Written by The Lost Anchovy
Ghost Shrimp Pumping Tutorial
Neotrypaea californiensis (Ghost Shrimp), are often thought of when fisherman think of sturgeon. Ghost, grass, and mud shrimps are highly sought after bait when targeting these ancient dinosaurs, and this ghost shrimp pumping tutorial will provide you with all the information you need to get started!
“A resident of marine sloughs and bay flats on the west coast of North America, ghost shrimp burrow in seafloor sediments. These burrows protect the shrimps’ soft, white bodies. But more important, as the shrimp wriggle along, they collect food from the sediments and from the water flowing through the burrows.” –
Range: Alaska to Baja California in the intertidal zone or mud flats
Reference: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals-and-exhibits/animal-guide/invertebrates/bay-ghost-shrimp
Ghost Shrimp Locations
Ghost and mud shrimp can be found on sandy and mudflats through out California. Here are a few locations where they can be found in Northern California:
- Moss Landing
- Crown Beach (Alameda)
- Alviso (North San Jose)
- Alameda Rock Wall
- Half Moon Bay
- Tomales bay
- Bodega bay
However, Ghost Shrimp can be found all around mud flats, harbors and back bays through out California.
Regulations
Ghost shrimp are limited to 50; however, most anglers will tend to use less per trip. I encourage only taking what is needed.
Here the Ghost and mud shrimp regulations: [DFG Regulations]
Equipment to Pump Shrimp
Here is the easiest way. This is also good for digging horse neck clams in Tomales Bay. It has a lot of uses if you plan on playing in the intertidal zones a lot like i do. I highly recommend getting this because it is multipurpose.
Instructions on building a Slurp Gun https://skyaboveus.com/fishing/Making-a-Simple-Ghost-Shrimp-Bait-Pump
Targeting Ghost Shrimp during the minus tide
Ghost Shrimp live in the burrows under the sand and in the mud flats through out the beaches and estuaries in California up to Oregon. The burrows are often hidden under deep water of the bay and estuaries, however, certain times out of the month the burrows become exposed by the receding water, although it is fairly possible to catch them during a moderate low tide as well. Minus tides is still the best time to target the shrimps
The tides change with the different moon phases. The minus tides are found during the new and full moons when the shifts are biggest. The minus tides will expose large tidal flats teeming with shrimp.
Females tend to have smaller claws and are egg laden when spawning. The males have one large exposed claw that is used for protection. Besides a small pinch, that stings a little, the claws present no real danger.
I have great success along the edge of the receding water in soft sand.
Soft sand can be found by stepping on the exposed sand with many proliferating holes. If the sand sinks there is a high chance of shrimp in it.
Looking for Daddy
From my own personal experience, The hole of the big shrimp can often be found as a singular point in the sand. I’ve pulled many large shrimp from these singular holes. I suppose even male shrimps need to have their bachelor pads.
Side Note: There are many species that come alive during the minus tide. Every tide is optimal for a different species of fish, and working the tides will result in becoming a better fisherman. For example, sturgeon, Bat Rays, Sharks and even bay stripers come alive during the minus tide, while moderate and slow tides are good for halibut.
Buying vs. pumping Ghost Shrimp
Depending on how many people are fishing with me, I will decide to pump or buy shrimp. The cost benefit analysis of buying Vs. catching is marginal.
Locally, I believe the price is a dozen for $8 dollars, as of January 2019
The added benefit to pumping shrimp is pure fishing enjoyment. To me, searching for bait can be equally enjoyable as targeting fish. It is the act that brings the enjoyment.
Conclusion
The Ghost shrimp population is healthy in California on up to Oregon. Locally we are blessed with an abundance of this biological resources. Ultimately it is up to us to be responsible with the natural resources that we are given. Take what you need and give back what you can. Tight Lines – The Lost Anchovy
Edited 1.23.2019 – The Lost Anchovy