Where to Buy Fresh Shrimp Straight Off the Boat in Louisiana

Louisiana is famous for its delicious, fresh seafood, especially shrimp. Shrimping is a huge industry in Louisiana, with over a billion pounds harvested annually. Many tourists and locals crave shrimp that is as fresh as possible, ideally straight from the boat. Buying shrimp directly from fishermen or local docks is the best way to get shrimp at its absolute freshest. Here are some tips on where and how to buy shrimp straight off the boat in Louisiana.

Why Buy Shrimp Directly from the Boat?

Shrimp begins to lose freshness and flavor as soon as it is caught. To get maximum taste and quality, the fastest way from the boat to your plate is best. Here are some benefits of buying shrimp directly from the boat or dock:

• Freshest shrimp possible – By eliminating processing facilities, stores, and other supply chain steps, you get shrimp just hours from being caught

• Better taste – Shrimp right off the boat has a sweet, briny flavor that rapidly declines with storage and transport. The flavor difference between dock-fresh and store-bought shrimp is remarkable.

• Supports local fishermen – Purchasing directly from independent trawlers and fishermen helps small local fishing businesses. This ensures a vibrant coastal fishing economy.

• Fun experience – Watching shrimp being unloaded from boats is an immersive, educational experience that kids love. You also may be able to talk directly with shrimpers to learn about their work.

• Better price – Eliminating supply chain middlemen can mean better prices for you on large shrimp purchases

Where to Buy Shrimp Directly from the Boat in Louisiana

The best places in Louisiana to purchase freshly caught wild shrimp straight from the boat include:

Ports with Shrimping Fleets

• Delcambre – This small town west of New Iberia is home port for many shrimp boats. In peak season, the docks have near constant shrimp activity. Talk to boat captains or workers to buy shrimp as its being unloaded.

• Cameron – Located where the Calcasieu River meets the Gulf, Cameron is Louisiana’s largest shrimp port. It has several large docks where shrimp fleets regularly unload catches.

• Golden Meadow – This bayou town south of New Orleans has major shrimp fleets and processing. Stop by active docks or call captains in advance to buy off their boats.

• Grand Isle – Accessible only by boat or bridge, Grand Isle is a renowned Louisiana fishing town surrounded by prime shrimping waters. Talk to shrimpers at the marina or government docks.

• Venice – This far southern Louisiana town has major offshore shrimping activity. Check the marina and public docks for shrimp boats unloading.

Direct from Shrimpers

Another option is to buy shrimp directly from independent shrimp fishermen and trawlers. This allows purchasing dock-fresh shrimp even when not at a major port. Ways to connect with shrimpers include:

• Check shrimping association directories for contact information on captains and vessels. Call to find out when they will unload catch.

• Look for roadside shrimp sales as you drive coastal roads. Shrimpers will often sell small batches direct to the public from their boats or trucks.

• Search Facebook for local shrimp fishermen that advertise days they have fresh catch for sale.

• Check apps like Louisiana Direct Seafood that let you search for and contact fishermen with shrimp to sell.

• Time restaurant or supermarket visits to chat with shrimp delivery trucks and ask drivers about buying direct.

Shrimp Docks and Local Seafood Markets

Even if not buying direct from a boat, you can still get very fresh shrimp at:

• Public docks – These allow you to buy shrimp as it’s unloaded from boats to the dock in major ports.

• Seafood markets near ports – Local seafood shops near active docks frequently sell shrimp direct from arriving boats.

• Fishermen’s co-ops – Some ports have collective co-ops where multiple boats sell their catch. This allows easy access to fresh shrimp from multiple vessels.

Tips for Buying Dock-Fresh Shrimp

To have the best experience purchasing shrimp straight off the boat, keep these tips in mind:

• Call ahead – Confirm with captains, co-ops, or docks that boats are expected and you can buy shrimp. Peak times are early morning and late afternoon.

• Ask questions – Chat with shrimpers, dock workers etc to learn about type of shrimp, catch methods, recipes, and stories.

• Bring ice – Use ice chests or insulated bags with ice to keep shrimp chilled for the drive home.

• Cash is best – Have cash on hand, as some docks or boats don’t accept credit cards.

• Buy in bulk – Expect to purchase larger quantities, like 5 pound bags. Buying multiple bags can save money.

• First come, first serve – Arrive early, as dock-fresh shrimp sells out fast.

• Come prepared – Bring gloves or utensils to handle shrimp. Have bags or containers for easy transport.

• Cook quickly – Plan to cook dock fresh shrimp within a day or two for best flavor and texture.

Shrimping Seasons in Louisiana

Different types of shrimp have peak seasons in Louisiana waters. Knowing the shrimping schedules helps you get the freshest shrimp at the right time:

• Brown shrimp – May to July peak season

• White shrimp – August to December peak season

• Pink shrimp – Spring and fall peak seasons

• Royal Red shrimp – August to October peak season

Shrimping slows during winter and completely shuts down during the spring inshore closure from late February until mid-May. Check state regulations each year for exact shrimping closure dates.

Popular Shrimp Varieties Caught in Louisiana

There are many delicious shrimp species caught in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana’s coast. Here are some key types you may be able to purchase dockside:

Brown Shrimp

• Most common Gulf shrimp
• Also called Southern brown shrimp
• Reddish-brown shell, white tails when cooked
• Firm texture, robust flavor
• Peak season mid-May to July

White Shrimp

• Most abundant Louisiana shrimp
• Grayish-brown shells, pinkish tails when cooked
• Delicate flavor and texture
• Peak season August to December

Pink Shrimp

• Also called hopper or coonstripe shrimp
• Dark spots on shell, pinkish body
• Medium size, mild sweet taste
• Peak seasons spring and fall

Royal Red Shrimp

• Deep red shell and body
• Large size, up to 8 inches
• Sweet, lobster-like flavor
• Peak season August to October
• Higher price for their size and flavor

Rock Shrimp

• Also called roughneck shrimp
• Firm texture with bit of crunch
• Stronger flavor than other shrimp
• Found near rocky outcroppings offshore
• Peak seasons in fall and spring

Shrimp Size Grades

Shrimp are sized and sold by count per pound. The lower the count, the bigger the shrimp size. Typical sizes you’ll see include:

• U10 – Under 10 shrimp per pound. Very large.
• 16/20 – 16 to 20 shrimp per pound. Large.
• 21/25 – 21 to 25 shrimp per pound. Medium-large.
• 26/30 – 26 to 30 shrimp per pound. Medium.
• 31/35 – 31 to 35 shrimp per pound. Medium-small.
• 36/45 – 36 to 45 shrimp per pound. Small.
• 46/50 – 46 to 50 shrimp per pound. Very small.

Ideally, choose dock-fresh shrimp in the 16/20 to 31/35 range for the best size and flavor. Very small shrimp may not be as tender.

Shrimp Prices to Expect

Pricing for shrimp off the boat can vary a lot depending on size, species, and local demand. On average, expect to pay:

• U10 – $12-$15 per pound
• 16/20 – $10-$13 per pound
• 21/25 – $9-$12 per pound
• 26/30 – $8-$11 per pound
• 31/35 – $7-$10 per pound
• 36/45 – $5-$8 per pound
• 46/50 – $4-$7 per pound

Deals are sometimes available for purchasing multiple pounds at once. Prices also fluctuate throughout the season, with peaks in summer and holidays when demand is highest.

Preparing and Cooking Dock-Fresh Shrimp

Shrimp start losing freshness rapidly after being caught, so ideally cook them within a day or two. Here are some