Shrimp are one of the most beloved seafoods in Mississippi and the Gulf Coast region. From classic shrimp po’ boys to shrimp gumbo boiled shrimp platters and more, shrimp are a staple of coastal cuisine. But when is the best time to get your hands on fresh, wild-caught Mississippi shrimp?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mississippi’s shrimp seasons including
- Background on common shrimp species found in the Gulf
- When various shrimp seasons open and close
- Peak shrimp season timing by species
- Where to get the freshest shrimp in season
- Shrimp season regulations and sustainability
- shrimp season frequently asked questions
Follow along to learn exactly when you can expect the juiciest and most abundant wild shrimp harvests coming out of Mississippi’s coastal waters.
Main Shrimp Species in Mississippi
There are several species of shrimp fished commercially and recreationally in the Gulf of Mexico off Mississippi’s coasts
- Brown shrimp – The most common and economically important. Peak season May-September.
- White shrimp – Sweet flavor, peak from August-December.
- Pink shrimp – Smaller shrimp popular for drying. Peak seasons spring and fall.
- Royal red shrimp – Largest shrimp, limited season in deep waters.
- Rock shrimp – Firm texture, found near rocky outcroppings.
The brown shrimp makes up the bulk of Mississippi’s shrimp fishery, followed by white shrimp. Now let’s look at the seasons for the two most popular varieties.
Mississippi Brown Shrimp Season
Brown shrimp are harvested from as early as April through mid-December, but peak season is May through September when they are most abundant and largest in size.
The typical Mississippi brown shrimp season timeline is:
- April – Season opens, small catches begin.
- May-June – Peak season with heaviest supplies.
- July-September – Shrimp harvest remains strong.
- October-December – Catches decline as shrimp migrate offshore.
- January-March – Closed season allows juvenile shrimp to grow.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources manages the shrimp seasons and opening dates in state waters carefully to optimize sustainability and give juvenile shrimp time to mature before harvesting.
Read on for more on shrimp season regulations. First up, the white shrimp season.
Mississippi White Shrimp Season
White shrimp are most abundant in Mississippi waters from late summer into fall. The season typically follows this schedule:
- May-July – Closed season while shrimp mature.
- August-September – White shrimp season opens, catches increasing.
- October-November – Peak harvests as shrimp grow larger.
- December – Harvests start declining as shrimp migrate.
- January-April – Closed white shrimp season.
The sweet white shrimp are a popular variety for boiled and fried shrimp dishes when in peak season.
So for fresh Gulf shrimp all year long, look for brown shrimp in the spring and summer, then enjoy white shrimp in the fall as supplies transition.
When and Where to Get Mississippi Shrimp In-Season
To enjoy the freshest local shrimp during peak season, here are some tips:
- Shop at Gulf Coast seafood markets in spring through fall for in-season picks.
- Look for shrimp booths at farmer’s markets, festivals, and fish fries.
- Check menus at local restaurants and seafood spots for seasonal offerings.
- Ask your local fishmonger when the latest catch came in.
- Shrimp boats often dock and sell fresh shrimp right off the boats.
Buying local in-season shrimp supports the coastal economy and reduces shipping miles. Make sure to get some shrimp while they are abundant!
Shrimp Season Regulations and Sustainability
To maintain healthy shrimp populations, the fishing seasons and harvesting regulations are managed by state and federal agencies. Here are some of the rules shrimpers must follow:
- Season opening and closing dates limit overfishing of juvenile stocks.
- Net mesh sizes allow small shrimp to swim free and mature.
- Annual catch limits cap the harvest based on surveys.
- Area closures protect sensitive fisheries habitats.
- Bycatch reduction devices minimize waste.
By following responsible seasons and practices, Gulf shrimp fisheries have become quite sustainable. Buying U.S. shrimp in season is a tasty way to support domestic fishing communities too.
Eating local Mississippi shrimp is a delicious way to celebrate seasons and savor the flavors of the Gulf coast. Now let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions:
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Shrimp Seasons
When is peak shrimp season in Mississippi?
Peak brown shrimp runs from May-June and peak white shrimp is October-November.
How can I get fresh shrimp in the off-season?
Frozen shrimp are readily available year-round, just look for American-caught options.
Do shrimp seasons vary by year?
Yes, season dates can shift slightly based on sampling results each year.
Are shrimp populations declining?
No, responsible management has made Gulf shrimp fisheries quite sustainable.
Which shrimp have the best flavor?
It comes down to personal taste – try a variety and see your favorite!
Can I catch my own shrimp in Mississippi?
Yes, with proper recreational fishing licenses and adhering to all seasons and limits.
When should I avoid buying imported shrimp?
Try to buy American whenever possible, especially wild-caught options in season.
What are the other Gulf shrimp species?
Beyond brown and white, there’s also pink, royal red, and rock shrimp harvested.
Savor Mississippi’s Fabulous Wild Shrimp
Let us know if you have any other questions about shrimp fishing in Mississippi. And happy shrimp eating during the bountiful seasons for these tasty shellfish!
Commercial Methods of Take
While the seasons are open and the area is open, only shrimp trawls, butterfly nets, skimmer nets, push trawls, beach seines, and cast nets can be used to catch saltwater shrimp. No more than one net, each no longer than 25 feet on the headrope and 32 feet on the footrope, can be used to catch shrimp in the Mississippi Sound north of the barrier islands (COLREGS demarcation line). The nets must be no longer than 50 feet along the headrope and 60 feet along the footrope. There can be one test trawl with boards no longer than 30 inches long in open areas during open seasons. The headrope must be no longer than 12 feet long and the footrope must be no longer than 15 feet long. Trawl doors shall not exceed 8 feet by 43 inches.
Shrimp trawlers with licenses can keep up to 25 pounds of White Trout, Croaker, Black Drum, Ground Mullet, Gafftopsail Catfish, Flounder, and three dozen blue crabs for their own use, but the fish must be a certain size and weight. Non-resident licensed shrimp trawlers can only keep this allowance if Mississippi and their home state have an agreement that lets them.
It is against the law to use skimmer trawls or wing nets that are bigger than 25 feet on the headrope and 32 feet on the footrope.
A Turtle Exclusion Device (TED) must be on all recreational and commercial shrimp trawl boats with a mechanically assisted retrieval system and all skimmer boats 40 feet or longer. Contact NOAA 228-762-4591 for more information on these federal requirements.