Plan to head offshore next week and want to try something new. Usually fish offshore from Sanibel 15-35 miles. Have seen a shrimp boat doing its thing from time to time and always wondered the best way to fish it. TV shows make it look like a feeding frenzy behind them but I am guessing that may happen when the bycatch is released - and the rest of the time - not so much.
Just curious if anyone has insight as to how to "politely" fish the shrimp trawlers? I don't want to interfere or snag their nets - but also don't want to miss an opportunity. Would love to pick up a couple blackfin tuna (my goal).
Thoughts?
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Also, if your in a productive shrimping area there should be a number of shrimp boats anchored, bounce around until you find a productive one. For some reason the fish will hold on only a select few. If you find one that's productive, other fisherman might show up as well. Its ok to share a stern but be courteous and ask first if you are not the first one. I typically will try to find my own rather then have multiple boats trying to catch fish off the back of one.
Its worth trying to barter for bycatch and every boat is different. Often the deck hands have to get permission on what items to barter bycatch/shrimp for from the captain. Beer or liquor works but sometimes the captain doesn't want everyone on his boat to be drunk. I'm told a female angler in a bikini is the best person to bring along fishing the shrimpers...
I'm curious if what you are seeing is a productive shrimp boat. They generally are in an area SW of Marco by a good bit. Either way its worth a stop if you have bottom fishing numbers to fish nearby.
Tv does make it look awesome, something i would like to try if I see one early enough