Where to Catch Live Shellfish

The word "shellfish" is a broad term that can refer to lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters and several other species. While a few species reside only in freshwater, most shellfish are found in saltwater, and therefore coastal areas are the main source for catching live shellfish.

  1. Oyster Beds

    • Oysters are typically found in beds close to shorelines of tidal estuaries, but can be found close to all ocean shorelines. They thrive in depths ranging from less than four feet of water to several fathoms deep. Areas noted for heavy oyster populations in the U.S. include the shelf region of the Gulf of Mexico, off the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama in particular. These beds generally yield the biggest oysters from September to December, though harvesting seasons vary according to location and density. Check local ordinances for specific regulations.

    Lobster Locations

    • Lobsters can be found in all oceans. The popular large, clawed lobsters are cold water marine animals, and reside predominantly on the Northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Lobster fishing is generally performed by commercial vessels that use special traps to catch the animals. The largest populations of clawed lobsters are found off the northernmost coastal states including Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and off the Canadian maritime provinces, particularly Nova Scotia. Lobster fishermen often travel more than 20 miles from shore to make a plentiful catch, but the animals can be caught in water less than three feet deep.

    Crab and Shrimp Locations

    • Crab and shrimp, like lobster, can be found in saltwater oceans all over the world. These marine animals can be found in water over 500 fathoms deep and as shallow as three feet, depending on the species. Though all share the same characteristics, some species have slightly different attributes and some are much larger than others. Both of these marine animals can be caught using traps or nets. Shrimp and crab are both generally caught with a large commercial net and box traps (typically used for crabs), though many fishermen use a net cast from the shore or a boat to catch both crab and shrimp.

    Crayfish Locations

    • Crayfish, otherwise known as crawfish, crawdads or mudbugs, are a freshwater shellfish that resemble a small lobster. These aquatic animals can be found near ponds, lakes or streams throughout the world, and are typically dug out of the ground or trapped. In the U.S. these shellfish are farmed in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Crayfish burrow in the ground and leave small mounds of mud behind as they dig. Southern crawfish can be found near available brackish water sources in wetlands such as bayous, swamps, coastal estuaries, and in flood-planes.