The Georgia Shrimp Association and the Jekyll Island Authority are proud to bring you Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival in celebration of the sweet, wild Georgia shrimp harvest!

Commercial shrimping defines the look and feel of the Georgia coast. Shrimp boats trawl the horizon or sweep near shore as sunbathing tourists watch with interest and children try to catch a glimpse of the captain at his wheel; at rest, the boats distinctive rigging proclaims the freshness of local seafood at picturesque docks and fishing villages. And it’s not just for show - shrimping is among the nation’s largest fisheries and Georgia shrimpers and shrimp are counted among the best in the nation.
The shrimping tradition in Georgia is old and proud, and it is the state’s most important and vibrant connection to the life of the sea. Making a living from the sea is one of the most ancient and esteemed pursuits of man.

The Georgia Shrimp Association seal signifies that the shrimp is local, gathered from coastal Georgia waters and packaged according to strict Georgia Shrimp Association guidelines. While Georgia shrimpers face competition from foreign imports who grow pond-raised shrimp, the size and taste of the seafood fails in comparison to the sweet, jumbo sized wild Georgia shrimp.

Jekyll Island and the Georgia Shrimp Association welcome you to celebrate Georgia’s shrimp and the hardworking shrimpers who trawl our waters. Friday, September 19, through Sunday, September 21, the beautiful Jekyll Island Club National Landmark Historic District will feature great professional and amateur shrimp and grits chefs, shrimp eating contests, a kids fun zone, and vendors galore. For more information, visit www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits or call the Jekyll Island Visitors Information Center at 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: coastal festivals, cooking competitions, family fun, Georgia Shrimp Association, Jekyll Island Club National Landmark Historic District, jekyll island festivals, Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival, shrimp and grits, shrimping
Posted in Beachscape, September 2008 | No Comments »

Cruising the costal waters is a unique experience when on a shrimp boat excursion with Captain Larry Credle. Born in Belhaven, NC, Captain Credle started shrimping in his early teens on weekends and summers with his dad. Working with a fleet of five vessels at the age of fourteen, he became the captain of his own shrimp vessel in 1979. Being a captain for nearly 30 years, Credle has had fun, interesting, and educational shrimp excursions on the Lady Jane.

Consisting of a two-hour voyage along the Marshes of Glynn, shrimp excursions were made famous by the poet Sidney Lanier. With much to see, such as dolphins, shorebirds, and minks, guests can observe the crew deploy the shrimp net and retrieve a bountiful catch of various sea life. Shrimp nets can catch shrimp, crabs, fish, horseshoe crabs, manta rays, and so much more. The day’s catch is “like Christmas, you never know what’s in the nets’ bag,” states Credle. While guest take pictures and learn, the crew prepares a fresh shrimp boil with the recent catch and guests can taste “fresh out of the water, Georgia sweet white shrimp.”

Captain Credle’s Shrimp Excursions are taking part in the 2008 Shrimp & Grits: Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival by offering two shrimp boat tours daily on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The tours take place on the Lady Jane, a United States Coast Guard certified 49-passenger steel shrimping vessel retired after years of loyal service to the shrimping industry. The Lady Jane has been refurbished for the cruising pleasure of her tourists. While enjoy the sights, sounds, and wonderful tastes of Jekyll Island’s Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival, be sure to take part in a true shrimping experience and see first-hand how much hard work goes in to retrieving this southern favorite. All of the trips September 19 - 21 will depart from the dock on Highway 17 in Brunswick, located behind Spanky’s Marshside. Trips are $39.95 for adults and $25 for children 10 and younger. You can also check out the Lady Jane online at www.shrimpcruise.com

To experience the fun of Captain Credle’s shrimp boat excursions call 912-265-5711 or e-mail captain@shrimpcriuse.com. For more information on the 2008 Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival, visit www.jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits or call the Jekyll Island Visitors’ Information Center at 1-877-4JEKYLL.

Tags: captain creadle, coastal boat tours, georgia shrimp, Jekyll Island family fun, jekyll island festivals, sea excursions, Shrimp & Grits: The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival, shrimp boat tours, shrimping
Posted in Beachscape, September 2008 | No Comments »