Shrimp Docks
Without a doubt, tourism is the main industry in the keys. However, commercial fishing is also a big contributor to the local economy. A drive through neighboring Stock Island will reveal many working marinas crowded with boats designed specifically to catch shrimp, lobster, snapper and more. The shrimp boats, with their large outriggers, are definitely the most interesting. On a recent hot Sunday afternoon, we visited the docks of Bama Seafood. Adjoining their fish market is a new restaurant, called the Shrimp Shack. Arrive when the fleet is in dock and you can watch tons of pink gulf shrimp being offloaded from one of their boats. Step up to the window, order a pound of steamed peel-n-eats, find a picnic table in the shade and enjoy some fresh local seafood. Don’t forget the cold beer!