The last time I was in Miami, I had a local beer at a cool cocktail bar called Over Under in the downtown area. On their menu, I noticed they had a Florida shrimp dish. In the description, they wrote, “Wild Shrimp from Jacksonville.” I smiled and felt proud that Jacksonville was their shrimp source of choice.

Then, as I read further, my smile turned into laughter as I read, “(like the only good thing there).”

It was a funny moment, and I appreciated the compliment because we’ve got damn good shrimp here in Jax. So good that ultra cool, high nose Miami wants it.

And that little story brings us back to Jacksonville, where shrimping isn’t just for the commercial fisherman in Mayport but also for the locals who want some good eatin’.

Last month I casually came across several locals casting nets into the St. Johns River. It was surprising because I thought shrimping was only done in Mayport. But here I was in the Urban Core, day and night, watching locals pull up shrimp after shrimp.

In my naturally curious state, I asked lots of questions and listened as they eagerly shared everything to do with shrimping. Below I have put together some of the facts they shared with me.

I hope you find it helpful, as you, too, might become a local shrimper.

FACTS ABOUT SHRIMPING IN JAX:

When can I shrimp?
Shrimping season opens:
June 6th

Shrimping season closes:
April 1st

How much shrimp can I take home?
You are allowed to get one 5-gallon bucket per person per day.

What are the restrictions?
You cannot shrimp or fish on floating docks.

Fishing shall be permitted at designated fish management areas. It shall be unlawful for a person to fish, use a seine, or cast or use drag nets from City-owned property posted “NO FISHING” by the Director or other authorized official.
Look up “Sec. 28.715. – Fishing” for more info.