a part of that delight when people find out that they can still get live, seaweed fed California red abalone.

“We are proud of what we do and the market gives us an opportunity to share it.”

Harry/JJ:

“What they all said!” [Harry’s quote may be brief, but this guy is a wild and funny character worth knowing.]

Eric Hodge – Rockbottom Seafood Co.:

“I am excited as a commercial fisherman of Santa Barbara to be a part of the only direct-to-consumer market for truly local seafood. Please come down and support us on Saturday mornings.”

Dominic Mercaldo – Dom’s Catch Seafood Co.:

“I am thankful for the opportunity to provide you with top quality, local seafood. See you soon.”