Stearns Wharf

Stearns Wharf is a historic pier at the foot of State Street on Santa Barbara's waterfront. It was built in 1872 by lumberman John P. Stearns and is often called California's oldest working wharf. Today it is a visitor landmark with restaurants, shops and the Sea Center, and it is managed by the City's Waterfront Department.

Fishing

Fishing from the wharf is allowed only in the designated fishing areas shown on the City's map. Reports describe these as the seaward finger beside the Sea Center and the end of the wharf, from the bait shop seaward. Elsewhere on the wharf it is unlawful to fish. Anglers catch halibut, sand bass, mackerel and sharks and rays. A bait and tackle shop is on the wharf.

License rules

California does not require a fishing license when fishing from a public pier in ocean waters, and the state lists Stearns Wharf among its public piers. Size limits, bag limits and seasons still apply. You may use no more than two rods and lines. A license is required to fish from the beach, even to land a fish hooked from the pier.

Boats at the wharf

It is unlawful to leave a vessel unattended or unoccupied at Stearns Wharf without the Waterfront Director's permission, and the Director can order vessels to move. The Lil' Toot water taxi runs between the wharf and the harbor. Boaters who want to stay out overnight use the open anchorage east of the wharf, whose rules are changing.