Bay Area/ San Francisco

Fresh Catch Direct from the Boat: San Francisco’s Fisherman's Wharf Kicks Off Crab Sales & New Pop-Up Fish Market

AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 11, 2026
Fresh Catch Direct from the Boat: San Francisco’s Fisherman's Wharf Kicks Off Crab Sales & New Pop-Up Fish MarketSource: Jason Leung on Unsplash

The Port of San Francisco has officially announced the return of fresh Dungeness crab sales straight from the source – our very own local crabbers. Starting bright and early at 6 AM today, seafood lovers can converge at Fisherman's Wharf to buy these crustacean delights directly off the boat. An additional lure for fish enthusiasts is the launch of a pop-up fish market, which promises a cornucopia of locally caught seafood every Saturday for the next three months, detailed in an announcement by the Port.

The Port has clearly laid out its plans online, highlighting both the locations of participating vessels and an app called FishLine, where fishers can post in-the-moment updates about their sales. This setup not only brings fresh seafood to the public but also bridges a personal connection between consumers and the fishers who trawl the treasure troves of the Pacific. As per an Instagram post from SF Port, local fishers are eager to share the fruits of their labor at Wharf J9 Floating dock on Al Scoma Way. This tradition not only tickles the taste buds of seafood aficionados but confirms Fisherman's Wharf's status as a vibrant working waterfront.

The pop-up "Fish Market at the Wharf," operating adjacent to the Wharf J9 and off-the-boat sales, will not only sell a rotating selection of fish but also has plans to cook crab on-site starting Saturday. As reported by the SF Port, the market will operate from 8 AM to 2 PM at 101 Al Scoma Way and features offerings such as black cod, rockfish, halibut, smoked fish, and even some pre-prepared items in the future. Supervisor Danny Sauter praised the initiative, stating, "By connecting the public directly with local fishermen, we’re supporting our maritime economy while offering residents and visitors the freshest seafood possible."

The community's response is buoyed by more than just a love for good seafood; there's palpable support for local industry and a sense of cultural heritage. "We want to put the fishermen back in focus at Fisherman's Wharf," declared Sarah Bates from the Crab Boat Owners Association Board in the Port's announcement. The area is not only a nod to tradition but also an innovation hub, as the Port installed an ADA-accessible float at Wharf J9 last year, enhancing accessibility for all. According to the Port, there's more in store for Fisherman’s Wharf this year, with more attractions and a new public plaza opening in the summer as part of the Fisherman’s Wharf Forward project.