Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve got some exciting news for all you shrimp enthusiasts out there. As someone who’s been following shrimping seasons for years I’m here to break down everything you need to know about when those tasty crustaceans are at their peak in 2025.
Quick Answer
Shrimp season varies by region, but generally:
- Gulf Coast: June through December (peak: June-August)
- South Atlantic: May through December/January
- Pacific Coast: April/May through October/November
- New England: December through February (when open)
Why Timing Matters for Shrimp Season
Ya know what’s funny? Mother Nature doesn’t exactly follow our calendar! The start of shrimp season depends on several factors that affect these little swimmers:
- Water Temperature (must be above 55°F)
- Salinity levels
- Nutrient availability
- Weather conditions
- Local regulations
Regional Breakdown for 2025 Shrimp Seasons
Gulf Coast Region
The Gulf is where the action’s at! This region produces about 70% of America’s shrimp catch
Season Schedule:
- Spring/Brown Shrimp: May-July
- Fall/White Shrimp: Mid-August to mid-December
- Some areas remain open into January
Louisiana’s 2025 Fall Season Opening Dates:
- Mississippi state line to South Pass: August 11, 2025 (6 a.m.)
- South Pass to Atchafalaya River: August 11, 2025 (6 p.m.)
- Atchafalaya River to Texas state line: August 11, 2025 (6 a.m.)
South Atlantic Coast
Season Schedule:
- Opening: Usually May
- Closing: December/January (varies by location)
- Peak Times:
- Spring: Brown shrimp dominant
- Fall: White shrimp dominant
Pacific Coast (Washington State)
2025 Season Details
- Recreational fishing: Starts May 21
- Different marine areas have specific dates
- Most areas allow daylight hours only
- Some areas offer extended non-spot shrimp seasons
Tips for Getting the Best Shrimp
Here’s what I’ve learned about picking the freshest shrimp during season:
-
Firmness Test
- Fresh shrimp should snap when bent
- Avoid soft or mushy ones
-
Color Check
- Look for translucent shrimp
- Should have grayish, pinkish, reddish or brownish tint
- Avoid dark or murky colored ones
-
Smell Test
- Should have mild ocean smell
- Skip if there’s strong fishy odor
Regulations You Need to Know
Listen up! Before you grab your nets, here’s what ya gotta remember:
General Rules
- Must have proper licensing
- Follow local bag limits
- Respect size restrictions
- Use approved gear only
Daily Limits (varies by region)
- Puget Sound: 10 pounds (all species combined)
- Coastal Areas: 25 pounds (all species combined)
- Gulf Coast: Varies by state
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
We gotta keep it real – sustainable shrimping matters! Here’s what’s being done:
- Strict season management
- Gear restrictions
- Protected area closures
- Population monitoring
- Bycatch reduction devices
Pro Tips from a Shrimp Enthusiast
After years of following shrimp seasons, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Call ahead to local fish markets for best prices
- Buy during peak season for freshest catch
- Make friends with local shrimpers
- Check weather conditions before planning trips
- Keep updated on regulation changes
When to Avoid Shrimping
There’s times when you might wanna skip it:
- During spawning periods
- After major storms
- When water quality is poor
- During closed seasons
- When temperatures are too extreme
The Bottom Line
2025’s shrimp season is looking pretty good! Just remember that timing varies by location, and you’ll need to stay on top of local regulations. Whether you’re a commercial fisher or just love cooking up some fresh shrimp, knowing when the season starts in your area is key to getting the best catch.
Remember to check with your local authorities for the most up-to-date information, as seasons can sometimes change based on environmental conditions or other factors.
Now get out there and enjoy some fresh shrimp – I know I will!
Have you marked your calendar for shrimp season yet? What’s your favorite way to prepare fresh-caught shrimp? Drop a comment below!
Tips for setting shrimp traps and not losing your gear Image
Open daily beginning May 21. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is met or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
A non-spot shrimp only season is not planned for this area.
All shrimp fishery open days and times:
Open daily beginning May 21. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is met or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
A non-spot shrimp only season is not planned for this area.
2025 Georgia Shrimping Season Opening
FAQ
What months are shrimp in season?
Shrimp thrive in the warm waters of the Gulf and can grow about an inch every seven to 10 days. Shrimp are a migratory species and move based on tide, wind, currents and water temperature. Shrimp season usually opens sometime between May and June and runs through December.
What is shrimp season in SC?
South Carolina has multiple shrimp seasons, primarily for white shrimp and brown shrimp. The spring/brown shrimp season usually runs from May to July, while the fall/white shrimp season typically opens in mid-August and can last into December.
What is shrimp season in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s shrimp season is divided into spring/brown shrimp and fall/white shrimp seasons. The spring/brown shrimp season typically opens in May and runs through July, while the fall/white shrimp season usually opens in mid-August and can extend into December, with some areas staying open into January.
What is the limit on shrimp in Texas?
(3) Legal shrimping hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. (4) Bag and possession limits: No more than two quarts of shrimp (in their natural state with heads attached) per person or four quarts of shrimp per boat may be on board or possessed.
When is shrimp season?
The summer months of June through August are generally considered the peak of shrimp season in most regions when shrimp are most plentiful and conditions are ideal for fishing. Do shrimp seasons impact pricing? Yes, shrimp prices are generally lowest during peak season when fresh local shrimp are abundant.
When is shrimp season in Florida?
In the northern Gulf Coast, shrimp season typically runs June through December while on the southern Atlantic it’s approximately May through January. On the West Coast, the season is later from April/May into fall. Exact dates vary by state regulations. What are the peak months for shrimping?
When does shrimp fishing start in South Carolina?
The popular shrimp baiting season in South Carolina often opens in mid May. For cast netting and seines, the season opens end of May. Trawling doesn’t open until December. In Georgia, recreational shrimping can begin as early as May 20 some years, while other years it starts June 1.
When does shrimp season open in Louisiana?
Typically, the season opens in early to mid May in Louisiana’s inside waters. The fall inshore shrimp season usually opens in mid to late August. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets an annual opening date for bait shrimping that is typically in mid July.
When is shrimping season in California?
On the Pacific Coast, the shrimping season reflects the colder water temperatures. Fishing in central and northern parts of the state takes place from April or May into October or November. Peak shrimping occurs from June through August when populations spike. Farther south, shrimp can be found nearly year-round.
When does inshore shrimp season open in Texas?
The fall inshore shrimp season usually opens in mid to late August. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets an annual opening date for bait shrimping that is typically in mid July. The opening dates can vary by year and county though, so it’s important to check the regulations.