The Complete Guide to Catching Shrimp in Florida

As a seafood lover and fishing enthusiast living in Florida, harvesting my own wild shrimp is one of my favorite summertime activities Nothing beats the pride and satisfaction of catching a bucketful of juicy shrimp with your own two hands I’ve perfected my shrimping skills over many seasons of trial and error. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the best techniques for a successful shrimping trip in Florida.

An Overview of Recreational Shrimping Regulations

Before heading out, it’s essential to understand the rules for recreational shrimping in Florida. Here are some key things to know:

• A recreational saltwater fishing license is required. Residents pay $17 while non-residents pay $47.

• Each person is limited to 5 gallons of heads-on shrimp per day.

• Approved shrimping gear includes cast nets, dip nets, push nets, one frame nets, and a maximum of 5 bait poles.

• Size limits, closed seasons, and other regulations vary by location. Research your specific area.

• Shrimp traps must be under 3 x 2 x 1 feet and have owner identification attached.

• Learn all regulations and necessary permits based on your method,

The Best Times and Locations for Shrimping

The key to a successful shrimping trip is understanding shrimp behavior and knowing where and when to find them

• Early summer and winter are peak shrimping seasons in Florida.

• Target shallow grass flats on outgoing tides for the highest concentration of shrimp.

• Shrimp become more active at night, so after dark can be an ideal time to catch them.

• Brackish estuaries and passes between barrier islands are prime spots.

• Look for brown flecks in the water which indicate shrimp are present.

• Shrimp bury in sediment during cold weather so look for their tails sticking out.

Catching Shrimp with a Cast Net

My personal favorite method is using a cast net. Here are some tips:

• Choose a 8-10 foot net with 3/8 to 1/2 inch mesh for ideal results.

• Wear gloves to protect your hands from the weights around the edge.

• Toss the net as flat as possible to cover maximum surface area.

• Let the net sink to the bottom, then quickly retrieve the lead line.

• Shake the net vertically to gather shrimp in the bottom.

• Place a bucket under the net to transfer shrimp safely.

• Relaunch and repeat until your bucket is full!

It takes practice to master net throwing technique, but cast netting is a fun, rewarding way to catch shrimp.

Shrimping with Dip Nets and Push Nets

For wading in shallow waters, dip and push nets are great options:

• Use long handled dip nets to scoop visible shrimp from docks or bridges.

• Push nets dragged through grass flats catch shrimp as they jump up.

• These nets work best for small amounts of shrimp, not large hauls.

• Work during periods of maximum shrimp activity for best productivity.

• Take care not to damage sea grass beds which provide shrimp habitat.

Though not as efficient for filling a bucket, dip and push nets are perfect for catching fresh shrimp for an on-the-spot beachside cookout.

Bait Shrimping Technique and Gear

Bait shrimping involves luring shrimp to poles baited with fish scraps or commercial bait balls. Here’s how it works:

• Place 3-5 bait poles 10+ yards apart, marked with reflectors for visibility

• Let poles soak at least 30 minutes to attract shrimp.

• Slowly pull up poles before casting net in that area to catch shrimp.

• Keep within 100 yards of poles at all times.

• Use bridle rigs and carolinas for running multiple poles efficiently.

It takes time to master bait shrimping, but the effort pays off with plentiful shrimp attracted straight to your net!

Shrimp Trapping for Passive Shrimping

Shrimp trapping enables catching shrimp without active net throwing. Follow these guidelines:

• Funnel entrance traps work best to prevent shrimp escape.

• Bait traps with fresh fish scraps and weigh them down securely.

• Leave traps for at least 2 hours before checking. Overnight is ideal.

• Attach owner identification and floats to all traps.

• Abide by all size regulations for traps.

Trapping requires less work once traps are set. Let the traps do the catching while you relax!

Handling and Storing Your Fresh Catch

Preserve your shrimp’s freshness with proper handling:

• Use ice packs in a cooler or keep shrimp chilled immediately.

• Layer shrimp with ice, don’t just dump ice on top.

• Head shrimp soon after catching for longer shelf life.

• Cook, peel, and freeze excess shrimp to enjoy later.

• Refrigerate peeled raw shrimp up to 2 days or freeze up to 4 months.

Proper handling makes a big difference in enjoying your catch to the fullest.

Recipes and Cooking Ideas for Fresh Shrimp

Nothing beats the sweet briny taste of fresh caught Florida shrimp! Here are some of my favorite ways to eat them:

• Grilled shrimp skewers marinated in lime juice and spices

• Garlic butter shrimp scampi over angel hair pasta

• Blackened shrimp tacos loaded with slaw and Sriracha mayo

• Shrimp salad sandwiches made with diced celery and onion

• Creamy shrimp bisque chock full of shrimp simmered in sherry

• Shrimp quesadillas with peppers, cheese, and plenty of salsa

• Coconut crusted shrimp with mango dipping sauce

Get creative with your recipes! Home caught shrimp make any dish extra special.

Safety Precautions for Recreational Shrimping

While shrimping is a blast, it’s important to put safety first:

• Wear sun protection including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• Use gloves to avoid jellyfish stings and barnacle cuts.

• Apply insect repellant – bugs love the shoreline!

• Watch your footing in muddy or slippery areas.

• Hydrate often and seek shade if overheated.

• Let others know where you’ll be shrimping and when to expect your return.

• Follow boating safety rules if accessing spots by water.

With the right precautions, shrimping is fun for the whole family. Just use common sense.

Ideas for a Do-It-Yourself Shrimping Trip

Planning a DIY shrimping adventure? Here are some tips:

• Research launch points and shrimping piers open to the public.

• Pack a cooler with ice, water and snacks to have on hand.

• Bring a camping stove, pot and spices to cook shrimp on the spot.

• Invite friends – shrimping is always more fun in a group!

• Have a picnic ready for a waterside lunch break.

• Make it a competition to see who can catch the most shrimp.

• Take photos of your experience to remember the fun.

With the right game plan, an afternoon of shrimping can create lasting memories.