Shrimping and How to Shrimp in Beaufort and Hilton Head Island

The Beaufort and Hilton Head Island area is well known for it's marshes and waterways. Beaufort is even better known for it's huge population of shrimp. The very marsh that provides the area with so much beauty, also is the growing grounds for shrimp and most other sea life. In late summer, the shrimp that hatched and grew in these marshes begin their departure to the open sea. While they are preparing to leave the area, the local shrimpers are preparing for their departure, to the boat landings. It's shrimping time!!

EMS117 : Shrimp Allergy Danger

Although rare, some people are allergic to shrimp and other types of shellfish. Some may not even know it.
If, after eating shrimp or shell fish, you begin to have symptoms like tightness in the throat, chest or develop hives
( red patches ), you may be having an allergic reaction.
It is important to call 911 as this can become life threatening.
If you have ever had a reaction to shrimp or to shellfish, DO NOT risk eating shrimp or shellfish again!

Most people around Beaufort use a cast net to catch shrimp. This is simply a round net, usually made out of monofilament, nylon or cotton mesh, with a lot of weights attached to the outer perimeter of the mesh. A line runs through the center of the net and is attached to another group of lines that are attached to the outer weights. When the net is thrown, the mesh forms a circle, flattening out like a plate. The net sinks to the bottom still flattened out, trapping whatever shrimp were under the net. The line is then pulled in, thus closing the the net, and trapping everything in it.

Cast nets come in many sizes. Most people use a net between 4' to 8' in diameter. If you have never used a cast net before, you may want to start with a 4' to 5' at first, as they are easier to learn with. It does take some practice to form a perfect circle when thrown.

Kim throwing a cast net.

Shrimp can be caught off the bank, pier, dock, or by boat. The best time to shrimp is near low tide, when the water has receded from the marsh grass, day or night. The shrimp start getting to be a decent size around September and really big in November. The size of shrimp is often referred to as "count". When you have 24 count, it simply means on an average, 24 shrimp will make a pound. In late November, you can have counts lower than 8. That's some mighty fine size shrimp... and good eatin too!

Another method of shrimping, very popular here, is "baiting". This involves mixing mud and bait, usually fishmeal, and forming into a ball or patty, similar to a really thick hamburger. Every shrimper has their own recipe for the mixture and type of mud used. These are then thrown into the water, and as the shrimp feed on the fishmeal, the cast net is thrown over the area where the bait is. You can fill your net on almost every cast.

When done from boats, long bamboo or fiberglass poles are placed in the area where the bait will be thrown, thus marking the spot. This way a shrimper can set a line of many poles, dropping bait at each pole. The boat is then maneuvered within throwing distance of the first pole. The net is thrown over the baited area and while pulling in the net, the boat drifts to the second pole. You're now in position to throw the net again and this procedure is repeated at each pole. By the time you reach the last pole, it's time to go back to the first one. You must have a special license to use this method, and it's best to apply for a baiters license well in advance, as it does take some time to process. Permits are available after August 1 through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

EMS117 : Shrimp de-heading Warning

The horns on the shrimps head are extremely sharp,
and can inflict a painful wound. Live shrimp are experts at using them, but even when dead, the horns can do damage
to a careless hand or finger.

Now you've got your limit, you need to de-head the shrimp. If you're right handed, you would pick up the shrimp with the right hand, and with the left index finger on one side of the shrimp head and the left thumb on the other side, just pinch the head where it joins the body. (usually right behind the legs). It is very important to remove the entire head and legs as just one left on can spoil all the other shrimp in that container when frozen. What a waste that would be. To freeze, fill the container of shrimp with fresh water and then freeze.

Now you've got your shrimp, all headed and ready to go. One popular way of cooking shrimp is by boiling. You bring a pot of water to a full boil, season the water with whatever you desire, a lot of folks use crab boil or just lemon pepper, and throw in the shrimp. You cook until the shrimp float or turn pink, usually takes about 30 seconds or less. Do not overcook.

License*	Not for cast netting without bait. *Baiting :Yes, required for baiting
Season*	May 1 - Dec 15 cast netting, no bait Baiting : 60 day period set by State between Sept & Nov.
Quantity*	48 quarts whole or 29 quarts headed : for both Non-baited and Baited
Restrictions*	Baiting - 10 pole limit