The shrimping season is officially ending in Volusia and North Brevard Counties, but it’s GO TIME in South Brevard. All eyes are turning towards the bridges and causeways of the Melbourne area, which are producing hit-or-miss triple digit jumbo shrimp nights. The most popular spot to get in on the action is Mathers Bridge, but the word on the street is that the Eau Gallie and SR192 causeways are also producing some decent action. All in all, it’s a huge upswing for this area compared to last year.

This shrimping season is one for the history books. Water temps are running in high 70’s and the catfish, mullet, pilchards, etc., have made this season exhausting! The water has been dirty, adding yet another level of complexity to the situation. Recently, boaters risked it all chasing shrimp at Railroad bridge as a cold front dropped in and they were thrown around like rag dolls. Some boats suffered severe hull damage was from banging into the pilings; one small Jon boat was sinking; light cords were torn away from the lamps. Point being, NEVER go out when a boundary line is passing through — wind-driven Brevard County can do a great impression of a deadly inlet.

March is wake up month in the world of big shrimping. The run has started in Volusia County albeit 4 weeks late. Brevard is hit and miss, the hot spots are hovering at “Get ready, get set….” but not quite hit the “go.” They are just on the cusp, but all indications are they will have a season as well. Brevard lagged behind Volusia last year, so this is not of any concern. The place to be is Oak Hill the last couple of months, but perhaps March will be the month of consistency for Brevard.

Lots of buzz concerning Central Florida and South Florida shrimping. It’s my prediction this will be a late start season but it will arrive. Oak Hill and Edgewater catching dozens, if that. Hundreds of mature catfish school the lights and shut down the anglers visibility. This is 3rd year warm water shrimping keeps fish and bait active.