So... I was given 2 shrimp pots for xmas. One has a mesh size of about 1"x1" and the other 1/2"x1". For you experts: What's the difference? Regulations, size of shrimp??? I am new to this?

Check the regs. Size does matter.

Yes, check the regs where you plan on Shrimping. I think the 1/2" size won't work on the Hood but I'm not looking it up.

fp

I believe the smaller mesh was the old size usable for all shrimp. Subsequent changes required the larger mesh for spot shrimp while allowing the smaller size to be used for other, smaller shrimp and in only shallower water; general history. Check the regs for where you are wanting to shrimp, species, open dates, and (I believe) shrimping depths.

Should answer your questions.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/gear_rules.html

Look at pages 138 and 139 in the brochure

Small mesh are popularly called Puget Sound pots.

Large mesh are the Hood Canal pots.

The small mesh are only allowed, as far as I know, in the San Juans after the spotted prawns are closed for the season. Work great for coons.

SHRIMP GEAR:

Pots must be constructed of either flexible or rigid mesh material (no liners allowed).

Entrance tunnels can be made of any size mesh material but must be located on the sides of the pot. The sum of the maximum tunnel widths must not exceed one-half the perimeter of the bottom of the pot.

Shrimp pots must not exceed 10 feet in perimeter and 18" in height.

All shrimp pot buoys must be yellow in color.

SHRIMP POT MESH SIZE:

1" Minimum Mesh Size

A ⅞" square peg must be able to pass through each mesh opening – see diagram, except for flexible (web) mesh pots, where the opening must be a minimum of 1 ¾" stretch measure.

Puget Sound:
Required for all shrimp pots during the month of May.
Required in all areas open for spot shrimp after June 1st.

Pacific Ocean:
Required year-round.

1/2" Minimum Mesh Size

A ⅜" square peg must be able to pass through each mesh opening, except for flexible (web) mesh pots, where the opening must be a minimum of 1⅛" stretch measure.

Puget Sound:
Allowed after June 1st in any area closed for spot shrimp, but open for coonstripe and pink shrimp.

Thanks guys, knew you would know! We're gonna jump into the fray this year, looks like somewhat of a steep learning curve.

Related question: is pulling by hand really that bad? How many pulls on average does it take to get your limit? I don't mind sore arms but seems most recommend a puller.

No, it really isn't that bad, especially if you have a couple people on the boat for "shifts". A lot of that depends on how heavy your pots are. If you fish them on the slack and float with them, you really don't need more than about 5 pounds of weight (I attach a 5 pound anchor on a 10 foot rope to the bottom of the pot). If you want to fish in current and/or leave them unattended while they soak, you're going to want more weight. More weight = more effort. Some people run pots that are so heavy that I'd never want to try to pull them by hand. I use the "anchor pull" that attaches to the pot's float. It can be a PITA but it beats pulling by hand. At the point you spend $ on a mechanical puller, you could have bought a lot of shrimp.

If you can justify the cost a third boat perhaps your services will be needed in the near future!


Fishy

If you pull by hand, get a davit that will fit on your Scotty base. It is a lot easier to pull down and fake the line into a plastic bin/bucket than to try to pull up over the rail.

A puller does make life much easier, though. I like the Ace Line Hauler that is wired to fit a Scotty plug. Someday......

If you rig your bridle so your line can slide to one side, you'll be pulling the pot at an angle. Set it so the shrimp move towards the door panel so they're easier to get out. Makes hand pulling a little easier than pulling the pot up flat.

I never thought about that. Nice tip!

I've been pulling by hand for the past 15 years. I shrimp every year in Hood Canal, and many years in Area 10, and almost always get my boat limit. I put about 5 pounds in each pot. If I go to area 7 or area 6, I put another 5-10 pounds in, and then pulling by hand is a biotch.

Pulling by hand isn't all that bad and quite frankly, I can pull by hand faster than most mechanical pullers. I use a the Folbe rod holder pulley http://www.folbe.com/index.php?main_page...hkbdgeqp0on8m62 .
That helps a lot. I also have 2 people pull each pot, both on the rope and aligned in a row. I have a lot of deck space that allows me to do that.

I keep saying I'm pulling by hand until I'm too old to do it, then I'll buy a puller. In the mean time, enjoy the exercise.

Oh yeah, don't ever try to use an anchor puller in Hood Canal or other crowded areas unless you are willing to move way the hell away from others. It's too easy to accidentally catch someone else's line and mess them up.

a pot puller is a must, being realistic you'll be shrimping in 300' of water. Over the course of the day you'll pull maybe 4 times at max. 3 pots, that's 12 pulls and the weight in the pot does not equal the total weight of resistance even with a two armed bridle. Go with a pot puller, Honda Briggs or electric Ace Line Hauler. Then when you go out, have fun by pulling one by hand. Once that's accomplished then think I will do this 11 more times! It's doable by hand but on the flip side I know if I am in a position to buy a puller, I will, because I'm going out to have fun. Then there is the kids that may come with me and they want to help so it's operational for them to run the puller, but good luck with them pulling it by hand and having fun.

Then as for sustenance, I doubt that's why we shrimp cause time costs more then anything. We want to have fun and get the kickback of fresh shrimp!

Have fun and stay safe, but trust me, get the puller. There is a reason everyone and their dog owns one when it comes to shrimping.

The difference is the 1x1 are used for Spot Shrimo and the 1/2x1 for coons after the close of the Spot shrimp season and usually with a 150ft depth restriction. Check the fishing area you are shrimping to see the exact rules for your area. Hand pulling is all I used to do in the Hood Canal with 30-40 a pot and around 240ft. I have since left the canal on the opener (Fish it when my area closes). I now fish between 180' - 240' and the shrimp are "big" compared to the canal and average 100-200 per pot, So a Puller became a must. And I am getting old. Last year we had a boat limit 4 people in the first pot we pulled.... Had to dump the other 3 out.... I also changed to Mckay's octogons last year seemed to be a big difference. I watched a video about shrimp and they don't do 90 deg corners very well and just walk off. I was fishing the preveous year with a friend in a different boat in the same area as mine with the same bait usung the Mckay octgons, and me with the square pots averageing 30-40 while he was averageing 100-200+ with the same soak time. I seen the writing on the wall and bought four new for last year and managed to keep pace with him. Well for the first pull anyways. The other pots would have come close to giving use boat limits as well, But they swam free........ Have a great holidays... Matt