Aransas Pass has called itself the Shrimp Capital of the World for generations, and the working harbor at the heart of town backs that claim up every summer when the boats come in loaded down with the day’s catch. If you’re staying at Redfish Bay RV Park, you’re close enough to see that industry firsthand and bring some of it back to your own kitchen. Here’s what to know about finding fresh shrimp and Gulf seafood near the dock, plus how to keep it fresh once you get it back to the RV.
Why Aransas Pass Is a Working Shrimp Town
The nickname isn’t just marketing. Aransas Pass has hosted an annual shrimp festival, the Shrimporee, since 1948, growing out of a Blessing of the Fleet tradition that honored local shrimp boats before they headed out for the season, and the town has leaned into its shrimping identity ever since.
That history is still visible today, not just in festival banners but in the working harbor itself, where shrimp boats still head out and come back loaded with Gulf catch as part of the town’s everyday economy rather than a tourist attraction dressed up for visitors.
Where the Shrimp Boats Dock
Conn Brown Harbor is the center of Aransas Pass’s shrimping activity, a city-run harbor that serves as the departure and return point for the local shrimp fleet. It’s a working harbor first, so the boats you’ll see here are part of an active fishing operation rather than a display, and the pace of activity shifts with the season and the tides.
Because boat schedules depend on the catch, the weather, and how far out a crew has to travel, there’s no fixed hour when boats reliably return, and it can genuinely vary day to day. If you’re bringing your own boat rather than just watching the shrimp fleet, it’s worth checking where to launch a boat in Aransas Pass before you head out, since the harbor shares space with recreational traffic too.
Local Markets and Dockside Vendors
Erickson & Jensen Seafood Packers operates near Conn Brown Harbor and is a licensed seafood packer that sells fresh and frozen shrimp, including by-the-bag to walk-in customers. Since hours and exact process can vary, it’s worth calling ahead before making a special trip rather than assuming you can walk in any time.
Beyond established packers like this one, it’s not unusual to find informal dockside sellers around the harbor during shrimp season, though who’s selling and when can shift from week to week. Because availability and reliability vary widely among small, informal sellers, it’s worth treating an established packer as your dependable option and any informal dockside sales as a nice bonus if you happen to catch one.
What’s in Season and When
Texas manages its Gulf shrimp harvest with an annual closure, typically running from mid-May to mid-July, that protects brown shrimp so they can grow to a larger, more valuable size before the season reopens. The reopening date is set each year based on biological sampling, though it’s historically landed on or around July 15. This means if you’re visiting in the first half of July, the Gulf shrimp season may only just be reopening.
Once the season is underway, brown shrimp dominate the summer harvest, while white shrimp typically become more available later in the year, into the fall. If you’d rather try catching your own instead of buying it dockside, wade fishing in Redfish Bay is a popular way to get out on the same waters the shrimp boats work. However, exact dates and regulations can shift from year to year, so the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is the most reliable source if the timing of your trip depends on it.
Storing Fresh Seafood in Your RV
Fresh shrimp doesn’t last as long as most groceries, so plan to use it within a day or two of buying it and keep it as cold as possible in the meantime. If your RV fridge runs efficiently, storing shrimp in a sealed container on a lower shelf, where temperatures tend to stay coldest, is usually your best bet.
If you’re not planning to cook it right away, freezing is the safer move, especially if you bought more than you’ll eat within a day or two. A cooler with fresh ice works in a pinch if fridge space is tight, but keep in mind that ice melts and needs to be drained, so a sealed bag or container is worth the extra step to avoid a soggy mess.
Easy Camp-Cooked Shrimp Ideas
Shrimp is one of the easier things to cook well in a small RV kitchen, since it cooks fast and doesn’t need much more than a hot pan or a grill. A simple boil with seasoning, lemon, and a short cook time is hard to mess up and works whether you’re cooking on a stovetop or an outdoor burner at your site.
If you’d rather use the grill, shrimp skewers or a foil packet with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of citrus come together quickly and don’t require much cleanup afterward. Shrimp tacos are another easy option if you want something a little more filling, and if you’re looking for a way to work off the meal afterward, the Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail is just minutes from Redfish Bay and makes for an easy afternoon paddle.
FAQ
What time do the shrimp boats come in?
There’s no fixed schedule, since return times depend on the catch, weather, and how far out a crew traveled. Calling a dockside seafood business ahead of time is more reliable than trying to time a visit around boat arrivals.
Can I buy shrimp directly from a boat?
Sometimes informally, but availability isn’t consistent day-to-day. An established seafood packer near the harbor is a more dependable option if you want to ensure you find fresh shrimp.
Do dockside markets accept credit cards?
It varies by vendor, and some smaller or informal sellers may be cash only. Bringing cash as a backup is a good habit even if a business does take cards.
How long does fresh shrimp last in an RV fridge?
Fresh raw shrimp is generally best used within a day or two of purchase, even when refrigerated. If you won’t cook it that quickly, freezing it is the safer option.
Taste the Shrimp Capital From Redfish Bay
Aransas Pass earned its Shrimp Capital of the World reputation the hard way, and staying at Redfish Bay RV Park puts you close enough to experience that working harbor firsthand. Browse the current activities schedule, directions, and area attractions page to plan your visit, then check current rates and make reservations to book your stay.