Hey y’all! I’ve been living in Louisiana for years, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like getting your shrimp straight from the boat. As someone who’s made countless trips to various ports across our beautiful state, I’m gonna share all my favorite spots and insider tips for scoring the freshest Gulf shrimp possible.
Why Should You Buy Direct from Shrimpers?
Let’s be real here – store-bought shrimp just ain’t the same Here’s why buying off the boat is the way to go
- That sweet, briny flavor you can only get from super-fresh shrimp
- Way better prices (no middleman markup!)
- Supporting our local fishing families
- Fun experience – especially if you bring the kids
- You know exactly where your seafood’s coming from
Best Ports to Score Fresh Shrimp in Louisiana
Delcambre
This is my personal favorite spot! Located west of New Iberia, Delcambre’s always buzzing with shrimp boats. Pro tip The Terminator usually sells fresh 26/30 count shrimp on Richard Street – just call Ted at 985-637-6270 for current prices.
Cameron
If you’re serious about shrimp, Cameron’s your place. It’s Louisiana’s biggest shrimp port where the Calcasieu River meets the Gulf. You’ll find:
- Multiple large docks
- Regular fleet activity
- Variety of shrimp sizes
Other Prime Locations:
- Golden Meadow – South of NOLA, major shrimping hub
- Grand Isle – Island vibes with primo shrimping waters
- Venice – The southernmost spot for offshore catches
How to Connect with Local Shrimpers
We’ve got several ways to find your shrimper:
- Louisiana Direct Seafood website
- Facebook groups (lots of captains post their catches here)
- Roadside stands along coastal highways
- Local seafood markets near ports
- Public docks during unloading times
Shrimp Sizes and What You’ll Pay
Here’s what you can expect to shell out (pun intended!) in 2025:
| Size Count | Price per Pound |
|---|---|
| U10 (Jumbo) | $12-15 |
| 16/20 (Large) | $10-13 |
| 21/25 | $9-12 |
| 26/30 | $8-11 |
| 31/35 | $7-10 |
Best Times to Buy
Different shrimp = different seasons:
- Brown shrimp: May-July
- White shrimp: August-December
- Pink shrimp: Spring and fall
- Royal Reds: August-October
Tips from a Regular Buyer
Listen up, these tips will save you some headaches:
- Bring cash – many boats don’t take cards
- Pack coolers with ice
- Get there early (like, really early)
- Buy in bulk – better deals!
- Make friends with the shrimpers
- Check Facebook groups for daily catches
What to Look For
When buying fresh shrimp, keep an eye out for:
- Firm, translucent meat
- No black spots or yellowing
- Fresh, ocean-like smell
- Heads still attached (if you want the freshest)
How to Store Your Fresh Catch
Once you’ve scored your shrimp:
- Keep on ice
- Cook within 1-2 days for best flavor
- Don’t let them sit in water
- Store at the bottom of your fridge
Some Real Talk…
Look, I’ma be honest with ya – sometimes you might drive out and find no boats are coming in that day. That’s just how fishing goes! But when you do score fresh shrimp off the boat, it’s totally worth it. The taste difference is HUGE, and there’s something special about buying direct from the folks who caught ’em.
Need more info? Check out Louisiana Direct Seafood’s website or join some local Facebook groups where captains post their catches daily. Trust me, once you’ve had fresh-off-the-boat shrimp, you won’t want to buy them any other way!
Remember to call ahead and maybe make some local connections – the shrimping community here is super friendly, and they’ll help you out if you show genuine interest in supporting their work.
Would you like me to explain any part of this article in more detail?
605 South Railroad Street Delcambre, Louisiana
From May to September, you can expect fresh shrimp sold directly off the boat by local shrimpers.
– Victor Novak, Califor Agro Ltd.
– Victor Novak, Califor Agro Ltd.
– Victor Novak, Califor Agro Ltd.
Buying Fresh Shrimp off the boat
FAQ
How to buy the freshest shrimp?
If buying shrimp “fresh”, avoid shrimp (or any seafood) that smells like ammonia – a clear sign that it’s bad. Avoid shells that feel mushy or slimy. If you purchase frozen shrimp, let them defrost slowly in the refrigerator, allowing the water to drain off as they thaw.
Is there a shrimp season in Louisiana?
In general, shrimp seasons by area are: Inside waters: open when enough market-sized shrimp are available in these waters for harvest. The spring/brown shrimp season generally runs May to July. The fall/white shrimp season is generally open mid-August to mid-December; some waters stay open into January.
How much is 1 lb of shrimp?
Does Walmart sell wild caught shrimp?
Frozen Wild Caught US Gulf Shrimp, 21-25 Shell-On All-Natural, 16 oz Bag, Contains Shellfish – Walmart.com.
Where to buy shrimp in Louisiana?
Delcambre – This small town west of New Iberia is home port for many shrimp boats. In peak season, the docks have near constant shrimp activity. Talk to boat captains or workers to buy shrimp as its being unloaded. Cameron – Located where the Calcasieu River meets the Gulf, Cameron is Louisiana’s largest shrimp port.
Where can I buy shrimp if I don’t buy from a boat?
Even if not buying direct from a boat, you can still get very fresh shrimp at: Public docks – These allow you to buy shrimp as it’s unloaded from boats to the dock in major ports. Seafood markets near ports – Local seafood shops near active docks frequently sell shrimp direct from arriving boats.
Where can I buy shrimp?
Another option is to buy shrimp directly from independent shrimp fishermen and trawlers. This allows purchasing dock-fresh shrimp even when not at a major port. Ways to connect with shrimpers include: Check shrimping association directories for contact information on captains and vessels. Call to find out when they will unload catch.
Where can I buy fresh shrimp in Delcambre?
He is parked on Richard Street in Delcambre. He has a 26/30 size fresh shrimp. Please call Ted for prices at 985-637-6270. This is what the Grub Lot will have: 918. 0779. Today, Saturday, June 8, at S, you can buy big crabs and live crawfish. Lil Man will be back on Sunday, June 16 with fresh shrimp.
Should you buy shrimp from a boat or dock?
Shrimp begins to lose freshness and flavor as soon as it is caught. To get maximum taste and quality, the fastest way from the boat to your plate is best. Here are some benefits of buying shrimp directly from the boat or dock: Better taste – Shrimp right off the boat has a sweet, briny flavor that rapidly declines with storage and transport.
How do you keep shrimp fresh for a boat trip?
Bring ice – Use ice chests or insulated bags with ice to keep shrimp chilled for the drive home. Cash is best – Have cash on hand, as some docks or boats don’t accept credit cards. Buy in bulk – Expect to purchase larger quantities, like 5 pound bags. Buying multiple bags can save money.