Hey there! I’m Thomas, a Florida native who’s been shrimping these waters for over 15 years. I’m gonna share my favorite spots and tips for catching these tasty crustaceans in the Sunshine State. Trust me, once you’ve tasted fresh-caught Florida shrimp, you’ll never want store-bought again!
Best Locations for Shrimping in Florida
North Florida Hot Spots
-
St, Johns River (Jacksonville to Sanford)
- Perfect for fall shrimping
- Lots of estuarine waters
- Best at night with lights
- Easy access from multiple docks
-
Mosquito Lagoon (New Smyrna Beach)
- Shallow, protected waters
- Great for beginners
- Abundant white shrimp
- Clear water makes spotting easier
Central Florida Locations
-
Indian River Lagoon (Titusville area)
- Night shrimping paradise
- Mixed species available
- Protected waters
- Multiple public access points
-
Tampa Bay Area
- Year-round shrimping
- Diverse marine environment
- Both day and night opportunities
- Several public piers available
When to Go Shrimping
Peak Seasons by Species
-
White Shrimp
- Best: August to October
- Location: Estuarine waters
- Time: Day or night
-
Brown Shrimp
- Peak: June to October
- Habitat: Muddy/sandy bottoms
- Best time: Night
-
Pink Shrimp
- Prime: December to March
- Area: Clear waters
- Ideal: Night fishing
Essential Gear You’ll Need
I always tell my friends to grab these must-haves:
- Cast net (8-12 foot diameter)
- Headlamp or waterproof flashlight (1000+ lumens)
- 5-gallon bucket with lid
- Gloves (trust me, you’ll want these!)
- Bait (fish scraps or commercial shrimp bait)
- Ice cooler for your catch
Shrimping Techniques That Actually Work
Night Shrimping
- Use bright lights to spot shrimp eyes
- Look for the telltale red reflection
- Cast net in circular motion
- Wait for net to sink completely
- Pull slowly to avoid losing catch
Daytime Shrimping
- Focus on deeper channels
- Watch for brown flecks in water
- Use bait to attract shrimp
- Check traps every 2 hours
- Keep catch on ice immediately
Legal Stuff You Gotta Know
- License required:
- FL residents: $17/year
- Non-residents: $47/year
- Daily limit: 5 gallons heads-on per person
- Some areas have special regulations
- Always check local rules before heading out
Pro Tips from Years of Experience
- Time your trip with the tides – outgoing is best
- Bring extra ice – warm shrimp spoil quick!
- Work with the current, not against it
- Check weather before heading out
- Make friends with local bait shops
Common Rookie Mistakes to Avoid
- Using wrong net size
- Forgetting lights for night fishing
- Not checking regulations
- Poor catch storage
- Wrong time of year
My Favorite Spots That Most People Don’t Know About
I’ve found some sweet spots over the years:
- Cedar Key backwaters
- Charlotte Harbor’s hidden channels
- Steinhatchee’s grass flats
- Indian River’s secret holes
Safety First!
Remember these important points:
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Bring plenty of water
- Watch for boats at night
- Keep emergency contacts handy
- Check weather forecasts
Final Thoughts
Getting started with shrimping in Florida ain’t rocket science, but it does take some know-how. Start with the basics, follow the rules, and most importantly – have fun! Nothing beats the feeling of catching your own dinner.
Would y’all like me to break down any specific techniques or locations in more detail? Drop a comment below and I’ll share more of my experiences. Happy shrimping, folks!
Note: Always check current regulations as they may change. This guide is based on my personal experience and knowledge as of 2024.
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Florida is renowned for its diverse ecosystem and abundance of marine life, making it a haven for recreational shrimping enthusiasts. With its pristine waters, balmy climate, and thriving shrimp populations, the Sunshine State offers a plethora of exciting spots for shrimp lovers to get their hands on this delicious seafood. In this blog post, we will explore seven of the top recreational shrimping spots in Florida that promise unforgettable adventures and bountiful catches.
Located along the Space Coast, Mosquito Lagoon is a prime destination for shrimping aficionados. Known for its shallow waters and vast grass flats, this area is home to an array of shrimp species, including the popular white and brown shrimp. Whether you prefer casting nets from the shoreline or venturing out in a small boat, Mosquito Lagoon offers excellent opportunities for a fruitful shrimping experience.
Nestled along Floridas Big Bend, Steinhatchee is a charming coastal town renowned for its pristine waters and abundant shrimp population. This hidden gem offers a mix of shallow flats and deep channels, making it a versatile spot for shrimping. Rent a kayak or join a guided tour to explore the secluded creeks and grassy estuaries, and youre sure to come across sizable catches of delicious shrimp.
Cedar Key, located on Floridas Gulf Coast, is a picturesque shrimping paradise. The area boasts an intricate network of islands, marshes, and creeks that serve as fertile grounds for shrimp. Rent a boat and navigate through the mangrove-lined channels, dropping your nets in spots along the way. The incredible scenery and abundant shrimp make Cedar Key a must-visit destination for any shrimp enthusiast.
As one of Floridas largest estuaries, Charlotte Harbor is an anglers dream. While it is famous for its fishing opportunities, it is also a haven for shrimpers. With expansive seagrass beds and numerous creeks and tidal flats, this spot provides an ideal habitat for shrimp to thrive. Shrimpers can enjoy the tranquility of the harbor while casting nets for various shrimp species and reveling in the beauty of this scenic coastal area.
The Everglades offers an unrivaled shrimping experience amidst its unique ecosystem. Traverse the labyrinthine waterways in a shallow-draft boat and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this national park. With its mix of freshwater and brackish environments, the Everglades is home to abundant shrimp populations. Discover the hidden creeks and mangrove islands, and youll be rewarded with a memorable shrimping adventure.
Apalachicola Bay, nestled on Floridas Forgotten Coast, is renowned for its oyster beds and thriving shrimp industry. Here, you can witness the rich maritime heritage and indulge in the age-old tradition of shrimping. Wade into the shallow flats during low tide, cast your nets, and savor the excitement of reeling in plump shrimp. The combination of delicious seafood, breathtaking sunsets, and historic charm makes Apalachicola Bay a remarkable destination for shrimping enthusiasts.
Located adjacent to Miami, Biscayne Bay offers a unique urban shrimping experience. This vibrant coastal area boasts an abundance of marine life, including various shrimp species. Launch a kayak or small boat from one of the numerous ramps and explore the bays shallow flats, seagrass beds, and mangrove shorelines. Despite being in the heart of the city, Biscayne Bay presents a serene escape for shrimping enthusiasts looking to combine their love for shrimp with a vibrant city atmosphere.
How To Find And Cast Net Shrimp In Your Area
FAQ
Where can I catch shrimp in FL?
- Mosquito Lagoon. …
- Steinhatchee. …
- Cedar Key. …
- Charlotte Harbor. …
- Everglades National Park. …
- Apalachicola Bay. …
- Biscayne Bay. …
- Book Your Shrimping Trip.
Where are shrimp found in Florida?
The brown shrimp is caught mostly in northeast and northwest Florida. The white shrimp is also caught principally in northeast and northwest Florida, but it is generally found in waters that are muddier, shallower, and less salty than waters where pink shrimp and brown shrimp live.
What time of year can you catch shrimp in Florida?
You need a saltwater license. South Florida start to catch shrimp in January to April.
Where is the best place to catch shrimp?