Shrimping is a fun and rewarding activity for anglers of all ages in the Florida Gulf. With the right knowledge and gear, you can easily fill a bucket with these tasty crustaceans right from the shore. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started catching shrimp in the Florida Gulf.
When is Shrimp Season in the Florida Gulf?
The best time to catch shrimp in the Florida Gulf is during the summer months. The shrimp season typically runs from early June through mid-August. This coincides with the warmest ocean temperatures, which shrimp prefer. Head out in the early morning or evening hours when shrimp are most active and feeding near the surface.
Do You Need a License to Catch Shrimp in the Florida Gulf?
Yes, all shrimpers 16 years and older are required to have a Florida saltwater fishing license. You can purchase a license online, at tackle shops, or at tax collector offices. The cost is around $17 for a yearly license. Make sure to carry this license with you when shrimping as you may be asked to show proof.
Where are the Best Places to Catch Shrimp in the Florida Gulf?
Some top spots include
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Piers – Shrimp congregate around pier pilings Try Sanibel Island Pier, Naples Pier, Fort De Soto Pier
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Jetties – The rocks provide lots of hiding spots. Check out Pass-a-Grille Jetty Venice Fishing Jetty.
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Seagrass beds – Find grass flats in shallow bays and estuaries. Tampa Bay has excellent areas.
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Channel edges – Look for dropoffs near Intracoastal Waterway channels.
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Tidal creeks – Incoming and outgoing tides carry food. Sebastian Inlet has good options.
What is the Best Tide for Shrimping in the Gulf of Mexico?
Focus your efforts during periods of tidal movement. Shrimp become more active and feed voraciously when the tide is changing. Target the early incoming high tide or late outgoing low tide for best action. Slack tides are less productive.
What Baits and Lures Work Best for Catching Shrimp?
You don’t necessarily need bait. Shrimp will readily strike artificial lures that mimic their natural food sources. Here are some top options:
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Jigs – 1/8 or 1/16 oz. tipped with FishBites or Gulp! Shrimp. White, pink, and chartreuse work well.
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Spoons – Small shrimp tails or paddle tails on 1/16 or 1/32 oz jig heads. Bounce along bottom.
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Flies – Clouser Minnows, Crazy Charlie’s, or shrimp patterns on a 7-9 wt fly rod.
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Lights – Submersible LED lights hung from docks or bridges overnight will attract shrimp.
What is the Best Shrimping Gear for Beginners?
Starting out, all you really need is a basic rod and reel combo, some jig heads and artificial lures. Other handy gear includes:
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Cast net – 8-10 foot diameter nets are ideal for newbies.
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Dip net – Great for scooping shrimp from docks and jetties.
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Bucket – 5 gallon buckets make convenient shrimp holders. Add aerators to keep shrimp alive.
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Waders – Protect your legs and keep you dry when wading.
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Headlamp – Essential for night shrimping on docks.
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Cooler – Keeps your catch fresh until ready to clean.
What is the Best Technique for Catching Shrimp from Shore?
The easiest approach is to fish small jigs or live shrimp under a popping cork. Cast into promising areas near structure. Let the jig sink to the bottom then slowly retrieve while gently popping the cork. Shrimp will attack the dangling bait. You can also free-line live shrimp or lures along channel edges or grass flats.
For pier fishing, use 1/16 or 1/32 ounce jig heads with a Gulp! shrimp or curly tail grub. Drop the jig straight down around pilings and bounce along the bottom. Target deeper water around the pier during the day and fish the lights at night.
What is the Best Way to Catch Shrimp from a Boat in the Gulf?
Trolling with multiple rods is an effective technique from a boat. Use small spoons, jigs or live shrimp on the trolling setups. Cover water to locate productive shrimp grounds. Areas with baitfish schools are prime spots to try.
Drift fishing with either live bait or artificial lures will also produce. Let the wind and current steer the boat while working jigs or shrimp in promising depths. Move into shallower water on rising tides. Focus on drop-offs, channel edges and structure.
For calm days, anchor the boat and cast lures, free lined shrimp or shrimp fly patterns around oyster bars, grass flats and dock structure. Popping corks are also effective to cover more area and attract strikes.
What is the Best Way to Clean and Store Your Catch?
- Place shrimp on ice immediately after catching.
- To clean, remove the head and shell under cool running water.
- Devein shrimp by using a paring knife or deveiner tool.
- Rinse cleaned shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place shrimp in freezer bags or containers. Cover with water or broth and freeze.
With this guide, you now have the key information needed to successfully target shrimp in the Florida Gulf. Just grab a rod, bait up and get out on the water during peak season. Keep adjusting your location and techniques until you dial in on the shrimp. Patience and persistence are rewarded with an abundant catch.
Shrimping: How To Catch Shrimp From Shore With A Cast Net – Shrimping Tutorial Guide | SFSC
Can you fish for shrimp in Florida?
Whether you enjoy the sweet taste of Gulf shrimp, or like being out on the water, or need some bait, shrimping is a relatively easy pastime. If you have a boat and a modest amount of gear, you’re well on your way to harvesting shrimp along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Get a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license.
How do I catch shrimp in Florida?
The best shot at catching shrimp in Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway involves knowing when and where they run, and having the right equipment to catch them. Obtain a Florida recreational saltwater fishing licence. Residents and non-residents can apply online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.
How much shrimp can you eat a day in Florida?
Whether you shrimp during the day or night, be aware of the tides. The best shrimping occurs during the outgoing tide, as the swift movement of the water pulls shrimp out of marshy areas. The shrimping will remain good through low tide. Deposit your shrimp into a five-gallon bucket. The bag limit in Florida is five gallons per person per day.
When is the best time to catch shrimp in Florida?
The best setting for a successful shrimping experience is low tide when the outgoing water pulls shrimp to marshy areas. Tides change depending on the time of day, so it is important to check your local weather report to find the best time to catch shrimp in Florida. Where to Catch Shrimp in Florida for the Best Results?