Hey there, fellow anglers! I’ve been fishing for over a decade now, and lemme tell you – finding good live shrimp for bait can be tricky. Today, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about getting your hands on these wiggly little creatures for your next fishing adventure
Why Live Shrimp is the Top Choice for Fishing
Listen up – there’s a reason why live shrimp is the most popular bait choice among inshore anglers. These little guys are like candy to fish! They’re natural prey for many species, and their movement in the water drives fish crazy.
Where Can You Buy Live Shrimp?
1. 24-Hour Bait Shops (Live Shrimp Kiosks)
While many 24-hour kiosks are becoming rare (like the recently closed Live Shrimp Kiosk we used to love), there are still plenty of options available. Here’s what you should expect:
- Typical pricing: Around $4.55 per dozen ($5 including taxes)
- Best to call ahead for availability
- Some shops offer bulk discounts
2. Local Bait & Tackle Stores
Your neighborhood fishing shop is usually the most reliable source. Pro tip build a relationship with your local shop owner – they’ll often hold some shrimp for their regular customers!
3. Marina Bait Shops
These are super convenient if you’re launching from a marina. Just remember:
- Prices might be slightly higher
- Quality is usually excellent
- They often open super early for morning anglers
What to Look for When Buying Live Shrimp
Ya know what? Not all live shrimp are created equal! Here’s my checklist:
- Active movement
- Clear, not cloudy bodies
- No visible damage
- Swimming upright
- Firm texture
Alternative Baits When Live Shrimp Aren’t Available
Sometimes you just can’t find live shrimp. Don’t worry! Here are some solid alternatives with their typical pricing:
| Bait Type | Price (Before Tax) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bull Minnows | $4.55/dozen | Great for Flounder |
| Fiddler Crabs | $4.55/14 pieces | Best in winter/spring |
| Live Croakers | $4.55/dozen (small) | Less consistent availability |
| Live Crabs | $4.55/dozen (small) | Good for multiple species |
Pro Tips for Buying and Keeping Live Shrimp
-
Best Time to Buy
- Early morning for freshest stock
- Call ahead during peak season
- Weekdays often have better selection
-
Transportation
- Bring your own aerator
- Use insulated containers
- Keep water temperature stable
-
Storage Tips
- Change water regularly
- Don’t overcrowd
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Remove dead shrimp immediately
Seasonal Availability and What to Expect
Spring:
- Peak availability
- Best quality
- Most competitive prices
Summer:
- Good availability
- Higher prices due to demand
- Need extra care due to heat
Fall:
- Steady supply
- Moderate prices
- Good size selection
Winter:
- Limited availability
- Slightly higher prices
- Often smaller sized shrimp
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy in bulk when possible
- Split costs with fishing buddies
- Check multiple shops for best prices
- Consider joining fishing clubs for discounts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t buy too many at once
- Avoid shops with cloudy tanks
- Don’t forget to check store hours
- Never mix new and old bait
FAQs About Buying Live Shrimp
Q: How long do live shrimp last?
A: With proper care, 2-3 days max. But honestly, fresher is always better!
Q: How many should I buy?
A: For a half-day trip, I usually get 2-3 dozen. Better to have extra than run out!
Q: Can I freeze unused live shrimp?
A: Yep! But they won’t be “live” anymore – still work decent as dead bait tho.
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell ya, I’ve learned these lessons the hard way! Last summer, I made the rookie mistake of buying too many shrimp on a hot day – ended up with a bucket of dead bait before I even got to my fishing spot. Now I always bring a good aerator and only buy what I need.
Conclusion
Finding live shrimp for bait ain’t rocket science, but it does take some know-how. Remember to call ahead, check the quality, and always have a backup plan. The key is building relationships with local bait shops and learning their delivery schedules.
Happy fishing, y’all! Drop a comment below if you’ve got any questions or wanna share your own tips for finding the best live shrimp!
#FishingTips #LiveBait #Fishing #AnglerLife #FishingBait
THE 24 HOUR LIVE SHRIMP KIOSK IS NOW PERMANENTLY CLOSED
