Yes, Sir'...we are on the same page.

There are things to consider:

a) Water temp, wind direction, barometric pressure, salinity, moon phases, life cycle...

Everyone participates in shrimping for reasons personal to them. If a gallon is all you get and your happy, you limited in your heart. I try to go when I think I can get at least 2 gallons with a partner. I try to be a little selective. I may only go 4 times a month.

There is no real secret to why these bugs run. But I try to avoid nights when elements work against me. Since I am blessed with being able to go when I want, I can be selective. So here is some of my deal breaker criteria:

a) Strong North wind causing white caps on river.
b) Tide height 2.0 or less which causes weak current
c) During a front that will pass over Oak Hill while I am out there. [or storms for safety reasons]
d) When water falls below 55 degrees.
e) Tide times, I want full 6 hours of tide.

If I could only go on a certain day, then I would go to go...and whatever happens - happens. I would trow caution to the wind. I would rely more on knowledge so that I get the best pull I could for the conditions I am stuck with. There is NEVER a bad day for having gone out shrimping


Of course, I will and do negotiate some of these and turn a blind eye, and others are deal breakers for me.

My experience has taught me to be selective, it is easier on the wallet too!