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Shrimping Trip Aboard The Sailfish

myTripBits

myTripBits

myTripBits

myTripBits

While in Biloxi I stumbled upon a tour in which we would ride out in an actual shrimp boat and learn how a shrimp boat works, and watch as the crew throws out a net and then explains what was caught. I decided this would be the perfect educational experience during our short stay in Biloxi. The tour can be found at https://www.biloxishrimpingtrip.com/

It was a brisk November day when we bundled up and set out for our tour. We drove to the marina where we were to board the boat. The only problem we encountered was that we were unsure whether we were in the right place; there were no signs, ticket booths, or anything that would verify we were where we were supposed to be other than the red dot of our GPS signaling our arrival.

We waited around hoping to spot the arrival of the captain or other passengers. Just before our 1:30 departure time, the captain and her shipmate showed up and led us aboard their relatively small shrimping vessel. Several other families boarded the boat as well, making it approximately 15 people in total.

“The Sailfish is a two story shrimp boat with an upper level, open air seating area and a bottom level, closed in, windowed seating area. ”

The Sailfish is a two story shrimp boat with an upper level, open air seating area and a bottom level, closed in, windowed seating area. Being that it was a cold day, everyone aboard chose to sit in the bottom area, not only due to the frigid weather, but this was also the best view of where the crewmate lectured from and showcased the catch from the net.

myTripBits

myTripBits

myTripBits

myTripBits

After a brief introduction and some safety instructions, we set off on the waters of the Mississippi Sound. The learning began right away and did not stop until we docked back at the marina. As the captain maneuvered the boat, the crewman taught us everything from interesting tidbits about the waters to types of shrimp to how to tell if shrimp in the stores is fresh. He also suggested several restaurants in Biloxi to get the best shrimp! While he talked, a 16 foot net was being dragged on the bottom of the Mississippi Sound.

“All in all I can say this was a great experience! For $16.00 each we were able to not only take a tour on the Mississippi Sound, but also learn a great deal about the shrimping business

Once the net was pulled back up, the contents were dumped onto a small viewing/ sorting area. Unfortunately, the catch was extremely sparse; however, the crewman picked up every creature, explained it in detail, and let the passengers get up close and touch them. Several shrimp were passed around to get a good look at. We watched as he informed us about squid, a blue crab, shrimp, and several fish, and then proceeded to provide a much appreciated afternoon snack to the waiting pelicans hovering about.

All in all I can say this was a great experience! For $16.00 each we were able to not only take a tour on the Mississippi Sound, but also learn a great deal about the shrimping business, types of shrimp and other marine creatures, and how a shrimp boat works. I would definitely recommend this tour for families looking for something unique to do while in Biloxi.