Shrimp salad, Shrimp Gumbo, Shrimp Burgers, Shrimp Poboy, Shrimp Scampi, Shrimp.........

It is SHRIMP SEASON yall!!!!

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!!

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.

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!

Shrimp Baiting

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 (pvc pipe) 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.

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. Some locals may say use a dab of milk:)

Cooking

" ain't nutin better then fresh shrimp! "

There you have it, absolutely the best tasting shrimp you ever sunk your teeth into!