Prawning in British Columbia | Pacific Net & Twine Guide

Beginner's Guide to Prawning in BC

The first blush of dawn turns Howe Sound glassy, and the prawn pots are humming on the deck before they ever kiss the water. It’s prawn season in British Columbia and this scene repeats itself up and down the BC Coast. B.C. spot prawns are a prized resource, reward patience — and require the right gear.

Slip a weighted trap beneath 300  feet of emerald water, brew a thermos of coffee, and before you know it, you’ll haul up a bouquet of russet‑spotted prawns sweeter than anything in the grocery case. If you’re ready to taste that moment for yourself but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place to walk through every step, from gear picks to best practice.

Why BC Is a World-Class Prawning Destination

British Columbia's cold, clean, nutrient-rich waters provide the perfect habitat for spot prawns (Pandalus platyceros), the largest and most coveted shrimp species on the Pacific Coast. BC’s unique underwater topography and protected inlets create ideal conditions for these delicious crustaceans to thrive.

Here's what makes BC prawning special:

• Premium Quality: BC spot prawns are prized worldwide for their sweet flavour and firm texture. They're often exported to luxury markets in Japan and across Asia.

• Sustainable Harvest: Properly managed with strict regulations, BC's prawn population remains healthy and abundant for recreational harvesters.

• Accessibility: Unlike some seafood harvesting, prawning can be done from almost any boat with basic equipment, making it accessible to beginners.

• Spectacular Settings: Imagine pulling traps surrounded by fjords, mountains, and pristine coastal wilderness – prawning offers some of the most scenic outdoor experiences in BC.

• Year-Round Opportunity: While commercial seasons are limited, recreational prawners can enjoy the activity nearly year-round (with some exceptions during breeding periods).

The spot prawn is BC's seafood superstar – growing up to 9 inches long with distinctive white spots on their red shells and characterized by their sweet, delicate flavour that needs minimal preparation to enjoy.

Know the Rules Before You Drop Traps

Before heading out to harvest these delectable crustaceans, you'll need to understand the 2025 regulations. Conservation officers actively patrol popular prawning areas, and for good reason – these rules ensure sustainable prawning for generations to come.

For 2025, here's what you need to know:

• Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License: Required for all prawning activities. Purchase online through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) National Recreational Licensing System.

• Quotas: The recreational daily limit is 125 prawns per day per license holder. Note that this is a combined limit that includes all shrimp species. Possession limit is twice daily limit but check before prawning as limits do change. All prawns carrying eggs under tail must be released.

• Trap Limits: Recreational harvesters are limited to 4 traps per person or vessel, whichever is less. Each trap must be marked with the operator's name and phone number.

• Buoy Requirements: All buoys must be marked with the operator's name and must be highly visible (bright colours recommended).

• Trap Design: Minimum mesh size requirements ensure juvenile prawns can escape. Biodegradable escape mechanisms are mandatory in case traps are lost.

• Closed Areas: Several marine protected areas and specific zones prohibit recreational prawning. Always check the DFO Fishery Notice before heading out.

• Closed Season: Typically, there's a closure during the spring breeding season (exact dates vary by area and are announced annually).

Always check for the latest area-specific regulations and closures before each trip, as rules can change based on conservation assessments.

Best Seasons & Hotspots

Timing and location are important for a successful prawning experience. While recreational prawning is permitted year-round (outside of closed seasons), certain times and locations consistently produce better results.

Howe Sound & Vancouver Area

Just a short distance from Vancouver, Howe Sound offers excellent prawning opportunities with relatively protected waters. Porteau Cove, Lions Bay, and Horseshoe Bay are popular starting points.

The Vancouver area is perfect for beginners due to its accessibility and consistent prawn populations. Many local fishing shops, including the fine folk at Pacific Net and Twine in Steveston, offer advice on current hotspots.

Gulf Islands

The waters surrounding the Gulf Islands provide some of BC's most reliable prawning grounds. Ganges Harbour, Active Pass, and the channels between islands hold excellent populations of spot prawns.

This area offers the bonus of beautiful scenery and protected waters, making it ideal for those newer to boating or prawning.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast consistently delivers excellent prawning results in areas like Sechelt Inlet, Jervis Inlet, and Princess Louisa Inlet. The deep, sheltered waters create a perfect prawn habitat.

This region offers a nice balance of accessibility and less competition than areas closer to Vancouver.

Central Coast The Central Coast, stretching from the northern tip of Vancouver Island to the southern tip of Haida Gwaii, offers pristine prawning opportunities for the more adventurous angler. Prawning can be good, but it's very location-specific and, like the rest of the coast, totally different after the commercial opening. Check local regulations for DFO and First Nations closures.

Bella Coola & Surrounding Waters Bella Coola serves as an excellent base for Central Coast prawning adventures. The area around Dean Channel and out to Gunboat Passage, and the waters near Bella Bella and Shearwater, provide excellent opportunities. Local guides with extensive commercial prawn fishing experience know many secret fishing "hot spots" in these remote inlets.

This region requires more planning due to its remoteness, but rewards adventurous prawners with less pressure and pristine conditions. Fuel, supplies, and accommodation should be arranged in advance.

North Coast The North Coast represents the frontier of BC prawning, offering some of the most rewarding and challenging prawning experiences available.

Prince Rupert Area Prince Rupert produces notably larger prawns, with some measuring up to 10 inches, sizes rarely seen in southern areas. The Douglas Channel and Roderick Island areas are particularly productive, with some anglers reporting such abundance that "we would prawn 5 mins. from our float camp and catch prawns like that all the time".

The Prince Rupert harbor area and Work Channel offer accessible starting points, though success varies by location.

Haida Gwaii & Approaches The waters around Haida Gwaii and the approaches through Hecate Strait offer world-class prawning for those willing to make the journey. These areas see minimal recreational pressure and hold populations of exceptionally large prawns.

Gear Checklist for First-Timers

Getting started with prawning doesn't require a massive investment, but having the right equipment makes all the difference in your success and enjoyment. Here's what you'll need:

1. Prawn Traps – The Bauer 24" Wire‑Mesh Prawn Trap is the workhorse many people prefer to drop on their lines. Built from Aquamesh® wire, it sinks fast, shrugs off strong tides, and folds flat when garage space is tight. 

2. Rope & Buoy – Pair a North Pacific 5 ⁄ 16" Leaded Prawn Combo Rope 450′ with a blaze‑orange Polyform A‑Series Buoy so your line runs straight to the pot and your marker pops above the chop. Proper length and visibility save lost gear—and tickets.
   
   

3. Trap Weight – Slide a Flat 5 lb Weight made for the Bauer frame inside the pot so it plants squarely on rocky ledges instead of skating downslope.
   
   

4. Bait Containers – I screw a perforated Scotty Stainless Bait Jar to the trap floor; it blasts cat‑food scent while denying prawns a free lunch.
   
   

5. Depth Sounder – The Lowrance Elite FS9 overlays CHIRP returns on DownScan so you can see both the 300‑ft shelf and the cloudy prawn layer hugging it.
   
   

6. Cold Storage – A YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler with a salt‑ice slurry keeps tails glassy‑sweet for 24 hours—crucial, because spot prawns start losing texture the minute they warm up.
   
   

Proven Techniques

Finding Prime Prawn Habitat

Locating productive prawning grounds is part science, part local knowledge. Here's how to find those sweet spots:

1. Target the right depth: Spot prawns typically inhabit depths between 200-450 feet, moving shallower during winter months and deeper in summer.

2. Look for structure: Rocky bottoms with moderate slopes near underwater shelves or ledges are prawn magnets.

3. Consider water flow: Areas with gentle current (but not too strong) that bring nutrients are generally more productive.

4. Check your charts: Look for underwater plateaus that drop off into deeper water – these transition zones are often hotspots.

Setting Traps Effectively

The way you set your traps can significantly impact your success rate:

1. Proper baiting: The traditional bait is cat food (preferably fish varieties) with holes punched in the can. Many successful prawners enhance this with additional fish carcasses, salmon heads, or commercial prawn attractants.

2. Soak time matters: Allow 2-4 hours minimum soak time. Overnight sets often produce excellent results, but avoid leaving traps unattended for multiple days.

3. Spacing is key: Set traps at least 50-100 meters apart to cover more potential habitat and prevent "competing" with your own traps.

4. Deploy carefully: Lower traps slowly to prevent tangling and ensure they land upright on the bottom.

5. Record locations: Keep a log of productive spots with GPS coordinates, depth, and results for future reference.

Handling Your Catch

Proper handling ensures the best quality prawns for your table:

1. Keep them cold: Immediately place prawns in a cooler with ice slurry or saltwater ice mixture.

2. Head removal: For multi-day trips, removing heads prevents the digestive enzymes from affecting meat quality.

3. Proper storage: Layer prawns between ice in your cooler, but don't let them sit in freshwater melt (use drain plugs).

4. Freezing tips: If freezing your catch, quick-freeze prawns in salted water for best texture preservation.

Conservation & Best Practices

As responsible prawners, we play a crucial role in maintaining healthy prawn populations. The BC Sportfishing Conservation Foundation emphasizes several key practices:

• Respect Size & Limits: Know your limits, measure quickly and return undersized prawns immediately to the water. They haven't yet reproduced and are crucial for population sustainability. Also return any prawns with eggs to ocean promptly.

• Handle with Care: Use wet hands when handling prawns to be released, and return them to the water quickly to maximize survival.

• Prevent Trap Loss: Properly securing and marking gear prevents "ghost fishing" by lost traps that continue catching marine life indefinitely.

• Report Violations: If you witness illegal prawning activity, report it to the DFO Conservation line at 1-800-465-4336.

• Pack Out What You Pack In: Keep our pristine waters clean by properly disposing of all trash and old gear.

Ready to Gear Up?

Now that you're armed with knowledge about BC prawning, it's time to gear up for your adventure! Visit us in-store or online for everything you need, from quality traps and rope sets to the perfect bait containers and depth sounders. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Prawning in BC: 

When is the best time of year for prawning in BC?

While prawning is available year-round (outside of spring breeding closures), the fall and winter months (September through February) typically offer the most consistent results. During these months, prawns move to more accessible depths and are generally more active in feeding.

How deep should I set my prawn traps?

The ideal depth varies seasonally, but generally, 250-400 feet is the sweet spot for recreational prawners. In winter, prawns may move to shallower depths (180-300 feet), while summer might require deeper sets (350-500 feet). Use your depth sounder to locate the thermocline (temperature change layer) as prawns often congregate near these transitions.

What's the best bait for BC spot prawns?

The traditional and highly effective bait is punctured cans of cat food (fish varieties), often supplemented with additional attractants. Many successful prawners enhance this with salmon heads, fish carcasses, or commercial prawn attractants. Pellet bait specifically designed for prawns is also effective and less messy than fish parts.

How long should I soak my prawn traps?

A minimum soak time of 2-4 hours is recommended, with overnight sets often producing excellent results. Avoid leaving traps unattended for multiple days as this increases the risk of loss and unnecessary bycatch. During peak season in productive areas, even 1-2 hour soaks can yield good catches.

Do I need a special boat for prawning?

No special boat is required, though you'll need something stable enough to handle trap deployment and retrieval. Many successful prawners use small boats in the 16-20 foot range. The essential requirements are a reliable depth sounder and enough power to handle local conditions. Some protected areas can even be accessed by kayaks with specialized trap puller attachments.Keep in mind prawning often takes place in open saltwater exposed to weather and swell so ensure you have an appropriate craft for the day’s conditions.

How do I tell the difference between spot prawns and other shrimp species?

Spot prawns are readily identifiable by their distinctive white spots on a reddish shell, large size (much larger than common shrimp), and long antennae. They also have a characteristic "hump" or curved back. Other shrimp species in BC waters are generally smaller and lack the distinctive spotting pattern.

How should I cook my fresh BC spot prawns?

The beauty of fresh spot prawns is their sweet, delicate flavour that needs minimal enhancement. Most chefs recommend simple preparation: a quick 30-second boil in salted water, a brief sauté in butter and garlic, or even raw as sashimi for the freshest catch. Avoid overcooking as this toughens the delicate meat – when the prawns turn pink and form a C-shape, they're done!