Do you love spending time outdoors fishing? If so, then you’ll want to learn how to catch shrimp in Texas. This delicious seafood is a popular item on many menus, and it’s easy to understand why.
This blog post will provide some tips for anglers that will help them successfully catch shrimp. Let’s get started.
When fishing for shrimp, it’s important to use the right bait. Some of the most popular baits include live or dead baitfish, such as minnows, threadfin shad, or croakers.
You can also use cut bait (e.g., chicken livers, hot dogs, bacon) or artificial lures (e.g., jigs, soft plastics).
When fishing in shallow water, it’s best to use a light tackle set up with a spinning reel. You’ll need to use heavier gear such as a baitcaster or even a fly rod for deeper water. Make sure to use a sturdy shrimp net when landing your catch.
Texas’ Most Popular Shrimp Harbors
The Gulf of Mexico and the bays around Texas are popular locations for shrimping. Some of the best spots to look for shrimp include:
- Corpus Christi
- Galveston
- Matagorda Bay
- Port Isabel
- Sabine Lake
Each spot has its own set of conditions that affect how easy it is to catch shrimp. For example, the Gulf of Mexico has a lot of deep water, while the bays are shallower and have more docks and bridges.
The best time to shrimp in Texas varies by location. In general, though, late spring through early fall is the best time to shrimping. The exact dates depend on the water temperature and how the shrimp migrate.
When Did Shrimping Seasons Start in Texas?
-Shrimping seasons in Texas vary depending on the location. For example, Galveston Bay and Sabine Lake opened to shrimpers on September 17th, while Port Isabel and Corpus Christi will open their shrimp season on October 15th.
-Anglers can find detailed information about when each specific body of water opens for shrimping on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
-Generally, shrimp season will run through December or January, depending on the location.
-Anglers should always check local regulations before heading out to shrimp. For example, some areas have restrictions on how many shrimp you can catch or what size they must be.
Shrimp Regulations & Restrictions in Texas
Anglers looking to catch some shrimp in Texas will need to be aware of the regulations and restrictions that apply.
In general, recreational anglers can take up to 25 pounds of shrimp per day, but there are a few exceptions. For example, in certain parts of the state (such as Galveston Bay), the daily limit is just 15 pounds.
Anglers are also limited to taking a certain number of shrimp per day, based on the size of the shrimp.
For example, anglers can take only five small (under 61/64 inches) or three medium (61/64 to 71/84 inches) shrimp per day. However, giant shrimp can be taken in unlimited numbers.
It is also important to remember that shrimp can only be taken by hand or with a landing net; using bait (such as chicken livers) to catch shrimp is illegal.
How to Catch Shrimp in Texas
- Use a cast net: A cast net is the most common way to catch shrimp, and it’s easy to do. Just throw the net out into the water and wait for the shrimp to swim into it.
- Use a seine: A seine is another type of net that can be used to catch shrimp. This net is rectangular in shape, and it’s best used when the water is shallow.
- Use a shrimp trap: A shrimp trap is a cage that you put into the water. The shrimp will swim inside, and then you can pull it up and collect the shrimp.
- Use a spear: If you’re in a hurry, you can also use a spear to catch shrimp. This is the most difficult way to catch them, but it’s also the most exciting.
- Be patient: No matter how you choose to catch shrimp, be patient and take your time. They won’t bite if you’re not patient.
Shrimping Varieties in Texas
There are several types of shrimp that can be found in Texas coastal waters. The most common type of shrimp is the white shrimp, which ranges in size from less than an inch up to about four inches long.
Brown shrimp are also common and range from one to two inches long. Pink shrimp are much smaller, usually measuring only three-quarters of an inch in length. Finally, there are the large tiger shrimp, which can grow up to a foot long.
Shrimp Fishing Tips
You can do several things to increase your chances of catching shrimp. First, try using live bait such as small fish or squid. You can also use artificial lures like jigs or spoons.
Second, use a lightweight when casting your line – shrimp is very lightweight and can easily be pulled up by a heavier weight.
Third, be patient and wait for the shrimp to bite; they are not always aggressive feeders.
Finally, ensure you have the proper permits if you plan to fish for shrimp in Texas coastal waters.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website has more information on obtaining a fishing license and what restrictions apply to shrimp fishing in the state.
Shrimping Licenses in Texas
All shrimp fishermen in Texas (both commercial and recreational) are required to possess a valid Shrimping License.
The licenses are issued through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and there are several different types available, depending on your needs.
- A Standard Commercial Fishing License is required for anyone fishing for or selling shrimp.
- A Restricted Shrimping License is required for anyone under the age of 18, and for those fishing in certain coastal areas (see map below).
- A Recreational Shrimping Permit is required for all recreational anglers fishing for or possessing shrimp.
The cost of a license varies depending on the type and can range from $15 to $300. Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be purchased online, at a licensed vendor, or by phone.
Required Fishing Gear to Catch Shrimp
When it comes to catching shrimp in Texas, you will need some specific gear. Below is a list of the essentials:
- Shrimp net: This can be either a cast net or a seine net.
- Scale: This is important to measure the size of your catch.
- Knife: To clean and prepare your shrimp for cooking.
- Bucket: For holding your shrimp while you are fishing.
You may also want to bring some additional gear, depending on how you plan to fish for shrimp.
If you plan to use a cast net, you will need a weight belt to help sink the net. If you use a seine net, you will need an anchor to hold the net in place.
Now that you know what gear you need, let’s talk about how to use it:
How to Use a Shrimp Net
There are two ways to use a shrimp net: casting or seining.
Casting with a Shrimp Net
Hold the net in your hand and swing it out into the water to cast with a shrimp net. Make sure you release the net quickly so that it will sink to the bottom of the river or lake.
Once it hits bottom, quickly pull it back towards you. This will scoop up any shrimp in its path.
Seining with a Shrimp Net
To seine with a shrimp net, place the net in the water and gently drag it through the river or lake. The net will collect any shrimp in its path.
Be sure to check the net often, as shrimp can quickly escape if the net is not closely monitored.
How to Measure a Shrimp’s Size
Once you’ve caught a few shrimp, it’s important to measure their size. This will help you determine whether or not they are legal to keep.
To measure a shrimp’s size, use a scale and record its weight. Then, compare the shrimp’s weight to the size limit for that particular body of water.
How to Clean and Prepare a Shrimp
Once you’ve caught a few shrimp, it’s time to clean and prepare them for cooking. First, use a sharp knife to cut off the head and tail of the shrimp.
Next, slice down the middle of the shrimp’s back and remove its digestive tract. Finally, rinse the shrimp in cold water, and you’re ready to cook.
The Shrimping Crisis
Shrimp is a highly sought-after game fish in Texas, and with the right tips, anyone can catch them.
However, shrimping has become more complicated due to declining populations. Nevertheless, there are several things you can do to help ensure a successful shrimp outing:
- Use fresh bait: Nothing beats live bait when it comes to shrimp fishing. Cut bait (e.g., pieces of fish, squid, or shrimp) can also be effective, but avoid using frozen bait.
- Use the right tackle: A light tackle setup is ideal for catching shrimp. A rod and reel with a medium-light action and six-pound test line will do the trick.
- Use the right bait presentation: When fishing for shrimp, use a light jig head and a soft plastic body. The jig head should be between ⅛ and ¼ of an inch in size, while the plastic body should be about two inches long.
- Fish during the morning or evening: These are the times of day when shrimp are most active.
- Use a cast net: A cast net is the best way to catch small shrimp.
If you follow these tips, you’re sure to have success while shrimping in Texas.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to catch shrimp in Texas, it’s time to get out there and start fishing. Just be sure to bring your sunscreen and a hat – it can get pretty hot out there on the water. And don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful scenery while you’re at it.