It is that time of year where we see the temperatures drop and the fall bait nourishing the fishing grounds. November marks the beginning of the 2015-2016 winter shrimping season. It does not mean to skip work and hunt the night river like the predators we are. However, in November the commercial guys are out in the water harvesting 60lbs of various size shrimp. Anglers who fish these grounds at night are reporting the shrimp are running. In perspective, I would say anglers are seeing shrimp in their light fields but certainty the volume is not a run per se. This news excites me and in the past when the shrimp are popping in October, we have had banner seasons. Its time to take your winter lights and gear out of storage and get your gear ready. It is not uncommon to have full pull reports out of Haulover canal (Brevard) in November/December. There has been breaking news over the summer concerning mono filament box nets. Box nets/frame nets made of mono filament are illegal, if they are made of nylon, cotton, linen or polypropylene they are in compliance.
This is per a Florida constitutional amendment that FWC will enforce. This info is not on FWC website, but I have monitored this situation and have the law and person you can contact on LeeNoga.com. Summer shrimping in S. Daytona overall still fell short of the banner year in 2011. However, some hardcore anglers still make the tow to Lake George, Welaka and Palaka to top off their freezers. The harvests are in decline in Jacksonville with pockets of delicious activity but no longer warrant a tow from Central Florida. Is November a good month to start shrimping in Volusia? The answer is simple, go at least once. Shake out the night time cob webs, inspect your gear performance etc. You will catch shrimp but it may be in the dozens to half gallon totals. Some of the local shrimpers will be on the river, that you can count on. There will be variation in reports but keep in mind November is known for great inconsistency in yields. Come see me every Sunday at the Oak Hill Flea Market starting Nov 1st 8 till noon. If there is any further information concerning the legality of gear, it will be reported here monthly. My free shrimping seminar tour dates will not be posted until December. Facebook? Interact with intel at my Facebook group – Florida Shrimping Academy – Tips/ Tricks/