How Much Does Live Shrimp Bait Cost? A Breakdown of Prices

Live shrimp is one of the most popular and effective baits used by anglers fishing in saltwater. Their enticing smell movement in the water, and status as a natural food source make them irresistible to a variety of species. But live shrimp can also be one of the most expensive baits especially when fishing regularly. So how much does live shrimp bait really cost on average?

Average Cost of Live Shrimp Per Dozen

The cost of live shrimp bait can vary quite a bit depending on factors like:

• Location and proximity to shrimping grounds
• Season and availability
• Size of the shrimp
• Whether you buy from a bait shop or catch them yourself

According to recent reports, live shrimp prices seem to average around $4-5 per dozen for medium-sized bait shrimp from local bait shops in coastal regions. However, this can fluctuate up or down by a dollar or more per dozen depending on the factors above.

Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing per dozen for different shrimp sizes:

• Medium (35-45 count): $4-5
• Large (25-30 count): $5-7
• Jumbo (10-15 count): $7-9

So larger shrimp sizes like jumbos tend to cost significantly more per dozen compared to smaller medium or cocktail shrimp.

It’s also common for bait shops to charge more during peak fishing seasons when demand is high and supply lower, Prices are generally lowest in the summer when shrimp are abundant

Buying Tips to Get the Best Deal

Here are some tips to get the best deal when buying live shrimp:

• Buy in bulk whenever possible. Most shops offer discounts for buying multiple dozens.
• Time your purchase. Prices are usually lowest on weekdays rather than weekends.
• Shop around. Compare prices between local shops, some offer better deals.
• Buy direct from shrimp boats if possible. Eliminates retailer markup.
• Purchase medium or cocktail shrimp to save money. Still great for many species.
• Ask about loyalty discounts if you’re a regular customer.

Buying live shrimp in bulk quantities can lead to big savings per dozen. It’s common to see prices around $3.50/dozen when purchasing 10+ dozen shrimp.

Catching Your Own Shrimp

Of course, the cheapest way to acquire bait shrimp is to catch them yourself. This requires a saltwater fishing license and some specialized shrimp catching gear.

Cast nets are the most popular method, allowing you to catch dozens of shrimp in a single throw in the right areas. Other common techniques include using a sabot lead and light tackle or waiting for an overnight incoming tide and scooping shrimp from the shoreline.

If you have the time and capability to catch your own, bait shrimp can essentially be free. But it takes practice, patience, and finding locations holding good numbers of shrimp. For beginning anglers, it’s often better to just buy shrimp until you gain experience.

Cost Comparison of Live vs Frozen Shrimp

Since frozen shrimp is the main alternative to buying live, here’s a cost comparison:

• Live medium shrimp: $4-5 per dozen
• Frozen medium shrimp: $2-3 per pound (approx. 2 dozen per pound)

So frozen shrimp can cost 50-75% less compared to buying live shrimp per dozen. The trade-off is that frozen shrimp is not nearly as effective for many popular gamefish species like seatrout, redfish, and snook. But for more scavenger species, frozen can work just fine.

Shrimp Prices Vary by Region

It’s important to note that average shrimp prices can vary quite a bit between different coastal regions. Areas farther from shrimping ports and population centers tend to see higher prices.

For example, reports from anglers indicate live shrimp may cost $5-6/dozen on average in areas like the Florida Panhandle. While around major shrimping ports like Tampa Bay, average prices are often in the $3-4 range.

Fuel costs also factor into the pricing when transporting shrimp long distances from the boats to inland retailers. So be sure to take your specific location into account when looking at bait prices.

Things That Affect Supply and Pricing of Bait Shrimp

Understanding what causes fluctuations in live shrimp supply and pricing can help you plan your bait purchases and expectations. Here are some of the key factors:

• Season – Peak availability in summer, lower supply in winter.
• Weather – Storms, cold snaps, heavy rain can limit shrimping.
• Moon phases – Full and new moons affect tidal movement and shrimping success.
• Regulations – Shrimp season closures and size limits affect supply.
• Demand – Prices spike during busy fishing seasons with high demand.
• Fuel prices – Affect cost of operating shrimp boats and transport.

So be flexible on expectations for bait availability and pricing depending on environmental and seasonal conditions.

Finding the Best Shrimp Prices in Your Area

Your best bet is calling around to all the local bait shops in your area and asking what their current price per dozen is for the size of live shrimp you want. You may be surprised at the variance. Also try places like marinas and boat ramp shops which cater more to recreational anglers.

Many shops now post their daily shrimp prices on social media too, so check Facebook and Instagram. And don’t be afraid to negotiate or ask about discounts if you’re buying larger quantities.

With live shrimp being the top performing bait for targeting popular inshore species, it’s worth taking the time to shop around for the best deals in your area. Using these tips can help you save significantly on every trip out on the water.