Mantis shrimp

[VaGambler]

Just had to ask . A couple of friends and I were sitting around the pier yesterday and I brought up a topic no one could answer , and I was hoping you guys help out . About 15 -18 yrs ago I was Stripper fishing between Chisman Creek and the York River " Cant tell you exactly where " but I accidentally hooked some type of trap and when I open it , there were 2 huge shrimp in it . 1st question what type of shrimp was it , Maybe mantis ????and is it eatable, and do they make traps t catch them , and finally what time of year can you catch them ???? any and all info would be a huge help

Thanks in advance

Va

[Gotta Gaff 'Em]

As far as i know it is illegal to ctach and keep shrimp in the state of virginia. In addition the guess that they were mantis shrimp is possible but unlikely as mantis shrimp are tropical reef shrimp. They look more like lobsters than shrimp and have large eyes and large forefins, that they use to stun prey. People who keep mantis shrimp as pets have woken up on morning to find that their aquarium was cracked by a mantis shrimp sparring with its reflection on the glass. Watch your fingers.

[rgminer]

We catch mantis shrimp often in Chincoteague Bay. Be careful they can cut you all the time. They are edible, but are better for bait. I have found them in the stomachs of flounder many times.

[VaGambler]

Hey RGMINER , How have you caught them , nets , traps just plain luck ??? give me some details or links if you can

Thanks in advance

[rgminer]

Hey RGMINER , How have you caught them , nets , traps just plain luck ??? give me some details or links if you can

Thanks in advance

Always by accident. One time a fish chased one into my boat (the little buggers can jump!) snagging them is usually how, and have caught a few in a cast net. We always use them for flounder bait...