Adventures on a Shrimp Boat

Anyway, like I was sayin’, shrimp is the fruit of the sea. You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it. Dey’s uh, shrimp-kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo. Pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There’s pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that’s about it.– Forrest Gump

For this part of the world, shrimp really is the fruit of the sea. Georgia Wild Shrimp is sought out all over the United States, but here, in the state’s Golden Isles, it’s as easy to find as chicken. But when you order a plate of shrimp and grits, do you really think about where it comes from? I know I never did. The farm-to-table movement is taking hold throughout the country, but what about ocean-to-table?

With this in mind, I joined the crew of the Lady Jane for a shrimping cruise based out of Brunswick harbor. We were greeted by Phil, a marine biologist formerly with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. As we drifted away from land, the seagulls and pelicans were already keeping close watch on the boat, having learned that where the boats are, the food is.

Not long after the nets had been released, the captain called over the intercom for them to be pulled up. Phil pulled on the knot, releasing a bounty of sea life, most of which I didn’t recognize. But thankfully our guide was there to point out the blue crabs, horseshoe crabs, shrimp and other creatures.

We also got to sample boiled shrimp that had been caught that day. For some, the experience of seeing their food while it was still alive is off-putting, but I enjoyed it. The entire process from net to plate takes less than one hour. What other restaurants could boast such speedy delivery?

Everything except for the shrimp was tossed back into the ocean and the majority was quickly snatched up by lurking pelicans and seagulls looking for an easy meal. We even caught a baby sea turtle, pictured below, which had to be measured and documented, since it’s an endangered species, before being put back into the water.

Against all odds and other amazing experiences, the Lady Jane shrimp boat tour turned out to be my favorite activity of my four days in St. Simon’s Island and possibly in all the years I’ve visited prior. If you’re looking to see how the seafood industry functions while learning about Georgia ecology, I can’t recommend this tour enough.

Tours cost $39.95 for adults and $25 for children under 6. The company also runs dolphin sighting and pirate boat tours.

I received a complimentary tour as a part of a press trip with Leigh Cort Publicity, but all opinions are my own.