Where to Buy Fresh Shrimp Off the Boat: Ultimate Guide to Getting the Freshest Seafood in 2025

Hey there, seafood lovers! I’ve been on a mission to find the absolute best fresh shrimp you can get straight from the boat. After trying tons of different spots and talking to local shrimpers, I’m gonna share everything I know about scoring that perfect catch

Why Buy Shrimp Straight from the Boat?

Let me tell ya, there’s nothing quite like getting your shrimp directly from the folks who caught them. Here’s why

• The shrimp are super fresh – usually caught within 24 hours
• You’re supporting local fishing families and communities
• Prices are often better than supermarkets
• You can actually see where your food comes from
• The quality and taste are unbeatable

Best Places to Buy Fresh Shrimp Off the Boat

Alabama Gulf Coast Star: Annan’s Shrimp Co.

We’ve found a real gem in Orange Beach, Alabama! Annan’s Shrimp Co. has been in the shrimping business for over 30 years, and boy, do they know their stuff. Their boat, the 55′ Kelly Anne, brings in fresh catches from Mobile Bay daily.

What they offer

• Jumbo shrimp (10-15 per pound)
• Large shrimp (16-20 per pound)
• Medium shrimp (21-25 per pound)
• Small shrimp (26-30 per pound)

Pro tip: They’ll dehead your shrimp for just 25 cents per pound!

Other Popular Shrimp Buying Spots

• Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, MS
• Shem Creek, Charleston, SC
• Tybee Island, GA
• Port Royal, SC
• Bayou La Batre, AL

Tips for Buying Fresh Shrimp

1. Call Ahead

   • Check availability and pricing
   • Ask about the best time to come
   • Reserve your order if possible

2. What to Look For

   • Firm, translucent meat
   • No black spots or yellowing
   • Fresh, ocean-like smell
   • Heads still firmly attached

3. Questions to Ask

   • When was the shrimp caught?
   • Are they wild-caught or farmed?
   • What size options are available?
   • Do they offer cleaning services?

Best Times to Buy

The best time to buy shrimp off the boat is usually:

• Early morning (5-8 AM)
• Late afternoon (3-6 PM)
• When boats return from trips

Pricing Guide

Prices vary depending on:

• Season
• Size of shrimp
• Location
• Market conditions
• Quantity purchased

Storage Tips

Once you’ve got your fresh shrimp:

• Keep on ice
• Store at 32-38°F
• Use within 2-3 days
• Don’t wash until ready to use
• Keep heads on until cooking

My Personal Experience

Last summer, I visited Annan’s Shrimp Co. in Orange Beach. Y’all wouldn’t believe how fresh everything was! The owner was super friendly and even showed me around their boat, the Kelly Anne. I ended up getting 5 pounds of their jumbo shrimp, and let me tell ya, they made the best shrimp boil I’ve ever had!

Planning Your Visit

Before heading out:

1. Check the weather
2. Bring a cooler with ice
3. Have cash ready
4. Wear comfortable shoes
5. Bring your own bags/containers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t buy without checking freshness
• Don’t forget to ask about cleaning services
• Don’t wait too late in the day
• Don’t skip bringing a cooler
• Don’t forget to ask about seasonal availability

Recipe Ideas for Fresh Shrimp

1. Classic Shrimp Boil
2. Grilled Garlic Shrimp
3. Shrimp Scampi
4. Lowcountry Boil
5. Simple Peel-and-Eat

Contact Info for Annan’s Shrimp Co.

• Phone: (251) 981-3119
• Email: [email protected]
• Location: 4680 Burkart Ln. Orange Beach, AL 36561

Y’all, buying fresh shrimp off the boat ain’t just about getting seafood – it’s about experiencing something special. There’s nothing like chatting with the folks who caught your dinner and knowing exactly where your food came from.

So next time you’re near the coast, skip the frozen stuff at the grocery store and head to the docks. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Happy shrimping, folks!

#seafood #freshshrimp #localfood #cooking #seafoodlovers

For optimal freshness and flavor, it is generally recommended to buy frozen shrimp, especially individually quick-frozen (IQF) shrimp. While fresh shrimp may seem appealing, it’s often frozen and then thawed before being sold, which can degrade its quality.

The price of 1 pound of shrimp can vary significantly based on factors like size, whether they are raw or cooked, and whether they are peeled and deveined.