new guy questions

Saltwater Shrimping
1

Just started shrimping last fall. Got out twice and had some decent luck. Got a few questions I hope you guys can help me out with…

  1. Ever do well in the harbor during the day or do you really have to go at night? Got in at 3am one night…daytime would be awesome.
  2. Is a particular tide best? Closer to low or high? Incoming or outgoing?
    Thanks for any help you can give and good luck this season.
2
  1. I’ve never had success in the harbor during the day. Seems like the shrimp don’t want to come out of the deep water until sundown. Also, I’ve never been out later than midnight. Shrimp #'s after about 10-11PM are not worth it.
  2. Mid-tide change seems to be the worst for me. The current is rippin and it’s harder to get the net to set down over the bait.
    That is MHO. Good luck and hope to see you there
3
  1. Have’t tried the harbor during the day, but you don’t see people out there either so I’m thinking night only. I think dusk would be fine though.
  2. We’ve had best success on incoming tide. The key is moving water though. Once the tide is about stopped moving, the shrimp turn off like a light.
4

Not the most experienced, but I at least managed to climb most of the way up the learning curve and did pretty well last year around the harbor area.

I’ve only caught anything around the harbor at dusk/night.

Mid-outgoing to low always seems best for me. Most of the time shrimp were still around at dead low (at night at least) but seemed to spread out more and really get up into the shallows. Never caught much anywhere near high tide. But all that could just be due to when/where I was trying.

Angler 204 FX
Yamaha 150

5

Shrimp hate clear water because everything that swims loves to eat them. They will stop and feed on the bait only if they feel they won’t be eaten. I have never shrimped the harbor, but I know Bulls Bay shuts down during the daylight if the water isn’t muddy.

If you’re lucky enough to live at the beach, you’re lucky enough.

6

I’m going to hijack this if that is ok. How long should I expect a bag of meal and clay/binder to last me? I’ve never shrimped with bait, and trying to price out a month or so of expenses. Any help? Thanks in advance!

j