Off the coast of North Carolina, hardworking fishermen catch these tasty crustaceans. They work hard to bring you the freshest shrimp possible.
People love boat run shrimp because they taste sweet and juicy, and they are often used in seafood dishes.
But what exactly is boat run shrimp, and how does it differ from other types of shrimp?
We’ll talk about everything you need to know about boat run shrimp in this article, from how to cook them and what they taste and feel like.
For seafood lovers few flavors compare to the sweet brininess of fresh-caught shrimp. And when it comes to shrimp freshness, nothing beats boat run shrimp straight from the North Carolina coast.
Boat run shrimp offer an unparalleled taste and texture. But what exactly are boat run shrimp? How are they caught, and what makes them so special? This guide will uncover everything you need to know about this regional delicacy.
Boat run shrimp refers to raw shrimp caught off the North Carolina coast that are brought directly to shore the same day. The term encompasses various shrimp species caught locally by small fishing operations. Their defining trait is that they go straight from sea to store without freezing or processing.
This direct-from-ocean freshness gives boat run shrimp their signature taste and firm texture Since they aren’t frozen, boat run shrimp have a short seasonal window, usually May through December Their limited availability also means they command a premium price. For shrimp aficionados, boat run shrimp are worth it for their unbeatable sweetness.
How Boat Run Shrimp Are Caught
Small trawlers and skiffs catch boat run shrimp using traditional otter trawls. An otter trawl involves dragging a conical net along the seafloor, with trawl doors spread out like wings guiding the net. As the net drags behind the boat, the catch funnels back into the “cod end” for retrieval.
Trawls target shrimp congregating near the sandy bottom in 10-30 feet of water. The net scoops up shrimp and other sea creatures in its path. Once full, the net gets winched up onto the boat and emptied of its catch. The shrimp are then sorted, cleaned, and iced for the trip back to harbor.
The short time from catch to dock means boat run shrimp arrive still snapping their tails. Careful handling preserves that just-caught flavor that makes them so prized.
Sizing Up Boat Run Shrimp
Like all shrimp, boat run shrimp are categorized by size or count – how many make up one pound. Common sizing for boat run shrimp includes:
- Colossal – Under 12 per pound
- Jumbo – 13-15 per pound
- Extra large – 16-20 per pound
- Large – 21-25 per pound
- Medium – 26-30 per pound
Shrimp growth depends on season, temperature, and other factors. So sizing varies by fishing season. Summer and fall shrimp tend to be larger as they’ve had longer to mature.
Boat run shrimp are also sold whole with heads on or with just tails. Heads-on provide the most flavor, while tail-only offers easier eating. Either way, their fresh ocean taste shines through.
Distinct Flavor and Texture
The immediate freshness of boat run shrimp lends them their uniquely sweet, briny flavor with subtle marine notes. Since they aren’t pre-frozen, their texture remains firm with a satisfying crunch when cooked. The meat is supple without being mushy.
Grilling or sautéing brings out boat run shrimp’s signature taste. Simple preparations like shrimp boils let their unadulterated seafood essence shine. Aficionados prefer to eat them with minimal seasoning so as not to mask that fresh sweetness.
Health Benefits of Boat Run Shrimp
In addition to their stellar flavor, boat run shrimp pack nutritional value:
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High protein – With over 20 grams per serving, shrimp offer muscle-building amino acids.
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Low calories – At roughly 100 calories per serving, shrimp provide protein without excess calories.
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Heart healthy fats – Shrimp contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that benefit heart health.
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Astaxanthin – This antioxidant gives shrimp their color and offers protective effects against diseases.
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Vitamins and minerals – Boat run shrimp provide niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, copper, and other essential nutrients.
As a low-calorie, high-protein seafood, shrimp should be part of a healthy diet. Just opt for sustainable wild-caught sources like boat runs.
Preparing Your Boat Run Shrimp Catch
To enjoy boat run shrimp at their freshest:
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Store raw shrimp on ice or in the coldest part of refrigerator. Avoid freezing previously frozen shrimp.
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Cook within 1-2 days of purchase for optimal texture and flavor.
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Rinse and peel shrimp, leaving tails on if desired. Remove vein running along back.
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Season shrimp lightly to let their natural sweetness shine. Lemon, Old Bay, salt and pepper add subtle enhancement.
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Grill, sauté, or boil for 2-3 minutes just until opaque. Overcooking makes them chewy.
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Chill leftover cooked shrimp and use within 3 days for shrimp salads, pastas, tacos, etc.
Where to Buy True Boat Run Shrimp
To source authentic just-caught boat run shrimp:
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Check local fish markets and seafood stores, particularly those near coastal fishing harbors.
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Ask if their shrimp was caught locally in North Carolina waters and delivered same-day.
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Inquire when they get new deliveries to time your visit and get the freshest catch.
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Look for plump, firm-looking shrimp with translucent shells, intact appendages and a mild sea scent. Avoid any with black spots or an “off” smell.
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Expect to pay premium prices for these high-quality fresh shrimp.
The Superior Shrimp Experience
For shrimp fans, no other variety offers the same sweet ocean flavor and tender-firm bite as a boat run. Treat yourself to North Carolina’s shrimp specialty, and you’ll never go back to ordinary grocery store shrimp again. Just be sure to source them from a reputable fish market to ensure you’re getting the real deal. With boat run shrimp, freshness makes all the difference.
How Is Boat Run Shrimp Caught?
Boat run shrimp are caught using shrimp boats, which are vessels specifically designed for catching shrimp. Many of these boats are outrigger trawlers, which means they have outriggers on the mast where trawls can fasten. They also include an aft or superstructure forward. Capstans and warp winches get positioned on the deck to bring in the shrimp.
Most commercial shrimp fishing is done through trawling. There are heavy weights at the bottom of trawling nets that make them hang like a sheet from the sky to the sea floor. The net’s top will have buoys on it so that it can float. The net stays wide open as it trawls along because of the difference between the weights and the buoys. Since the net is shaped like a sock, the catch is pushed to the back of the net, where it is usually called the bag, as the boat moves forward.
When done in waters with a lot of people, most of the catch will be shrimp, but there are also a lot of other fish that are caught accidentally. However, improvements in the shrimp industry are creating ways to lower the number of turtles caught by accident. These include turtle excluder devices that keep sea turtles out of the nets.
When it’s full, strong winches can pull the net up. The catch is then sorted and frozen right on the deck, where the net is let go. One shrimp boat with three people on board might catch nothing at all or as many as 16,000 pounds of shrimp in one trip. Larger commercial shrimping vessels can catch nearly 50,000 pounds of shrimp in a trip.
It’s important to consider whether you would like to go shrimping during the day or night. Many shrimpers choose to go at night when shrimp are more active. You can use a light to attract the shrimp to your net, bait, or trap in the evenings. On the other hand, going during the day might be a little harder because shrimp tend to gather in deeper water. Tides are an essential factor when harvesting prawns. When the water is going out, which brings shrimp to marshy areas, low tide is the best time to go shrimp fishing. To find the best time to catch shrimp in your area, check the local weather report. The tides change throughout the day.
Boat Run Shrimp Taste And Texture
Boat run shrimp are known for their exceptional taste and texture. These shrimp are caught and brought to shore on the same day, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor. The texture of boat run shrimp is firm and meaty, making them perfect for grilling or frying.
Because they are caught in saltwater, boat run shrimp have a slightly salty taste that comes from being sweet and juicy. This unique flavor profile makes them a favorite among seafood lovers.
Boat run shrimp are delicate and tender when cooked right; they are not too chewy or rubbery. Also, they’re not too soft or mushy, which can mean the shrimp was overcooked or wasn’t very good.
How Does A Shrimp Boat Work?
FAQ
What is a shrimp boat?
Where are most shrimp caught in the US?
How does a skimmer shrimp boat work?
How to catch shrimp from a boat?
How do shrimping boats work?
Shrimping boats are designed to catch shrimp in different ways. Some boats use trawl nets, which are large nets that are dragged along the bottom of the ocean. Other boats use skimmer nets, which are smaller nets that are used to scoop shrimp off the surface of the water.
What is a recreational shrimping boat?
Recreational shrimping boats are usually smaller than commercial shrimping boats and are equipped with less sophisticated equipment. Recreational shrimping boats may use dip nets or cast nets to catch shrimp. These boats are also used for other recreational activities, such as fishing and sightseeing.
Can you catch shrimp on a shrimp boat?
Most shrimp is caught commercially in nets using shrimp boats. These boats are outfitted with beam trawls that can haul in shrimp. You can also catch shrimp off of a standard fishing boat using nets or pots, but the boat would not be specifically referred to as a shrimp boat for doing so.