Shrimp Run

[Look'n4Tuna]

I hear all this talk about a shrimp run on the east coast. Is there a shrimp run on the gulf coast? Are there places that a guy without a boat can go to cast net them? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Looking for something else for the kids to experience.

;D ;D

[jab]

not really as far as im sure. i go to sand key all year long but i havent gone in a while. but there it seems towards the very end of summer they come in 2s or 3s or single and most of them are jumbo.

[montylfl]

here is some advise given to me. works well.


Your "best bet" is to find a sandy/muddy-bottomed inshore flat that is tidal influenced and has no rocks/oyster-beds or major weed-growth.

At low tide, "bait" the area with a mixture of fish meal/bread crumbs ,fish flavored DRY catfood and mud. Distribute soft-ball sized "chum-balls" along a 50-70 Yrd area. (This procedure works best if you bait-up in the early day and begin cast-netting right before dark. Planing to go shrimping at the perfect tide with the perfect light level will dramatically increase your catch!)

Use (at least) a 6-8 FT cast net.

Seining can work, but poorly. Shrimp tend to jump over a sein as you get it closer to shore.

Use a flashlight to check for the Shrimps "glowing eyes". Cast net a 25-30 FT area for 5-6 casts then LEAVE IT ALONE for 30-45 minutes! This allows the shrimp to "re-stage" on your bait balls.

Using this procedure my family never paid for Shrimp! It was not unusual for us to take home (in one night, with a flood tide & full moon) 50-75 LB's of Shrimp!

Hope this helps? Good luck!

[Look'n4Tuna]

Thanks Monty,

I have to go out and look for some areas that fit that profile. And follow your advice. Thanks for sharing, hopefully the kids and I can find some shrimp to bring home.