Sport Shrimping

November 19, 2009

Question: I am a resident of Northern California and have been an avid “crabber” for quite a while. For a new adventure I’d like to take up “shrimping” but need some information on where to go, when to go and how to catch shrimp. Is it legal to recreationally catch shrimp? If so, what are the seasons and bag limits? Is there still a viable population of shrimp in California? Thanks for any information to point me in the right direction. (Tony M.)

Answer: You may take any type of ocean shrimp in California waters, but spot prawns are the most desirable and sought after for eating purposes; others are often used for bait. According to senior invertebrate specialist Kristine Barsky, because California’s spot prawns are found so deep – usually 100 fathoms (600 feet) or more – and the bag limit is only 35, most people are not interested in trapping these shrimp recreationally. Check out the crustaceans section of the current Ocean Sport Fishing regulations (beginning on page 55) for the regulations, legal gear, limits and other information you will need to know (CCR Title 14, Sections 29.80 through 29.88).

I've always wondered why the 35 bag limit on something so small, that no one targets.  Had caught Coonstripe shrimp in HMB before while crabbing with smaller promar traps.

I think it's 20#s for the coon shrimp and you have to carry a scale with you like mussel-ing. I've caught some in the crab traps in HMB but they were way too small in the shallows.  Too bad that you can't keep the sea snails that are in the traps (not the turbin ones).

Too bad that you can't keep the sea snails that are in the traps (not the turbin ones).

Because ... ?
I always got them. Last time I plugged my scupper holes, and I have to flip my kayak when I got back shore.

You can't keep anything caught in a crab trap except a legal sized crab. I've caught some big sand soles crabbing at HMB and was tempted to keep them but back they go.

You can't keep anything caught in a crab trap except a legal sized crab. I've caught some big sand soles crabbing at HMB and was tempted to keep them but back they go.

Thanks.

You can't keep anything caught in a crab trap except a legal sized crab. I've caught some big sand soles crabbing at HMB and was tempted to keep them but back they go.

Thanks.

There are only certain snail species that you can keep. It's been awhile since I looked it up so you would have to confirm (I remember for sure that you can't keep the ones that are usually found in hmb shallows).

People usually piggy-back shrimp traps along with their crab traps. It's hit and miss unless you know what you're doing and a buddy of mine has a secret spot that produces 20#+.