The Ultimate Guide to Catching Shrimp in New Jersey

As a long-time resident of New Jersey who loves fishing and shellfish, I’m often asked where the best places are to catch shrimp in the Garden State. After years of trial and error, I’ve compiled my knowledge into this comprehensive guide on catching shrimp in New Jersey. Whether you’re an experienced shrimper or just getting started, this article will provide key information on locations, techniques, regulations, and gear to help you haul in a bountiful shrimp harvest.

Prime Shrimping Locations in New Jersey

The two main varieties of shrimp found in New Jersey are grass shrimp and sand shrimp Grass shrimp thrive in the brackish estuarine waters of bays and rivers, while sand shrimp prefer the ocean shoreline Here are some of the top spots to catch both

Barnegat Bay

This large shallow bay that spans Ocean County is teeming with grass shrimp. Focus your efforts along sod banks, eelgrass beds, submerged structures, and the Intracoastal Waterway The Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve on the bay’s northern end is also an excellent shrimping ground

Great Bay

At the heart of the Jersey Shore, this bay and its tributaries host prodigious amounts of grass shrimp. Troll the shallow flats, marsh creeks, and along the Route 9 bridge for your best shot.

Metedeconk River

Flowing into Barnegat Bay, this river offers miles of shoreline and spartina marshes filled with grass shrimp. Concentrate around the river mouth and upstream into Forked River.

Manasquan River

Yet another grass shrimp haven, this river has extensive flats and marshland at its mouth by the Manasquan Inlet perfect for cast netting shrimp.

Atlantic Ocean Beaches

From Sandy Hook to Cape May, sand shrimp can be collected along ocean beaches at low tide. Focus your efforts in areas with rocks or debris where shrimp congregate. The sheltered coves of Island Beach State Park are especially productive.

When to Catch Shrimp in New Jersey

The shrimping season in New Jersey spans spring through fall when water temperatures are warmest. The peak times to target shrimp are:

• May-June – Shrimp populations surge as waters warm and shrimp move into the shallows.

• August-September – A second wave of shrimp appears, making late summer a great time to fill your cast nets.

I’ve found early morning and evening to be best as shrimp are more active then. Avoid shrimping on the hottest mid-day hours when shrimp head for deeper waters.

Shrimping Tips and Techniques

Now that you know when and where to find Jersey shrimp, let’s get into the fun part – how to actually catch them! Here are my proven tips:

• Use a cast net – The best way to load up on shrimp is with a 6 to 8 foot diameter cast net. This allows you to scoop shrimp out of grassy flats and along shallow marsh banks. Take time to practice casts before heading out.

• Work the tides – Fish the rising incoming tide to catch shrimp as they move into the shallows to feed. Slack low tide makes it tougher as shrimp disperse into deeper water.

• Look for activity – Scan for flashes of movement or disturbed sediment that can betray shrimp presence. Cast your net over active areas.

• Use bait – Place a bait bag filled with crushed clams or fish scraps in promising areas, then net around it to attract shrimp.

• Wade and kick – Walking and kicking up the bottom in waders will get shrimp moving for an easier catch.

• Night shrimp – For an exciting alternative, bring lights and net shrimp under the cover of darkness when they are extra active.

Regulations and License Requirements

Before heading out to catch shrimp, be sure to consult the latest NJDEP fishing regulations. A few key rules to know:

• No license is required for cast netting shrimp for personal use.

• There are no closed seasons or possession limits for shrimp.

• Female shrimp carrying eggs cannot be kept and must be released.

• Gear is restricted to hand-held dip nets and small cast nets. Seines and trawls are prohibited.

Following the regulations and practicing sustainable harvests will help ensure shrimp remain plentiful for generations to come.

Gearing Up for a Successful Shrimp Catch

Having the right gear on hand will make your shrimping experience markedly more fruitful and enjoyable. Here are some shrimping essentials:

• Cast net – As mentioned, a 6 to 8 foot radius cast net designed for shrimp is ideal. Go heavier rather than lighter.

• Waders – A good pair of chest waders will allow you to access the best shrimp grounds. Look for lightweight yet puncture-resistant.

• Scoop net – Have a sturdy hand dip net to scoop shrimp from your cast net.

• Cooler – Bring a cooler stocked with ice to keep your shrimp fresh for the trip home.

• Headlamp – If shrimping at night, a headlamp allows you to work hands-free.

• Bait bags – Mesh bags filled with bait are great for attracting shrimp to your nets.

• Wading shoes – Protect your feet from sharp objects with a pair of neoprene shrimping boots.

Handling and Cooking Your Catch

Once you’ve hauled in a batch of tasty shrimp, here’s how to handle them:

• Place shrimp in a bucket of saltwater to keep them alive and frisky until ready to cook.

• Cook shrimp the same day for best flavor. Boiling, grilling, or sautéing are all great options.

• Remove the heads before cooking, unless you like sucking shrimp heads (no judgement here).

• Grass shrimp shells are thin, so leave them on for grilling or sautéing.

• Chill cooked shrimp immediately. Enjoy shrimp cold with cocktail sauce or incorporate into seafood dishes.

So get out there and start catching! With this guide in hand, you now have the key information needed to fill your cast nets with Jersey shrimp. Let us know how your shrimping adventures go in the comments!