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Saltwater

White shrimp

White shrimp, side view, showing long antennae, pale body with dark banding and dark tail fan
NOAA Estuarine Research Reserve Collection · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recognition

Lighter than brown or pink shrimp, with no grooves at the base of the rostrum or along the head, long antennae and a long rostrum. Tail flippers are black near the base with bright yellow and green edges.

SC DNR

Waters

Estuarine waters over muddy bottoms. Young shrimp settle in the upper ends of salt marsh tidal creeks, and at low tide shrimp gather in creek beds. Caught along beaches and river banks, from bridges and piers, and from small boats.

SC DNR · SC DNR · SC DNR

Months

May–Dec

The bulk of the recreational catch in South Carolina, primarily caught May through December. First caught in the creeks in late July or early August.

SC DNR · SC DNR

Months present, by species
SpeciesJanJFebFMarMAprAMayMJunJJulJAugASepSOctONovNDecD
White shrimpJan: not statedFeb: not statedMar: not statedApr: not statedMay: presentJun: presentJul: presentAug: presentSep: presentOct: presentNov: presentDec: present
  • Present
  • Peak
  • Not stated

Notes

Cast nets, drop nets and hand seines are the most common methods. Casting over bait has become the most significant method of recreational harvest, and drop nets need bait. An ebbing tide appears to be preferred.

SC DNR

In Georgia, cast nets may be used for bait or food shrimp at any time of day in all saltwaters. A Georgia fishing license and Saltwater Information Permit are required.

GA DNR

Size and bag limits