How to Find Sand Shrimp

For the fisherman going after large fish such as salmon, sand shrimp are a popular bait. The shrimp live in the sand, creating little burrows in both shallow shore waters and deeper waters. They are primarily trawled in San Francisco, but they can also be found from Alaska to Florida.They are transparent, colorless, pale gray or buff-colored with small black spots on their bodies.

Things You'll Need

• Shallow water with sandy bottom

Instructions

1. Take off your shoes and socks.

2. Walk into the water until you are just past the low-tide line.

3. Jump up and down to churn the sand. Continue looking in the water.

4. Scoop up the shrimp as you see them.

5. Continue moving in the shallow waters to find the shrimp.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for little mounds in the sand, a good sign that you have come across sand shrimp. This is one way to find the shrimp. Commercial companies have machines that vacuum up the shrimp and the sand and then separate the two.

• Sand shrimp aren't the only animals that live close to shore. Take care when you are jumping to avoid crabs and other crustaceans and fish. Watch out for jellyfish! They sting.

References

• Sand Shrimp