As a Florida native and avid angler, I’ve spent years exploring the best places to catch shrimp in Tampa Bay This large estuary on the Gulf Coast of Florida offers some of the state’s finest shrimping opportunities From wading the flats to setting traps from boats, there are plenty of options to reel in these tasty crustaceans.
In this guide, I’ll share my tips on the prime locations and techniques for a successful shrimping trip in Tampa Bay.
The Best Shrimping Spots in Tampa Bay
Fort De Soto Park
One of my favorite spots to shrimp from shore is Fort De Soto Park near the mouth of Tampa Bay. This county park features miles of beautiful beaches but it’s the grass flats of Tampa Bay that draw shrimpers here.
Wade out during high tide with either a cast net or dip net and scoop shrimp from the grassy areas. Early mornings and evenings tend to be best when shrimp are more active. It’s a great spot for families and kids to easily catch shrimp.
The Tampa Shrimp Docks
At the Tampa Shrimp Docks off Causeway Boulevard you can buy fresh shrimp right from the source. Local shrimp boats unload their catch here. It’s also a popular spot for recreational shrimping where you can catch shrimp near the docks.
I like to use either a cast net or shrimp traps suspended from the dock to haul in pink, white and brown shrimp. You may also spot sea trout, redfish and other species attracted to the shrimp.
The Skyway and Sunshine Skyway Bridges
For bridge shrimping, head to the original Sunshine Skyway Bridge fishing piers or the new Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Shrimp congregate around the massive concrete pilings.
Lowering a cast net or shrimp trap from the side railings is a simple way to catch shrimp. Try different depths to find where shrimp are holding. Nice white and pink shrimp frequent this area.
The Gulf of Mexico
Venturing offshore into the Gulf of Mexico is where larger commercial shrimp boats harvest shrimp. But smaller recreational boats can also haul in excellent catches of brown, white and pink shrimp in the Gulf.
Look for areas with sandy or muddy bottom in 15-50 feet of water. Slowly move your boat while dragging a trawl net behind. Sort through your catch and toss back undersized shrimp and bycatch.
The Intracoastal Waterway
The sheltered Intracoastal Waterway that runs down the Gulf Coast is ideal for shrimping from small boats. Set shrimp traps or slowly move while pulling a trawl net in areas with tidal flow near docks and bridges.
Some top spots are around Port Manatee where you find hearty pink shrimp. The Intracoastal around St. Petersburg also holds good populations of shrimp. Use bait like fish scraps in your traps.
Shrimping Tips and Techniques
To maximize your success shrimping in Tampa Bay, follow these tips:
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Go during warm months like August-October when large shrimp are abundant.
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Target nighttime and early mornings when shrimp are most active.
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Wade on grass flats and use dip nets for easy shore shrimping.
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For bridges, lower cast nets or traps straight down around pilings.
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On boats, trawl with nets in sandy/muddy areas 15-50 feet deep.
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Move slowly when trawling – 1 to 1.5 knots is best.
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Use fresh fish or chicken for bait to attract shrimp to your traps.
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Keep an eye out for shark fins or dolphins which follow shrimp schools.
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Check tide charts – shrimp feed more during incoming high tides.
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Always follow Florida recreational shrimping regulations and license requirements.
With these tips, grabbing a few shrimp for dinner or bait is a great possibility during your Tampa Bay stay. Just be sure to follow the legal limits and rules. I recommend releasing egg-bearing females and juvenile shrimp to help the sustainability of this important fishery.
Nothing beats a shrimp boil with the freshest shrimp possible. And shrimping in Tampa Bay allows you to source these succulent shellfish right from their habitat. So grab a rod holder and turn your next fishing trip into a shrimping excursion at one of these top spots in the area.
Top Shrimp Recipes from My Tampa Bay Catches
After a successful shrimping trip in Tampa Bay, eating your fresh catch is the best reward. Here are some of my favorite quick and easy shrimp recipes:
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Cajun Shrimp Boil – Simply boil shrimp with sausage, corn, and potatoes then add Cajun seasoning.
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Coconut Shrimp – Butterfly shrimp, coat in coconut flakes and panko, then fry until golden brown.
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Shrimp Tacos – Saute shrimp in Lime and chili seasoning, then add to warm tortillas with fixings like avocado and cotija cheese.
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Shrimp Scampi – Saute shrimp in butter, white wine, and parsley over pasta.
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Shrimp Ceviche – Cook shrimp briefly, then soak in citrus juices and chill. Add tomato, onion, cilantro and serve with tortilla chips.
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Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Thread shrimp on skewers, brush with olive oil and spices, then grill.
However you choose to prepare your Tampa Bay shrimp, the fresh-from-the-source flavor can’t be beat! So get out on the water and experience the fun and rewards of DIY shrimping in Tampa Bay.
HOW TO CATCH SHRIMP AT NIGHT- Florida Night Time Shrimping At Its Best!!
FAQ
How to catch shrimp in Tampa?
Where is the best place to catch shrimp?
Where to catch shrimp near St. Petersburg, FL?
Where can you buy shrimp in Tampa?
Here, he walks Chip Brewster through the process of catching, prepping, and selling shrimp from the docks in Tampa. TAMPA, Fla. – Maybe you’ve passed by the Tampa shrimp docks off of Causeway Boulevard. But did you know they’re still active? Anyone can go in there and buy shrimp right from the businesses at the port.
Can you fish for shrimp in Florida?
Whether you enjoy the sweet taste of Gulf shrimp, or like being out on the water, or need some bait, shrimping is a relatively easy pastime. If you have a boat and a modest amount of gear, you’re well on your way to harvesting shrimp along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Get a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license.
Where can you find brown shrimp in Florida?
Brown shrimp are found in murky waters in the northeast and northwest of Florida’s white-sand beaches. White shrimp are also found around those same areas but in shallower and less salty waters than brown and pink shrimp. One of the most common ways to harvest shrimp is with a trap.
How big can a shrimp trap be in Florida?
Florida laws have strict rules about the size of traps to avoid over-shrimping. Harvesters can use up to four shrimp traps . Each shrimp trap cannot exceed 3 feet long by 2 feet wide by 1 foot high. It is prohibited to use external wings or other devices to funnel shrimp into the trap.