Hey there fellow shrimp lovers! I’ve spent countless hours exploring the Texas coast searching for the best shrimp spots, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about where to catch and buy these tasty crustaceans.
Best Places to Catch Your Own Shrimp
Popular Shrimping Locations Along Texas Gulf Coast:
- Galveston Bay Area
- Seabrook fishing pier
- Texas City Dike
- Kemah Boardwalk area
- Corpus Christi Bay
- Port Aransas waters
- Matagorda Bay
- Port Isabel/South Padre Island
When to Go Shrimping
The best times to catch shrimp in Texas waters are
- Spring season: Mid-May through July
- Fall season: Mid-August through November
- Peak hours: Early morning or late evening
- Best conditions: Incoming tides and full moons
What You’ll Need
Before heading out make sure you’ve got
- Valid Texas fishing license with saltwater stamp
- Cast net or trawl net (check local regulations)
- Bucket or cooler with ice
- Headlamp or flashlight for night shrimping
- Measuring device (size limits apply)
- Bait (optional)
Fresh Seafood Markets (When You Don’t Want to Catch Your Own)
I’ve checked out tons of seafood markets, and here are my top picks where you’re guaranteed to find fresh shrimp:
Quality Seafood Market (Austin)
- Location: 5621 Airport Blvd
- Been serving since 1938
- Daily deliveries from Gulf Coast
- They’ll even teach you cooking techniques!
Baybrook’s Fresh Seafood (Seabrook)
- Right on Kemah Boardwalk
- Daily fresh catches
- Great wholesale prices
- Awesome customer service
Ocean Seafood Market (Fort Worth)
- Fresh daily deliveries
- They’ll cook your shrimp for you
- Options: steamed, fried, or boiled
- Wholesale available for businesses
Alby’s Seafood (Fulton)
- Family-owned since 1983
- Super close to Fulton Harbor
- Various shrimp sizes available
- Fresh and frozen options
Pro Tips for Buying Shrimp
When I’m shopping for shrimp, here’s what I look for:
- Clear eyes and firm shells
- No strong fishy smell
- Head-on shrimp should be bright
- Avoid shrimp with black spots/marks
- Ask about catch dates
Money-Saving Tips
Y’all, here’s how I save money on shrimp:
- Buy in bulk during peak seasons
- Check multiple markets for best prices
- Consider slightly smaller sizes
- Ask about “yesterday’s catch” discounts
- Visit markets late in day for possible deals
Local Markets’ Special Features
Many markets offer extra services like:
- Free peeling and deveining
- Custom packaging
- Recipe suggestions
- Cooking demonstrations
- Special orders
Alternative Options
Can’t make it to the coast? Try these:
- Local grocery seafood counters
- Online ordering services
- Community-supported fishery programs
- Restaurant supply stores (some sell to public)
Listen up, finding fresh shrimp ain’t rocket science, but it does take some know-how. Whether you’re casting nets yourself or hitting up local markets, the Texas Gulf Coast has got you covered. Just remember to check regulations if you’re catching your own, and don’t be shy about asking questions at markets – we’re all here to help!
Need more specific info about your area? Drop me a comment below! And hey, if you’ve got any secret shrimping spots or market recommendations, I’d love to hear ’em!
Note: Always check current fishing regulations and market hours before heading out. Seasons and availability may vary.
Puget Sound management area
Please see the Marine Areas tabs below for additional harvest dates, times, and other details.
Daily limit of 10 pounds, heads and tails, of all shrimp species combined. Maximum of 80 spot shrimp, if open for spot shrimp.
If retaining only spot shrimp, then shrimp heads may be removed and discarded in the field.
If retaining any shrimp species other than spot shrimp, then shrimp heads may be removed but must be retained while in the field, until ashore and finished fishing for the day.
The minimum mesh size for shrimp pots is 1-inch mesh unless the area is closed for spot shrimp, but open for coonstripe and pink shrimp (“non-spot shrimp”), then the minimum size for shrimp pots is 1/2-inch mesh (See: current gear rules).
In areas closed for spot shrimp, but open for coonstripe and pink shrimp (“non-spot shrimp”), all spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately.
Pacific Ocean shrimp grounds are located a considerable distance from shore (30 miles or more) and as a result are generally inaccessible by the casual sport fisher.
Daily limit of 25 pounds, heads and tails, of all shrimp species combined. Maximum of 200 spot shrimp.
Shrimp heads may be removed, but must be retained while in the field, until ashore and finished fishing for the day.
The minimum mesh size for shrimp pots is 1-inch mesh (See: current gear rules).
Tips for setting shrimp traps and not losing your gear Image
Open daily beginning May 21. Shrimping is allowed during daylight hours only. The recreational spot shrimp season closes when the quota is met or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.
A non-spot shrimp only season is not planned for this area.
Watch this Video Before You Go Shrimping | Tips & How to Catch Shrimp | Where to Find Shrimp
FAQ
Where is the best place to catch shrimp?
Can you catch shrimp in California?
Yes, you can catch shrimp in California, both recreationally and commercially. There are various shrimp species found in California waters, including pink shrimp (ocean shrimp), spot prawns, and California freshwater shrimp.
Where to catch shrimp in FL?
- Mosquito Lagoon. …
- Steinhatchee. …
- Cedar Key. …
- Charlotte Harbor. …
- Everglades National Park. …
- Apalachicola Bay. …
- Biscayne Bay. …
- Book Your Shrimping Trip.
Can you catch shrimp in Washington state?
The shrimp fishery is one of the most popular fishing seasons in Washington.