Shrimpin: I know this is a different style of fishing but curious if anyone here messes around with dragging a shrimp net and boards in the gulf area. I'm a big fan of shrimp lol. I've...

Mgiven Loc: Michigan

I know this is a different style of fishing but curious if anyone here messes around with dragging a shrimp net and boards in the gulf area. I'm a big fan of shrimp lol.
I've seen a couple nets and board setups and am tempted. 16' to 18' rigs. I'm thinking a 115 hp on a 18' boat might work on a calmer day

Wolf Bay Loc: Al Gulf Coast

I shrimped a lot when I was younger. If you are going just to catch shrimp to eat, I suggest you go to a seafood shop. Joe Pati’s seafood in Pensacola has almost everything that swims in the sea and is a real experience - kinda like going to a small amusement park.

Shrimping, even recreationally, is hard work, and nets are pretty expensive. Also, I don’t think the season is in now (except for bait) in AL. If you are going for the experience, you may also get a few shrimp to eat.

If you do end up going, it is important to determine the proper length of your drag. In the cooler weather I would suggest a two beer drag; in the summer you may want to use a three or even a four beer drag.

Good luck.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Wolf Bay wrote:

I shrimped a lot when I was younger. If you are go... (show quote)

I like the way you measure your drags.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Mgiven wrote:

I know this is a different style of fishing but curious if anyone here messes around with dragging a shrimp net and boards in the gulf area. I'm a big fan of shrimp lol.
I've seen a couple nets and board setups and am tempted. 16' to 18' rigs. I'm thinking a 115 hp on a 18' boat might work on a calmer day

I did it a few times in the 60's and 70's. You would want to use what they call a try net. Its o smaller net they put out to check for shrimp. Now of days you have to have a turtle extruder on the net so you don't kill the turtles. Not cheap. Season is still open over here but I don't know about the Gulf.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Wolf Bay wrote:

I shrimped a lot when I was younger. If you are go... (show quote)

I have never shrimped before, but I may start if you keep time with beer cans. Are those regular 12 0z. cans or silos?

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Wolf Bay wrote:

I shrimped a lot when I was younger. If you are go... (show quote)

Love it, Wolf Bay, I have never shrimped before, but I may start if you keep time with beer cans. Are those regular 12 oz. cans or silos?

Whoops, I'm shuddering again!

El Rod Loc: Port A

Mgiven wrote:

I know this is a different style of fishing but curious if anyone here messes around with dragging a shrimp net and boards in the gulf area. I'm a big fan of shrimp lol.
I've seen a couple nets and board setups and am tempted. 16' to 18' rigs. I'm thinking a 115 hp on a 18' boat might work on a calmer day

Mgiver, you should be able to drag a small Sport Net with that boat. Just be sure to check on license or permits before you start dragging. I believe in Texas your allowed 15 lbs a day.😎👍

Mgiven Loc: Michigan

I like the timing method for dragging of wolf bay for sure. Yes this would be just for fun. I saw a couple rigs (16' net) available for less than a couple hundred on Craigslist although they probably won't ship them heavy doors/boards to Michigan for nothing lol. This adventure is On my bucket list for now.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Mgiven wrote:

I like the timing method for dragging of wolf bay for sure. Yes this would be just for fun. I saw a couple rigs (16' net) available for less than a couple hundred on Craigslist although they probably won't ship them heavy doors/boards to Michigan for nothing lol. This adventure is On my bucket list for now.

Well, good luck and let us know what shakes out.

El Rod Loc: Port A

Mgiven wrote:

I like the timing method for dragging of wolf bay for sure. Yes this would be just for fun. I saw a couple rigs (16' net) available for less than a couple hundred on Craigslist although they probably won't ship them heavy doors/boards to Michigan for nothing lol. This adventure is On my bucket list for now.

Yes, you have to have the doors and the tickling chain that drags across the bottom to get the shrimp to jump out of the bottom so the net catches them 😎👍

Wolf Bay Loc: Al Gulf Coast

12oz work fine. Might want to use lite since it may take several drags to get dinner.

UncleRob Loc: NE Maryland

You're digging into a heavily regulated endeavor. Not only are there state regulations and licensing, there are federal regulations and licensing such as turtle excluders, fish excluders and last but not least drag time and speed. You can cast net up a bunch of shrimp in a hurry if you find them. The fines for a violation of one of these is steep, VERY steep on a federal level. Take is from a former Puddle Pirate, learn to throw a cast net.

Bigmark Loc: Lower Alabama

I did it when I was younger and it is a lot fun. Opening day was always a big deal on the brownies around mid June and the white shrimp fall out this time of year with the cold fronts. We used a 16' Brunson net (super 16) made in Foley. I lost a good friend to srhimping, he got his net hung up and drowned trying to get it unhung. The way the current was and wind he capsized his boat 18' with a 90 hp. Just havent been since. It's much cheaper to buy them 21-25's off the boat for $3 lb when the whites are running. If you decide to go, take someone with you, know the bottom like a roadmap. My friend was alone, had a life jacket on, but got hung in the ropes and pulled under.

Bigmark

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Bigmark wrote:

I did it when I was younger and it is a lot fun. O... (show quote)

Condolences, my friend.