Capt. Lee Noga
Finally, we are transitioning closer to the hunt for the brown and pink winter shrimp in Central Florida. The last 3 seasons we have had to deal with above average water temperatures, disease, and hurricanes. Nevertheless, last fall/winter season I must say it was the most bizarre season when Hurricane Matthew gifted us with a bio mass of large to jumbo white shrimp. Anglers were cast netting in the day time in December reporting full pulls from the Titusville relief bridge. I would definitely give November a try at the small relief bridge that brings you to Cracker Jacks and the Titusville Pier. We are sorry to report that Hurricane Irma damaged the famous Titusville Pier and we do not have news if this pier will be closed off this season or not. Parish park has 1 launch lane open and needs some clean up. Hurricane Irma put a damper on the N.E. Shrimping season which was just “ok” compared to years past. I predicted in February, S. Daytona and Ormond would have no season. As it turns out, they did not. It was a big skunk despite false reports circulating it was on fire at High Bridge. It was not. I am not certain if we will see the whites again in S. Daytona any time soon. The white shrimp were heavy in a time of year they are supposed to be scarce (winter), and when they were supposed to be heavy in the summer they were scarce. The fact that the summer white shrimp got pushed into our warm winter water, it only makes sense they laid eggs in Brevard. It would not shock me to see these whites every winter in Central Florida as long as we have warm winter water seasons ahead. I am convinced we lost a generation of brown/pink shrimp from Hurricane Matthew last season. We are hearing reports of small juvenile winter shrimp popping around Melbourne. I do not think Hurricane Irma will affect our season, and I hope to see some population recovery from the impact of Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Pull your gear out, test it, sew up net holes and look forward to the up and coming season. The hurricanes of 2017 have wreaked havoc on our N.E. Jacksonville Region, and shut down our Melbourne Causeway hardcore warriors. If Titusville Pier is closed for repairs, you need to check the regulations concerning how far a boat must be from a designated pier. I am hearing boaters plan to suffocate the pier if closed to non-boaters. Trappers may be able to get some cages off the concrete and into the drink but make sure you do so with permission. Look for the whites this month with your 3-4 cast net at the relief bridge entering Titusville parking lot. They showed up last November in Brevard at Titusville Pier. Those relief bridge spots are taken from sun up to sun down, the white shrimp love the light. Please yield to the commercial folks. This season will be a roller coaster and I am watching all the variables that will affect our season. For daily intel and my predictions, join us on Facebook (Florida Shrimping Academy – Tips & Tricks). We have 15,000+ members eyes all over the State with heavy concentration of shrimpers From South Florida, Central Florida to North Florida.
Capt. Lee Noga
Academy of shrimping
www.leenoga.com