Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve been shrimping for years, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like catching your own fresh shrimp. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about where to find these tasty crustaceans and how to catch them successfully.
Best Locations to Catch Shrimp
Coastal Waters
The most productive shrimping spots are along coastal areas where you’ll find:
- Shallow, brackish waters
- Sandy or muddy bottoms
- Seagrass beds
- Tidal flats
- Estuaries where rivers meet the ocean
Popular Shrimping Destinations
Some of the best places in the US for recreational shrimping include
- Gulf Coast states:
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Florida
- Southeast Atlantic states:
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- North Carolina
When’s the Best Time to Go Shrimping?
Seasonal Timing
The prime shrimping season typically runs from April through December, with some variation by location. Here’s what I’ve found works best
- Peak Season: Summer and early fall
- Best Months: July through October
- Daily Timing: Early morning or evening hours
- Tidal Conditions: Outgoing tides are ideal
Pro Tip: Night Shrimping
I love night shrimping! The shrimp are usually more active after dark and easier to spot with lights. Green underwater lights work great for attracting them to your nets.
How to Find Good Shrimping Spots
Look for These Features:
- Protected bays
- River mouths
- Tidal creeks
- Marsh edges
- Deep holes near bridges
- Areas with grass flats
Local Resources:
- Bait shops
- Fishing forums
- Local fishing guides
- Marina staff
- Experienced shrimpers
Catching Methods That Work
Cast Netting
This is my go-to method! Here’s what you need
- Cast net (1/4 inch mesh)
- Proper throwing technique
- Patience for practice
Shrimp Traps
Great for overnight catching:
- Wire mesh traps
- Bait (fish heads or cat food)
- Weights and buoys
- 12-hour soak time
Dip Netting
Perfect for beginners:
- Long-handled net
- Good for shallow water
- Great for kids
- Less technical skill needed
Essential Equipment Checklist
| Basic Gear | Optional Items ||---------------------|---------------------|| Fishing license | Boat/kayak || Cast net | GPS unit || Cooler with ice | Landing net || Bait | Gloves || Bucket | Light source || Safety gear | First aid kit |Tips for Success
-
Check Regulations
- Get proper licenses
- Know catch limits
- Understand seasonal restrictions
-
Watch the Weather
- Avoid mid-day sun
- Check tide tables
- Monitor weather forecasts
-
Handle Your Catch
- Keep shrimp cool
- Sort by size
- Discard dead ones
- Clean promptly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to check regulations
- Using wrong mesh size
- Poor net throwing technique
- Inadequate ice/cooling
- Keeping dead/dying shrimp
My Personal Shrimping Story
Last summer, I took my kids shrimping for the first time near a local pier. We didn’t catch much at first, but after moving to a grassy area with muddy bottom during low tide, we hit the jackpot! The key was patience and trying different spots until we found where they were hiding.
Final Thoughts
Finding good shrimping spots takes time and practice, but it’s totally worth it! Start with accessible areas like piers and shorelines, then gradually explore new locations as you gain experience. Remember, the best spot is often where other successful shrimpers are – don’t be shy to ask for tips!
Quick Reference Guide
Best Times:- Dawn/Dusk- Outgoing tide- Full moon nights- Summer/early fallBest Spots:- Protected bays- River mouths- Grass flats- Muddy bottoms- Bridge shadowsRemember: Always check local regulations before heading out, and never take more than you need. Let’s keep our shrimping spots sustainable for future generations!
#shrimping #fishing #seafood #outdoors #catchyourown
What To Look For
On this particular day, Matt and I were fishing on a super long stretch of bank line.
The first thing to take into account is the tide cycle.
The best time to cast net for shrimp is during the middle of an outgoing tide moving into low and maybe even an hour or so of the incoming tide.
If you have a trolling motor on your vessel, then this will be easy.
If not, you need someone steering the boat in these areas with intense currents.
The next thing you need to look for is the shape and direction of the bank.
Preferably, you would want to be near a bank that comes off gradually and slowly, like mud banks.
Keep your eye out for any drains or exits off the marsh and grass lines as well.
Shrimp do move just like fish but if you hit enough of these areas along the bank, you’ll be sure to catch quite a few.
Find And Cast Net Your Own Shrimp [VIDEO]
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I was out fishing with fellow Fishing Coach Matt Lanier and he mentioned he had never thrown a cast net before!
Since we were on top of a TON of shrimp, I figured I’d give him and you all a little lesson.
How To Find And Cast Net Shrimp In Your Area
FAQ
Where is shrimp usually caught?
Most domestic catches are from the Gulf of Mexico (75%), Pacific coast (20%), and the South Atlantic (5%).
Where is the best place to catch shrimp?
They are readily found in small creeks and in larger bays feeding on shallow flats. Most of these areas are relatively shallow allowing you to catch shrimp using a cast net, seine, or any of the previously mentioned tools.
Where in the US can you catch shrimp?
Northern shrimp are found in the western North Atlantic from Maine to Massachusetts, but the bulk of the harvest comes from Maine. They are also found and harvested on the West Coast and in Alaska, as well as in Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and Norway.
Do you need a license to catch shrimp in Virginia?
In Virginia, you need a fishing license, and the limit is 20 quarts of head-on shrimp per person or boat, whichever is more restrictive.Oct 16, 2024