Florida Shrimping Gude Charter Service Information

I am just trying to point out below some general factors and things to consider that may be of help in trying to plan a shrimp outing.

The fishing – netting - dipping for shrimp is done in the DARK. The part of the river where most shrimping is done runs north and south. In Florida there is not have a drastic differential in tide change ( rise & fall ). It is about two feet. To give this some context, the highest differential in the world is the Bay Of Fundy where it is over fifty-three ( 53 ) feet! INSANE!!!

The reason I mention tide is because that is VERY IMPORTANT to our sport. Each month we have a full moon and the gravitational forces during that time has a HUGE affect on the tides! When shrimping, you would like as much water flowing out during the drop of tide which helps the shrimp move-swim along! That being said, the next factor or thing to consider and understand is the wind. The one wind that you do NOT want is a north wind. That causes a host of problems. Most important is that it pushes against the outgoing tide and reduces the speed and flow of the moving water. Other headache factors is that it pushes the back of the boat around being your generally anchored from your bow ( front of boat – facing south ). That makes your boat want to swing around. Next challenge is that you are holding your dip net with open-large-mouth of the net which has a long bag/tail with the open part of the net facing south. The wind blowing from the north pushes on the back side/tail of the bag creating a no fun scenario! So what I need to convey if you were trying to plan a shrimp expedition you would prefer any wind but north! A light north is manageable but when it cranks north your best served staying home.

I think anyone who lives in the real world knows that Mr. Weatherman does not get it right all the time. But if you look into the forecast and see a high pressure or weather front that is going to make north winds for two-three-four days plus, it would be something to pay attention to in trying to plan a trip. The other part of the weather is to pay attention the wind speed. Nobody should be on the water if the wind were blowing fifty miles an hour. Rain no fun and the biggy is that pretty zig-zag light. We are out to catch shrimp not lightening bolts! I would prefer a light south or southeast if I had my choice. Calm or no wind is fine too but that all depends on tide phase.

In closing here there is the saying that this is why they call it “fishing and not catching”. Every night is different. Some nights when things are right and you believe you are going to slam them and it turns out not so. Other nights when you are just out there expecting to just pick away and SURPRISE – EPIC NIGHT!!!

My friend Terry is a guide back home and an extremely accomplished and knowledgeable fisherman has/had a great saying. “I fish seven days a week – some days I catch fish and some days I don’t”. - Man, ain’t that the truth! - But you gotta be in it to win it!

Can I or you predict that epic shrimping night ( at least I can’t )? NO! - But there are some factors that are mentioned above that ups the odds in our-your favor…