Capt. Lee Noga
Finally we have reached March and I have some news to share. We are seeing shrimp in Volusia in both the Edgewater and Oak Hill areas. The run has been lean but I predicted we were going to have a late start with the season. The shrimp sizes have been much better than last year after Hurricane Matthew came roaring in 2016. Nobody seems concerned about Hurricane Irma 2017 in Volusia County. The worst problem is navigating the carnage from so many docks destroyed for miles. The shrimp normally run to the tune of 0 – 2 gallons for the average angler January thru February but the sizes are great. The average being about 100-150 count. March is when the big bio mass of smaller shrimp invade the waters making 5 gallon buckets possible. Typically, January – February the larger shrimp run and as we enter March we see more mediums and smalls. The difference is we need these smaller sizes to reach our 5 gallon. Hopefully you have been picking off the larger sizes earlier in the year. Brevard County is not having a repeat season of 5 gallon buckets dating back to November. There have been no signs of the summer white shrimp this season. The water temps this year are in the law 60’s and this has helped control the bait fish and catfish from covering up our lights. We are actually shrimping in cooler water, first time in 3 years. This has caused a panic that shrimp will not run this season and that is just non-sense. We have been seeing shrimp since November in Volusia. Brevard has the North side of Titusville pier open and the season has not been kind to the plank warriors. We are hoping March kicks off their shrimping frenzy. Reports from Brevard have been disappointing but you have to keep in mind, the weather shifting causing excessive winds. We have heard of no full pulls in Brevard in February. But, the locals keep their intel close to their vest. Those reporting are not doing well at Haulover Canal either. This month should change as we are in a more normal winter weather pattern. Some of us got spoiled by the warm waters last few years. Get out as much as you can and fill that freezer. If your new to Oak Hill stay close to the ramp unless your comfortable navigating a lot of boats during weekends (further South the better). The week days have been ghost towns but all that is going to change this month. For those coming to Volusia follow the tide charts on Marker69.com, go on any day except a half moon night (current is at its weakest). Go on a building new or full moon (3 days before, 2 after). For up to the minute intel on where shrimp are bring caught, join us at our teaching & intel resource on FaceBook®, “Florida Shrimping Academy-Tips & Tricks, 17K member strong.
Capt. Lee Noga
Academy of shrimping
www.leenoga.com