There's Always Something New

The shrimp are getting bigger as the season progresses. We are definitely looking forward to cooler weather so the jellyfish will 'go away' and quit stinging us. But each time we go out we get more efficient and catch more shrimp. And catching shrimp is ultimately the goal. But along the way we will have fun and discover new creatures.

Baby sand sharks made an appearance. You will find when you start catching sharks in the net, it is time to move to another area. They will scatter the shrimp and make you work twice as hard for the same volume. But these little guys weren't much bigger than the shrimp. So they didn't seem to disrupt the count.

Mantis shrimp are an interesting creature. Fred Dockery, a local fisherman and great source of fishery information,  told us that he used to catch mantis shrimp off the New England coast 12"-18" in length. The tail contains the eat'n meat. Much like a rock shrimp or ( for our Cajun folks ) craw fish. I'm not sure if it is proper etiquette to suck the heads of mantis shrimp the way folks from the Bayou suck the heads of craw fish. So I will leave that decision up to the professional head suckers.

And then there is Mr. Stingray !  We have been catching a good many small stingrays but this was the first one large enough to consider saving for supper. About 30 minutes after this photo was taken we pulled up one about twice this size. And first mate, Momma, sauteed the filleted wings in olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Good Eats !

 AnnahBelle has been going out with me more than anyone and she loves trawling. Because she is a natural born biologist. A real life Elly May Clampett. And bless her heart ... she can put a whoop'n the boys too. Momma is working with her on the lady skills.  I love that little girl's guts!!!