Fishing Frenzy

For those who have been waiting for the shrimp season to begin at Hilton Head Island, there is great news in the offing. Although the commercial shrimping season was postponed this year, starting just about a month later than normal, fishermen are confirming some good hauls of brown shrimps from the waters now. As this Island Packet report says, local boats are trawling the waters off of the island for summer brown shrimp really successfully.

Reasons for Delay of Shrimping Season

As reported by the Department of Natural Resources, the lower than normal temperatures during this winter brought about the delay in the opening of shrimping season this year. The first crop of shrimp didn't make an appearance when anticipated and this obligated the DNR to require a delayed start to the season. The postponement allowed the shrimp to repopulate by fall. It is assumed that the white shrimp that are normally harvested during springtime couldn't make it through the abnormally cold weather during the winter.

Good Hauls with Brown Shrimp

The Department of Natural Resources reported that trawlers have been hauling in summer brown shrimp since a week ago. A DNR biologist declared that these shrimp made quite an unexpected appearance in the waters off Hilton Head Island. About 10 other boats that were out on the waters also claimed good catches of these fish. For the local people, the arrival of the brown shrimp brings great relief. Seafood restaurants, particularly, have a lot to celebrate now that they are able to replenish their decreased shrimp stores. However, the activity out on the water still seems to be abnormally subdued. Possibly shrimpers remain discouraged by the fact that they were not able to obtain their customary haul of the larger sized white shrimp. The white shrimp also is the more lucrative variety to market.

Rains Will Bring Relief

Residents are waiting for the rains to begin here because then the shrimp will mature to larger sizes. The rain provides nutrients to the waters here which are essential for the shrimp's growth. The fish will also start to proceed downstream from the small feeder creeks as soon as the rain starts. The brackish water in these feeder creeks just will not offer sufficient nutrients to the fish which explains why they're smaller in size than usual this season, locals say.

Vacation at Hilton Head during Shrimping Season

If you are an avid angler then Hilton Head Island is simply the perfect place for you now that it is shrimping season here. Reserve rooms beforehand to ensure that you get the best possible rooms here to make your vacation fishing expedition a terrific experience. The seven acres of semi tropical paradise that you will get at the Players Club, a bluegreen resort make this a good choice of accommodation. Enjoy tennis, racquetball and swimming at the resort to keep yourself fit for your fishing adventure on your vacation here. Leave your kids in the nursery while you go on a leisurely walk around town. If relaxation is exactly what you need then you can also make the best use of the yoga and pilates class run by the resort. Families with children will also find it an incredible advantage that the Coligny Beach is very close to the resort. Merely walk down to the beach and let your children have the most fun they have had in years.