Wanted to try my hand at bait shrimping this year, but I don’t really know what I’m getting into. I have a couple questions but if anyone has advice beyond that I would love to hear it.
What net size? I don’t have any 1/2 mesh, so I figured I would pick up a 6 footer and use that. Too small or will it be fine?
I’ve been fishing Shem Creek for almost 15 years now. It’s the area I’m most familiar with and closest to my house, should I shrimp Crab Bank or drive somewhere else?
Where should I bait? What kind of bottom/depth should I look for?
Not my area, but you will find a lot of different opinions on the net. Depending on your skill level with castnets, throw the biggest net you can throw well. A six foot net is easier to throw and will tire you slower than larger nets, but experienced shrimpers can throw larger nets using techniques that don’t tire them quickly. One-half inch mesh catches smaller shrimp. Five-eights lets the “mediums” go and keeps mostly larger shrimp. If shrimp are scarce, throw the 1/2". If shrimp are thick, you want a larger mesh net so your limit does not contain a lot of “creek shrimp”. Also, 5/8" sinks quicker. A fast sinking net catches more shrimp for a variety of reasons.
I think I would buy a medium priced 6 ft. 1/2" mesh for my first net, then later add a 7 or 8 ft. higher priced 5/8" net as your skills improve. Do a search on here. “The best net” is a topic that has been discussed often.
As for area, go where the crowds are. Those with local knowledge will be on here soon to give you an idea of where to start.
Crab bank or the big flat by the Yorktown is where most people go in that area. Just follow the crowd and don’t set up on top of someone else. Be ready to throw on your poles when the sun just gets below the horizon. A 6’ net is plenty as long as you can hit your target.
There are lessons to be learned on these points - it will take some time and maybe some instruction.
My advice is to go where there are shrimp that you can catch in the daytime.
Its Night and Day difference (pun intended) when you can see what you are doing. The interacting events ie boat driving and net casting must all come together to be successful.
I don’t claim to be a pro or that my ways are the only way - but in 15 years I have learned a lot.
Ten years ago I marketed PolePoints (for pvc poles) and where they were retailed I gave seminars on the methods that were successful for me. Many folks told me that they were beneficial in them getting started in the right way.
I will volunteer to do another seminar if enough people want it and it can be set up quickly as the season is upon us. I am retired so am free almost anytime, between Charleston and Beaufort - if someone wants to set it up.
I will check this forum daily to see if there is interest.