From dip net to bait freezer – the crustacean craze is coming to town!

From dip net to bait freezer – the crustacean craze is coming to town!

During the winter months, an amazing event takes place in the bays, estuaries, rivers and inlets of Florida. This event is known as “The Shrimp Run” and it can be truly phenomenal. The flickering crustaceans can be scooped up night and day from docks, seawalls, bridges or boats, and during prime moon phases, they can easily be spotted drifting with tidal exchanges.

The shrimp run is generally more prominent during the three days before and after a full moon due to strong tides, and while there are many different techniques and tactics used to recreationally target shrimp, along the coast of Florida, they are commonly harvested using a dip net and some sort of light source. Along the south Atlantic coast, the heaviest shrimp runs occur from late November through early May, with the dead of winter (December through February) prime time.

Many inshore anglers believe that fresh shrimp - dead or alive - are the most versatile bait, capable of enticing many different game fish including, snook, tarpon, redfish, trout, barracuda, sheepshead, pompano, tripletail, snapper and permit. With a recreational limit of five-gallons (heads on) per/person per/day with a maximum possession limit of five-gallons per/vessel per/day, a successful night of dip netting can yield an ample supply of shrimp which can be neatly packaged and easily frozen for later use. 

You should know that there are three species of shrimp that inhabit the south Atlantic and Gulf waters surrounding Florida: brown shrimp, white shrimp and the most commonly harvested, pink shrimp. Although the same species of pink shrimp can be found throughout the state, in the Atlantic they are usually brown, while those found in the Gulf are often yellow. Head south towards the Florida Keys and pink shrimp are…well…pink.

Recreational shrimping equipment is relatively simple and inexpensive. The main tools include a long handled dip net and a spot-light, lantern or some sort of submersible light source. When purchasing a shrimp net, keep in mind that there are many varieties which basically all serve the same purpose. Remember that The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission prohibits the use of dip nets with perimeters larger than 96 inches. Regardless, I suggest using nets with clear monofilament mesh as they are less detectable to the shrimp and are highly effective at maximizing your catch.

In the southern portions of the state, the preferred technique for procuring a year's worth of bait is nighttime dip netting from bridges, docks, and seawalls. Lanterns and spotlights pointed over the water’s surface reveal shrimp flickering in the current where they make easy pickings for long handled dip-netters. Those who participate in this fun and exciting 'shrimpery' can easily catch their quota and stock up for the upcoming season.

In the northern part of the state where most of the bridges are much higher off the water, recreational shrimpers typically anchor their boats in the ICW adjacent to local inlets and passes and search for shrimp coming in or out with the tides. Again, spotlights or submersible lights help lead the way.

Considering shrimp are notoriously hard to keep alive for extended periods of time as they require high amounts of oxygen which typical aerators can't provide, a better option is to use a Food Saver type product and package and freeze your catch for future fishing expeditions. 

Like any other fishery, it is thoughtful to practice common courtesy. When using spotlights and lanterns, remember that there are other recreational shrimpers in the area and without knowing, you may accidentally blind them. During heavy shrimp runs, dip-netters on bridges often rub elbows, so be aware of your surroundings and always practice common courtesy. It doesn't matter if you are harvesting shrimp to use as bait or for tasty table fare, the annual shrimp run is an exciting and enjoyable pastime that many Florida anglers find hard to overlook.

Shrimp & Jig Combo – Quite possibly the most versatile inshore bait 
?    When hooking a shrimp on a jig, leave the head and tail intact for a lifelike presentation
?    Thread the jig through the bait’s head with the barb protruding behind the carapace
?    A ¼ to ½ oz. jighead will help when casting into the wind
?    The shrimp/jig combo is effective because of scent as well as presentation
?    Use a slow retrieve with a pause every few feet.
?    Allow your shrimp/jig combo to sink into potholes on the flats, as snook, redfish and trout are master ambush predators

Naked Shrimp - Subtle and sensational
?    Use a whole shrimp with head intact, but pinch tail off for scent trail
?    Thread your hook through the head and have it stick out the bottom of your shrimp
?    With the hook on the underside, the shrimp’s posture will take the shape of the hook and look natural while being nearly weed-less
?    Use a slow twitching retrieve to help your shrimp appear lifelike
*   A split shot pinched on the hook just above the eye will provide long distance castability

Shrimp nets come in various lengths with long hand-held poles, some of which extend to 20 feet. Such long handled nets are necessary for shrimping on bridges, while picking off the critters from a boat may only require an 8 foot handle.