South Louisiana Shrimp Essay

In South Louisiana, shrimping is a way of life. There is a long history of fishermen communities in Louisiana. Since the 1700s fishermen have taken advantage of the marshes and estuaries on our coastline. There are two types of fishermen; those who shrimp with the smaller vessels in bays and shallow water and those with larger vessels which shrimp offshore in federal waters. I come from a family of shrimpers who make their living in the Gulf of Mexico. Pretty much all of my mom’s side of the family shrimp for a living so I have been around it all my life. To be honest, I do not even eat seafood, which is odd since I come from a family of shrimpers. Even though I do not eat what is caught I still know all the ends and outs of shrimping. Fishermen communities are not like other communities. It’s a different way of life. By being a part of a fishermen community you pick up on a vast number of terms and phrases that most people do not use. For example, making a drag, sewing a trawl, and lowering the booms are some phrases that are used out on the water. You also learn the many ways shrimp can be eaten. Such as: fried, boiled, and stewed. …show more content…
They lived on Cypremort Point, an island off the coast of Southern Louisiana, which is a hub for many shrimpers and fisherman. Growing up I was always around the water. I spent many summers on my grandparents’ boat, the Capt. T-Neg. At any given time, they could be on the water for a week or more, surrounded by nothing but shrimp and other animals that live in the Gulf of Mexico. The smell of salt and shrimp, which at first is sickening, lingers for days regardless of numerous attempts to get rid of it. While most people cannot stand the smell, I find it comforting. They taught me to always do what makes me happy, no matter what obstacles get in my way. Growing up I learned how to drive the boat and track everything under the water. I was also taught the importance of hard