Let's Go Shrimpin'!

Capt. Larry Credle has seawater in his veins. He’s lived and worked on or near the sea all of his life–just like his dad, his granddad, and generations of Credles before them. Several of his ancestors even sailed with Capt. Edward Teach, the notorious Blackbeard.

“There were three Credle brothers on Blackbeard’s boat, the Queen Anne’s Revenge,” he explained. “Our family was based out of Oregon Inlet in North Carolina. We’ve all got the sea in our blood.”

Credle’s father, George, brought the family to the Georgia coast in 1964. Shrimping here was decidedly easier than in North Carolina. “There, you’d leave on Sunday and stay out on the water until Friday afternoon,” Credle said. “Here, you could work from dawn to dusk and have some quality of life.”

Back then, you could make a decent living as a shrimper. “In 1964 we got $1.25 a pound for shrimp, and fuel cost between 13 and 24 cents a gallon,” he continued. “Today, we get about $1.60 a pound for shrimp, but fuel is around $4.00 a gallon. It’s just about impossible to make a living as a shrimper. It’s a dying industry.”

When he was 14 years old, working aboard his dad’s trawler, Credle had an idea. “Even then, I said people would pay to do this. Everyone thought I was nuts.”

Turned out his idea wasn’t crazy at all, though he had to jump through some big hoops to prove it.

Three years ago, Credle had the opportunity to purchase a 60-foot, steel-hulled shrimp trawler. He jumped at the chance to turn his dream – of providing excursion cruises aboard a genuine working shrimp boat – into reality.

The boat was built in 1987 and sailed on the Gulf of Mexico, where it routinely went on 38- to 40-day cruises. In 2002 it was purchased and brought to Fernandina Beach, where the owner used it first as a commercial fishing boat, and later as a passenger boat. Credle bought the boat, christened Lady Jane, at the end of 2004 and began the arduous process of attaining U.S. Coast certification for passenger transport.

“At first they told me it was impossible, that no working shrimp boat had ever been certified to carry passengers,” Credle explained. “We proved it could be done and finally, after two years, we received our USCG certificate in April 2007.”

According to Credle, Lady Jane is the only working shrimp boat in the United States that is USCG certified to carry 49 passengers, up to 20 nautical miles offshore. The boat carries a species collection permit from the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources. The DNR permit allows the craft to drag a small net and bring the contents aboard for study.

That ability forms the centerpiece of the “Let’s Go Shrimpin’” experience. Capt. Credle began offering shrimp boat cruises on an experimental basis in 2006, departing from the Golden Isles Marina. Last summer, he moved his operation to the dock behind Spanky’s on U.S. Highway 17 in Brunswick, and began offering a regular schedule of cruises.

Each cruise lasts about two hours. Cruises generally follow the creeks and rivers that flow through the Marshes of Glynn, and don’t venture into open water. This provides a much smoother sail with little or no chance of seasickness for passengers. 

During the cruise, the crew drops and drags the 20-foot “mongoose” net. After 15 minutes the net is brought aboard and its contents are emptied onto a stainless steel table. Passengers crane their necks to see the shrimp, stingray, horseshoe crabs and other creatures that comprise the “catch.” All are spellbound as Capt. Larry’s 15 year-old son, Clifford, identifies and talks about each animal.

This activity is repeated three times during a typical cruise. Occasionally, the net will yield other “treasures,” such as abandoned crab pots, anchors and other long-forgotten items. Shrimp from the catch are prepared, cooked and served to the passengers. “We’re not kidding when we talk about fresh Georgia white shrimp,” Credle says. “You’re not going to get it fresher than this.”

The cruises have been a huge hit, according to Credle. “People just love it. They’re able to take pictures, touch and occasionally hold animals they might never have seen before. It’s really rewarding to see the expressions on their faces, especially the kids.”

Lady Jane cruises are a wonderful way to enjoy the abundant beauty of our coastal waters, and to learn about the birds, fish and other creatures that rely upon them for food, shelter and nesting grounds. You’ll also get a sense of life aboard a working shrimp boat – a lifestyle that is vanishing with each passing day.

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Lady Jane cruises are generally offered daily during June and July at 4:00 pm, whether permitting, unless the boat has been chartered by a private group. From August - May, cruises are generally offered Wednesdays and Saturdays, weather permitting. Capt. Credle advises passengers to contact him at least a day ahead of time, to confirm availability and cruise times.

Lady Jane is available for private charter for private birthday parties and other occasions, near shore or bottom fishing, and even offshore burials. For information contact Credle’s Adventures at 912-265-5711 or visit them online.

Neptune Park Fun Zone Open for Family Fun

St. Simons Island's newest family attraction -- the Neptune Park Fun Zone -- is open for summertime family fun.

The new recreational complex features a walk-in, multi-purpose pool; children's water park area; miniature golf course, and a brand new playground area as well as a bath house and concession stand.


The new, "multi-purpose" pool is designed to encourage use by swimmers of all ages and abilities. The southern end of the L-shaped pool, closest to the bath house, features a walk-in "beach" entry which slopes gently from 12" at the edges to 18" in the center. The northernmost section of the pool is divided into lanes for lap swimming and limited competition. Between these two sections is a smaller, 3-foot deep section for water aerobics and swimming instruction.

The pool, like the rest of the Fun Zone, is accessible to those in wheelchairs.

The children's water park area is situated between the two legs of the larger pool. It features a "water playground" complete with slides, a tipping bucket, fountains and a variety of showers, squirt guns and other water play toys. It is surrounded by a fence and landscaping to ensure limited access for young children and their caregivers.

The bath house features large restrooms with showers and changing areas, ticket offices for the pool and miniature golf course, and a concession stand called "Cap's Place."

Located on the south side of the bath house between the entrances to the pool and miniature golf course, Cap's Place is open to the public. It offers a variety of menu items including barbecue, pizza, hot dogs and boiled shrimp as well as "walk and talk" items, healthy treats, sno-cones and ice cream, cold drinks and more. Cap's Place will be open year 'round, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm from Labor Day to Memorial Day. For information call 912-638-3333.


The miniature golf course features 18 holes with a "conservative" design. The mini-golf course has its own entrance, located on the west side of the bath house. Nearby is a new playground area, located at the southeast corner of the Fun Zone, next to the Neptune Park picnic area.

The new landscaping artfully incorporates the right whale sculpture which was created by sculptor Keith Jennings in 1995, and encourages close interaction.

The Neptune Park Fun Zone is located along the St. Simons Island waterfront between the lighthouse and the Casino building. Its opening marks the completion of the first phase of a two-phase master plan for the St. Simons Island waterfront.

The master plan project was designed to provide a more cohesive look for waterfront and Neptune Park. Architectural features of the new bath house complement those of the nearby A.W. Jones Heritage Center, which anchors the waterfront's north end, and the Casino building to the south.

In addition to the pool and mini-golf complex, Phase I included new landscaping and lighting, new beach crossovers, brick pavers and new benches. Phase II, which will be completed later this year, will incorporate new landscaping and other improvements that are designed to visually unify the entire Neptune Park / St. Simons Island waterfront area.

The Neptune Park Fun Zone will be open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Public swim hours will be daily from 1:00 to 8:00 pm. The miniature golf course will be open daily from 1:00 to 9:00 pm.

The Glynn County Parks and Recreation Department will offer a variety of services and activities including American Red Cross swimming lessons and water safety courses, private swimming lessons by certified instructors, water aerobics and a novice swim team. These activities will take place primarily during mornings prior to public swimming.

All-day admission to the pool is $7.00 per person. Miniature golf is $7.00 per person per game. Season passes are available for the pool, and multi-game passes are available for miniature golf. Special group rates are available, and the complex may be rented for private functions. For information about the pool, call 912-279-3720. For information about miniature golf, call 912-279-3721.

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Taking Your Animal to the Beach

Many pet owners consider their animals to be members of the family, welcome to participate in most family activities, including travel.

A trip to the beach can be a very rewarding way to spend quality time with your pet. It is important to remember, however, that the beach is shared with other people, pets, and wildlife. Here are some helpful questions and answers to help make your -- and your pet's -- beach visit as pleasant as possible.


Is my pet allowed on the beach?

Ordinances regarding animals on the beach vary widely. Most Georgia beach communities require that animals be kept off the beach during certain hours of the day and/or certain times of the year. Some only allow dogs on specific beaches, some allow horses and others have banned animals altogether. All require that your animal remain on a leash and under your control.

Violators risk being fined, so it is best to check local laws before bringing along your animal companion. Here are the ordinances for beaches in Brunswick and The Golden Isles:

• St. Simons Island Animals are allowed on the beach until 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from First Street/East Beach (Coast Guard Station) south to Mallery Street (the pier). Animals on leashes (max. 10 feet) are permitted on the beach north of the Coast Guard Station year-round at any time.

• Jekyll Island Animals must be on a leash or reins and are permitted on the beach.

Why does my animal need to be on a leash?

In areas that animals are allowed they must be kept on leash. This is for your animal's safety and for the safety of other beachgoers and wildlife.

While we all like to think that our dogs are well mannered, it is important to remember that the canine social structure is quite different from that of humans. Anywhere that large numbers of dogs congregate the occasional fight is inevitable. Keeping your dog on a leash will minimize negative encounters with other dogs and give you better control of your pet if they are involved in a scuffle. Dogs with a history of aggression are best left at home.


Dogs and Wildlife

Georgia beaches are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife; several species are threatened or endangered. Here is some good advice designed to help protect and preserve these animals:

Shorebirds
If you are going to a remote beach, leave your dog at home. Dogs are effective predators and often disturb shorebirds that are nesting in the sand. Dogs can crush or eat young chicks or flush the parents off nests allowing other predators easy access to them. To minimize interactions with nesting birds keep your dog at home.

Do not allow your dog to chase birds on the beach. Several species of birds use Georgia beaches as critical stopovers during their long migrations. When forced to flee from dogs, birds burn up valuable calories and compromise their fat reserves. Chronic disturbance of resting birds can compromise their health and burns valuable energy needed for migration.

Sea Turtles
From late spring through early fall; loggerhead sea turtles nest on Georgia’s shores. Please take precautions to ensure your dog does not disturb adult turtles, their nests, or hatchlings. Do not allow your dog to dig above the high tide line and do not bring your pets to the beach after dark when females are laying eggs.


Why do I need to pick up my animal's waste...won't the tide wash it away?

The tide will wash it away…and that’s the problem. Recently, animal waste on the beach has received a lot of attention. Not only is it unpleasant for beachgoers, but it also poses a very real health threat to swimmers and other dogs.

Fecal coliform bacteria in seawater, tied to animal waste on the beach, can make people and animals very ill. In some cases, these bacteria can reach levels that require the local Health Department to issue a swimmers' health advisory. To ensure that your animal is not contributing to this problem, always clean up your animal's waste and deposit it in an appropriate trash receptacle. For current beach advisories in Georgia click here.

How can I keep my dog safe at the beach?

The American Kennel Club has provided the following guidelines to help you make your dog’s trip to the beach an enjoyable one:

• When taking your dog to the beach, make sure there is plenty of fresh water and shade.

• Dogs can get sunburned just like humans, so limit your dogs exposure to the hot sun and apply a zinc-free sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

• Be careful not to let your dog spend too much time on hot sand or asphalt. Dogs can burn their feet just as easily as we can.

• Cool ocean water is very tempting to a dog. Don’t allow your dog to drink too much seawater. This can cause diarrhea or vomiting and quickly dehydrate them.

• Check with lifeguards for daily water conditions. Dogs can be easy targets for jellyfish.

• Swimming is a great form of exercise for dogs, but don’t let them overdo it. They will be using new muscles and may tire quickly.

• Running on a beach is strenuous exercise and a dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament. If your dog is out of shape, don't encourage him to run on the sand.

• The beach can present many hazards for your dog. Things to watch out for include boats, fishhooks, dead fish, garbage, and broken glass.

• Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog’s coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Brunswick and The Golden Isles of Georgia
Several hotels, rental cottages and campgrounds in Brunswick and the Golden Isles accept pets. Please note that there may be restrictions on the number of pets and/or their size. Pet-friendly properties often set aside a limited number of pet-friendly rooms. While they may show occupancy, they may in fact be out of pet-friendly rooms. Also, the accommodation may charge an additional fee for your pet. It's always best to check ahead of time just to be sure. For a listing of pet-friendly accommodations in Brunswick and The Golden Isles, click here.