We have had 3 years of warm winters and it is predicted 2018 has a 40% chance of being a warm winter too. We had a short spurt of small shrimp running in Mosquito Lagoon around Boston Whaler. We had reports of ½ gallon dipped in Oak Hill and they were 4 inches and smaller.
At the time of this writing there are no encouraging shrimp reports. But the wait is soon over – January is when I start shrimping around the 2nd week. The dipping gets really good by February. Reports at Haulover Canal have been poor, Railroad Bridge too. The good news is the North side of Max Brewer Bridge (Titusville Pier) is rumored to be open. The South side pier sustained damage from Hurricane Irma. There is a lottery system at the pier, go early and get your number. Closed batteries (AGM, GEL) are acceptable, no batteries that “slosh” or must be filled with fluid are not allowed. Pier electrical outlets require a special electrical adapter. Ace Hardware in Titusville have them. Personally, I rather use a closed battery system.
Haulover Canal and Railroad Bridge need cold fronts & spinning Gulf lows to drop in. When a spinning low from Gulf side comes in it shifts the winds from the South, as it passes over the State the winds change to West, North East and East. This gets the crickets moving. If your shrimping Haulover Canal, you want a positive flow (during South and West wind) 1-3 knot speed. At Railroad Bridge setup boat so wind is in your face. Great news the computer driven MacDaddy Smart Light™ I licensed for release was granted a patent. I will be choosing a fishing organization and donating a part of the 2018 proceeds from each light sale. For daily news, views and reports, visit my educational resource site LeeNoga.com or FB closed forum, “Florida Shrimping Academy – Tips & Tricks”.
