You simply can’t go wrong with rigging live shrimp on a hook for inshore saltwater fishing!
It’s so simple that even kids can do it (watch this video to see little Shauna catch the most snapper).
Since everything eats shrimp, this is a great way for new anglers or parents to help their kids catch a fish to make quick, tight lines.
Shrimp are one of the best and most versatile baits for catching inshore saltwater fish. Their small size and lively action mimic the natural forage that gamefish prey on. Just about everything that swims will readily devour a lively shrimp. This makes shrimp excellent bait for novice anglers. With just a basic rigging, even kids can catch fish using shrimp.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about fishing with shrimp. I’ll explain how to rig shrimp, the best techniques for fishing them, and some top spots to find hungry fish. Follow these shrimp fishing tips and you’ll be reeling in fish in no time!
Rigging Shrimp for Fishing
Rigging shrimp is a simple process that even young anglers can handle. Here are the basic steps:
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Use a 1/0-2/0 circle hook and 20lb leader. The small hook allows the shrimp to swim naturally. Circle hooks are safer since fish will be hooked in the corner of the mouth when they strike.
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Add a split shot weight 10-12 inches above the hook. Just enough weight to reach the bottom but still allow some movement.
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Hook the shrimp underneath the horn through the tail muscle, avoiding the vital organs. This provides a secure hold while allowing maximum movement.
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For fishing under a popping cork, hook below the horn without penetrating the head Keeping the head intact allows the shrimp to swim freely
Prime Fishing Locations for Shrimp
Target areas that have moving water, structure, and baitfish This combination attracts hungry predatory fish looking for an easy meal Focus on these high-probability spots
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Mangrove shorelines – Redfish and snapper ambush bait along the roots.
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Docks – Sheepshead and black drum cruise the pilings searching for food.
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Inlets – Changing currents sweep baitfish to waiting snook and jacks.
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Oyster bars – Trout prowl the bars looking for shrimp and minnows.
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Creek mouths – Seatrout and redfish use creek mouths as ambush points when bait pours out on the falling tide.
Techniques for Fishing with Shrimp
There are two basic methods for fishing live shrimp. Freelining works best from boats and bridges. Popping corks allow casting and covering more area from shore.
Freelining
Freelining involves using no weight and letting the shrimp drift naturally. This works best from an elevated area like a bridge or pier. For targeting bottom fish, use just enough split shot to reach the bottom. Let the shrimp drift along structure. Set the hook on any sudden movement.
Under a Popping Cork
Fishing shrimp under a popping cork allows casting accuracy and better bait control. It is ideal for fishing mangroves, docks, and shorelines. Cast past targets and work the shrimp through the strike zone with a twitching retrieve. Aggressive pops make the shrimp dart erratically to trigger strikes.
5 Tips for Maximizing Success
Follow these shrimp fishing tips to get more out of each shrimp:
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Match tackle to shrimp size. Downsize hook for small shrimp.
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Hook through the tail on structure. Hook under horn when drifting.
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Cast upstream and let current sweep shrimp through ambush points.
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Pop cork aggressively around cover to make shrimp flee like escaping bait.
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Tip jigheads with shrimp to probe docks and overhangs. Nekid ball heads and weedless jigs work great.
Fishing with shrimp is an easy and effective technique for anglers of all skill levels. Use lively shrimp around structure and moving water to entice strikes. Rig shrimp properly to keep them frisky. Employ freelining and cork tactics to mimic shrimp behavior. Following these tips will lead to bent rods and busy fishing action.
What tips do you have for fishing with shrimp successfully? Leave a comment below!
Fishing With Live Shrimp For Beginners [VIDEO]
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In most cases, the majority of strikes will come right at the bottom or close to it.
A 20lb monofilament leader leads to a circle hook with a split-shot weight. Live shrimp are all you need for this easy shrimp rig.
The shrimp should be heavy enough to stay on the bottom but light enough that the current can move it along the shore.
To start, tie a snug knot with the leader and circle hook.
I used the Orvis Knot for this video. It’s a very strong, small, snug knot.
The split shot should go about 10-12 inches up from the hook.
Whether you are fishing with experienced anglers or children, you should always be using circle hooks.
If you are not looking or holding the rod when the fish takes the hook, it won’t get gut-hooked with a circle hook.
The fish will end up hooking itself in the corner of its mouth.
That is not the case with other traditional hook styles.
If you really look at the shrimp’s head, you can see its brain in the darker part of its head.
You want to put the hook between the brain and the eyes, but not under the spine.
This will hold the shrimp tight to the hook without injuring the shrimp.
The goal is to keep the shrimp’s appearance as natural as possible.
In the water, the shrimp will be able to move around freely, which will make them more appealing to fish that are looking for food.
And when hooked this way, shrimp stay alive on the hook for a very long time.
Casting & Fishing Live Shrimp
I knew that in front of us that day there was a deeper trough with broken tree branches and other things.
Our goal was to get our baits close to the structure and use the current to go all the way around the trough.
The shrimp were moving from right to left because I cast a little further to the right.
So easy, even a kid can do it!!
Live shrimp is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get tight lines and FAST!
Get some shrimp if you ever want to take your kids fishing.
When you fish with live bait, make sure to use circle hooks. It’s safer for both you and the fish!!
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Fishing with Live Shrimp: Easiest Way to Catch Fish
Can you fish with shrimp?
Shrimp can be used as a tail or trailer on lures when side drifting. Shrimp can also be used to drift in the same way you would drift spawn. There are several effective methods that I use when salmon fishing with shrimp. A bottom rig for trout, steelhead, and salmon fishing ponds, lakes, and in reservoirs.
Can I eat raw shrimp?
Eating raw shrimp is not recommended. Raw shrimp can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is also a good source of purines, which can trigger gout attacks. If you want to eat shrimp, cook it thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning and to help prevent gout attacks. Cook shrimp until it is opaque and pink to ensure that it is safe to eat.
How to bottom fish with live shrimp?
If you wish to catch some fish for dinner, bottom fishing with live shrimp is a great way to do it. This type of fishing is relatively easy and can be done with just a few supplies. All you need for bottom fishing with live shrimps is a fishing rod, reel, line, bait, and weight. The initial step is to bait your hook with the shrimp.
How do you fish with frozen shrimp?
(Using Frozen Shrimp as Bait) When fishing with frozen shrimp, there are a few different techniques that you can use. One popular technique is to thread the shrimp onto a jighead. Another technique is to use a slip sinker rig. A slip sinker rig is a fishing rig where the weight is attached to the line with a small piece of plastic.