When Does Shrimp Season Start in Florida? A Complete Guide

Shrimping is a popular recreational activity in Florida that locals and visitors alike look forward to every year. The shrimp season in Florida varies depending on the region but generally there are two main seasons – winter and summer. Understanding when the shrimp season starts helps shrimping enthusiasts plan their trips and take full advantage of these delicious crustaceans when they are plentiful.

Overview of Shrimp Seasons in Florida

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulates shrimping seasons based on scientific data and management goals. Here is a quick overview of the general shrimp seasons:

• Winter Shrimp Season – Runs from December to March but peak is January to February. Targets brown white and pink shrimp. Most popular in northeast and central Florida regions.

• Summer Shrimp Season – Runs from June to October but peak is July to September. Targets brown and white shrimp. Most popular in northeast and north central Florida regions.

• South Florida – Has a year-round fishery for brown, pink and white shrimp. But May to August is peak for pinks and whites.

The exact start dates vary by region and species, so check the FWC website for current regulations. The season openers are set based on shrimp size and abundance to allow a sustainable harvest.

Detailed Shrimp Season Openers in Florida

Here are more details on when the winter and summer shrimp seasons typically open in different regions of Florida:

Northeast Florida

• Winter – Season opens early to mid December. Peak is January to February targeting browns and whites.

• Summer – Season opens early to mid July targeting browns and whites. Peak is August to September.

Popular shrimping locations include Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palatka and Marineland areas.

North Central Florida

• Winter – Season opens mid December targeting browns and whites. Peak is January to February.

• Summer – Season opens early to mid July targeting browns and whites. Peak is August to September.

Popular locations include Flagler, Volusia and Brevard counties. Oak Hill, New Smyrna Beach and Titusville are prime spots.

Central Florida

• Winter – Season opens late December and runs through March targeting browns and pinks. Peak is February to March.

• Summer – Season opens late June and runs through September targeting browns. Peak is August to September.

Good locations include Mosquito Lagoon, Banana River and Indian River Lagoon.

Southwest Florida

• Winter – Not much recreational winter shrimping in this region.

• Summer – Season opens early to mid June for browns and whites. Peak months are July to August.

Great locations include Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

South Florida

• Winter – Season opens January to April mainly for pinks and browns.

• Summer – May to August targets white and brown shrimp.

Top spots are Biscayne Bay, Florida Keys and Everglades National Park areas.

As you can see, shrimp season starts a bit earlier in northeast Florida compared to south and central areas. Make sure to check the FWC website each year for the exact opening dates in your region.

Why Does Shrimp Season Open at Different Times?

There are several reasons why the recreational shrimp season varies across Florida:

• Shrimp migration – Browns and whites migrate from south to north Florida from spring through fall. So south Florida gets them first.

• Water temperature – Shrimp growth and reproduction is triggered by seasonal water temps. South Florida warms earlier.

• Salinity levels – Shrimp thrive in certain salinity ranges that are reached earlier in south Florida.

• Scientific monitoring – FWC biologists sample shrimp populations and size them to determine season start dates regionally.

• Sustainability – Staggered openings allow a sustainable harvest as shrimp grow to appropriate size heading north.

So generally, expect shrimp season to start earlier in south Florida and open progressively later as you move north. The season timing aims to catch shrimp at their peak abundance and size for each region.

What is the Shrimp Size at Season Openers?

Another factor the FWC considers when setting the recreational shrimp season is the average size of the shrimp. To ensure a high-quality experience and sustainable harvest, they want shrimp to reach an appropriate size before opening the season. Here are the general shrimp counts at the start of season:

• Browns – Around 50-60 shrimp per pound

• Whites – Around 30-40 shrimp per pound

• Pinks – Around 25-30 shrimp per pound

So at the start of season in each region, expect shrimp numbers in these general size ranges before being allowed to harvest. FWC may delay openings if shrimp are undersized.

How Long Does Shrimp Season Last?

Once opened, the winter and summer recreational shrimp seasons generally last:

• Northeast Florida – 4-5 months

• North Central Florida – 4-5 months

• Central Florida – 3-4 months

• South Florida – 6-8 months

The seasons extend until shrimp grow scarce or move offshore. Closures protect breeding stocks. Peak harvests last 1-2 months, so hit the water when season opens for best action!

In south Florida where both seasons overlap, you can potentially shrimp nearly year-round if you target the migrating species properly.

What is the Best Time for Shrimping?

While you can legally harvest shrimp during the entire open season, there are peak windows for the best action:

• Winter – January and February see the peak shrimp concentrations in northeast and north central Florida. Farther south, target February to March.

• Summer – August and September are prime months for summer shrimping in northeast and central regions. In south Florida, July and August are hottest.

Target the peak months for the most abundant and larger shrimp. Scout sites and learn the migration patterns in your area. Shrimp lurk in different locales depending on water temps and salinity that change seasonally.

Tips for a Successful Shrimping Trip

To maximize your haul during shrimp season, keep these tips in mind:

• Scout your location and learn where shrimp congregate during different seasons and conditions

• Target peak months for the highest activity

• Fish early in the season before populations thin out

• Shrimp at night when they are most active and use lights to attract them

• Consider using a cast net in addition to dip and trawl nets

• Use shrimp for bait to find concentrations if shrimping is slow

With proper planning and knowledge of the seasonal patterns, you can have an amazing shrimping experience during Florida’s generous seasons. Just be sure to know the regulations and only harvest what you will use.

So now you know the scoop on when the popular shrimp seasons kick off across Florida. Whether you live here or are planning a vacation during peak times, make sure to get out on the water and experience this tasty Florida tradition. Tight lines!