Shrimp and Skimmer Trawls

Gear Requirements - Shrimp trawls must have a bycatch reduction device; check with DMF for specifications. After April 1, 2009, mechanical methods for retrieving a trawl net will be allowed if proper Turtle Excluder Device (TED) requirements are met. Maximum headrope size is 26 feet. Minimum mesh is 1 1/2 inches stretched mesh.

Marking Requirements – One solid hot pink buoy attached to the cod end (tailbag) of the trawl (see Buoy Requirements).

Designated Areas - Some areas are never opened to trawling, check with DMF before you go shrimping.

Closed Times - It is unlawful to use trawls 9 p.m. on Fridays - 5 p.m. on Sundays in any internal waters.

Shrimp Pound (Effective April 1, 2009)

Gear Requirements – One pound used to take shrimp. Each lead must be 10 feet in length or less with a minimum mesh size of 1 ½ inches. Enclosures are to be constructed of stretched mesh of 1 ¼ inches or greater and all dimensions must be 36 inches or less.

Attendance – Shrimp pounds must be attended at all times and must be removed from the water when not being fished.

Marking Requirements – one floating buoy any shade of hot pink (see Buoy Requirements) attached to the offshore lead of the pound.

Distance Requirement – A RCGL shrimp pound must not be set within 100 yards of another RCGL shrimp pound or within 300 yards of an operational commercially permitted pound.

Shrimp Possession Limit
48 qts. (heads on) 30 qts. (heads off) one RCGL holder aboard vessel
96 qts. (heads on) 60 qts. (heads off) more than one RCGL holder aboard vessel