How to Rig a Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp For More Bites [Product Review]
By: Luke Simonds on September 10, 2015
Found In:
Fishing Tips • Lures • Product Reviews • Shrimp Lures
I’m here to publicly admit, I’m a Berkley Gulp believer!
If you are a serious saltwater angler, you have certainly heard (and probably used) a Berkley Gulp shrimp before (one of their most popular Gulp baits for saltwater).
I know the first time I came across Berkley “Gulp! Alive” baits, I was a bit skeptical on how an artificial bait could really help me catch more fish due to the “juice” that it comes in. Seemed kind of like a marketing ploy to me…
And I also had a problem spending more money per artificial soft plastic bait that what I was used to with some other brands, as these Berkley Gulps are not cheap.
But all of the skepticism and price fear went out the window after I finally got out on the water with Berkley Gulp Shrimp!
In other words, these Gulp Shrimp can catch some serious inshore fish!
Related Video Post: “How To Retrieve Berkley Gulp Jigs For More Strikes” (see that post by clicking here)
Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp Review
In this independent review of the Berkley Gulp “Alive” Saltwater shrimp, the 11.5 oz “bucket” of 3″ New Penny color Gulp shrimp is featured since it’s the most affordable way to get Gulp shrimp (click here to get these Berkley Gulp Shrimp on Amazon).
As I mentioned above, I used to be very skeptical of these Gulp baits as there was a ton of hype and they aren’t cheap.
But after actually using them on the Florida flats, I realized that they are a fantastic choice for catching redfish, snook, sea trout, flounder, and any other species that feed on the flats…
So here are my overall Pros and Cons of Berkley Gulp Shrimp.
Pros of the Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp
- Inshore fish LOVE these baits
- They are easy to use in terms of putting on a jig head, casting, retrieving, and they can even be fished weedless
- These artificial shrimp are tough enough to last through multiple strikes (except for those pesky puffer fish that can bite them in half)
- Comes in a ton of different colors for certain areas, water colors, times of year
- Gulp shrimp catches less “trash fish” (like catfish) compared to fishing with live shrimp
Cons of the Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp
- A bit more expensive than other soft plastic shrimp
- They cannot be left on a hook or jig head when not is use because they’ll shrink/harden when they dry out (click here for Gulp maintenance tips)
- They seem to cause hooks to rust faster than normal, so be sure to rinse hooks/jig heads off with fresh water after use
- The juice really does smell bad, so be careful not to spill on your clothes, boat deck, car, truck, etc.
How to Rig a Gulp Shrimp
Here is a quick video that will show you how to rig a Gulp shrimp onto a jig head for inshore fishing.
Click here to see the best prices on Amazon for the Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp in all colors
Bonus Tips for Gulp Shrimp
1. Turn Used Gulps Into Bait Catching Machines
After feeling tons of small nibbles from baitfish and seeing lots of pinfish follow the Gulp shrimp up to the boat while fishing with them, I began cutting up old ones into small pieces for catching pinfish for bait… small Gulp chunks work amazingly well for pinfish, pigfish, squirrelfish, grunts, croakers, etc…
Click here to see a great tutorial on exactly how to catch loads of bait with used Gulps.
2. Gulp Shrimp Skip Well Under Mangroves
These Gulp shrimp baits skip very well under mangroves and docks when rigged with small jig heads (and even better when rigged weedless).
See how this exact Gulp shrimp rig did for snook and redfish back in a secret lake that is only accessible by kayaks or paddleboards… 100% skipping Gulps under mangroves.
Conclusion
As you can see, the pros of the Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp far outweigh the cons. Whatever they put in that Gulp! Alive juice really does work.
So if you are looking for a fish-catching artificial bait that can truly compete with live shrimp in catching redfish, snook, trout, and flounder, then Berkley Gulp Saltwater Shrimp baits are a great option.
Any questions or tests you want me to put these Gulp baits through? Let me know in the comment section.
Related Post: Do Berkley Gulp Baits Really Work? And What’s In That Gulp Juice? (see the full post here)
P.S. – If you think your angler friends or fishing networks would like this, please Tag them or Share this with them. It would mean a lot to me. Thank you!
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Is gulp shrimp use for handline fishing?
Why rig with the white side on top.
In a natural bait the white is the belly.
Thanks
Here’s a post that explains this color pattern from Gulp called New Penny: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/gulp-shrimp-rig-upside-down/
How effective are they fishing for snapper, sheepshead, black drum, and Snook on a rocky bottom in a fast moving current where you may need a weight to keep it on the bottom?
Gulp shrimp can certainly catch all of those species (sheepshead is the toughest of them all). The key is to get it as close to the bottom as possible without getting snagged (I’d use a weedless jighead to be able to bounce it along the rocks without getting stuck too frequently).
How to hook a shrimp gulp on circle hook I tried with little sucess Thanks Harry
Hey Harry, sorry for not responding sooner… I somehow missed your comment when it came in. May I ask why you are trying to rig a gulp shrimp onto a circle hook? The only reason I can think of is for deadsticking it, and if that’s the case, then the rigging method doesn’t matter all that much. Otherwise, I recommend using jigs or j-hooks because you’ll lose a lot of strikes using circle hooks with lures.
https://www.saltstrong.com/family/bob-kuebler/ Luke, I noticed when you rigged that 3″ new penny shrimp on the 1/8 oz jig, that you rigged it with the dark side of the shrimp on the bottom. I’m thinking the natural shrimp is darker at the top and would expect it to be rigged like that. Are there reasons to rig otherwise and what would be the reason to do so. As always I find your advice to be exceptional so I’m looking forward to your reply. Thanks much again for the advice. Bob K
Hey Bob, sorry to have taken so long to respond to your comment… I somehow missed it when it was posted. The new penny color pattern actually does have the dark side on the bottom (eyes are on the light side and the feet are on the dark side), so that’s how I rig it. But I have switched it around and it works the other way too… the color pattern does not matter nearly as much as the action in the water.
Luke, I notice you put the hook point through the bottom part( light side) of the gulp shrimp. Is this better than going through the top?
This “New Penny” color pattern for Gulp Shrimp have the light side on the top and the dark side as the bottom as seen by the respective placement of the eyes and feet of the shrimp. I have caught most fish using it like this, but rigging it upside down with the dark side up can certainly be effective too (color isn’t nearly as important as the action of the lure and the size of the lure).
Luke – went to order 1/4 and 1/8 oz gulp jig heads and of course there are many styles to chose from. Which do you use?
thanks
I typically get the ones with the smaller hooks because they are less prone to getting snagged onto structure. And red is the color that I have the most confidence in.
Thanks Luke
Hello Luke, Do you have any plans for fishing in Marco Island in the near future>
Yes, I’m planning to head down there this fall and I can’t wait because it’s one of my favorite places to fish.
I’ve been fishing with gulps for years. One thing I do is when opening a new “bucket”, instead of taking the clear plastic seal off, I cut a slit in it, big enough to reach in and get a bait. I get less leakage and spillage this way.
Thanks for leaving the tip Chuck. Fish On!
Where is hidden Lake. My grandson sure would love to catch his 1st snook or red fish.
I give specific directions on how to get to the hidden lake (along with many other areas along the Gulp coast) in our private Insider Report platform where I share my exploration trips with the group showing exactly where I’m seeing/catching the most redfish, snook, and trout.
Here’s a link in case interested: http://shop.saltstrong.com/products/12-month-access-to-inshore-plus
Lol, I like the Gulp Coast comment. I have to admit I have a heck of a time rigging gulps with the screw on hooks. I think mostly due to the lack of feeling in my hands.
Great tutorials though!
I now have one of those worm folders so filled with gulp baits I cant close it anymore. Thanks to the sale they had at Dicks!
Haha! It was a fitting typo for sure… so good that I’m not even going to fix it:)
greetings from indonesia…. i tried beach fishing using gulp shrimp 4″ when my office had employee gathering at the beach ( lol yeah i ran away and fishing all day untill they notice i was missing) … i catch stingray and robin fish with this lure, so i can say it worked,.. i have suggestion for saltstrong, i hope u guys provide more information about what kind of jig hook we have to use and how to retrieve the lure etc etc … im a rookie for saltwater fishing and need more information about it … thx
that looks like fun. what tackle and line do you use (i am new to this,,sorry)
Hey Chris, no need to apologize… we all had to start at some point. I was using 10 lb braid with 30 lb fluoro. Reel was a 2500 series from Shimano and the rod is a 7’6″ M made by TFO.
More importantly, we offer an online course that covers everything you possibly need to know (knots, equipment, lures, how to rig/use the lures, how to find fish, etc.) that will save you tons of time and money by not having to learn everything the hard way… it’s currently offered for just $7 for a full week of access. Here’s a link: http://v2.saltstrong.com/inshore-slammer-7-day-special
It appears the jig has a flat side for the eyes an rounded on the back and head, who makes that jig? What are your favorite jigs to use? How do you fish the shrimp big hops or drag across the bottom?
Hey Harold, the jig head used in this Gulp rigging video was made by Berkley specifically for Gulps. I like their jig heads as well as some made by DOA with short and sturdy hooks.
When working the jigs, I prefer to bounce it along the bottom (dragging will work, but it’ll also snag a bunch of weeds/debris on the bottom).
For detailed tutorials on how to rig a use a variety of lures to consistently catch quality redfish, snook, and big trout, be sure to check out our Inshore Slammer course: http://v2.saltstrong.com/inshore-slammer-7-day-special.
Hi sir what weight of jig head should i use on pier fishing? Also which is better for pier fishing? The jig head or the owner twistlock? Thank you sir! More power!
Great question! Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits all answer to it. For pier fishing, I would not recommend the light twistlock because you’ll be fishing from an elevated platform so you’ll need more weight to help get the bait down into the strike zone (unless you’re wanting some topwater action).
If you’re looking for just one jig head size that can fit most situations, then I’d say 1/4th oz would be the way to go.
But if you want the long answer, then it all depends on how deep you’ll be fishing along with how strong the current is… I like 1/8 oz jig heads for water in the 2-4 ft range ft depth range, and then I go up another 1/8 oz every couple feet of increased depth.
And if heavy current, then add a bit more weight to offset the drag of the line in the water.
Hopefully this info is helpful… Fish On!
I noticed that you rigged the shrimp upside down.. meaning you have the hook coming through the white belly as opposed to the new penny colored back. I was always taught that your hook should poke through the back when using a jig head. Any reason you do it the opposite way?
Hey Curtis, thanks for making time to leave a comment. The new penny Gulp shrimp actually are made with the lighter color side being the top of the shrimp (not sure why, but he eyes of the shrimp are clearly seen on the lighter shade at the 1:50 mark of the rigging video and then the shrimp legs can be seen on the darker shade at the 2:33 mark).
That being said, I’ll often switch sides after the bait starts getting too lose on the jig from fish tearing it up and it works just as good… so rigging them either way can certainly catch some fish.
Hey Luke, thanks once again for a great tutorial. I really find them to be very helpful. My favorite tutorialwas the one where you showed how to tie the FG knot, or maybe it was your brother that did that pparticular tutorial. I’ve been using the FG knot for a couple of years prior, but you showed me how to tie it much easier. I have a question concerning the rigging of the gulp shrimp. I thought that shrimp swim backwards? If so shouldn’t they be rigged from the tail end in order to appear to be more natural? I don’t really inshore fish much so I know that I’m speaking out of ignorance. Could you shed some light on this confusion? Thank you. The Angry Fish > Also congratulations on you ministry license. God Bless
I must take offense to to the direct link to buy Berkeley products from Amazon in your recent article about Gulp Saltwater Shrimp.
Salt Strong pushes to have a presence in every independent Fishing Tackle Retailer yet cuts our feet out from under us by promoting Amazon. In case you did not notice the Independent Fishing Tackle Retailer is the life blood of innovation and education in the Fishing Tackle World and it is us who needs all the help we can get – NOT AMAZON !!
Hey Ken, I’m sorry that the Amazon link came off as offensive. In many cases, it’s the independent retailers that sell their products through Amazon in order to get more online visibility, and I strongly encourage all independent tackle retailers to focus on growing their online presence because the efficiencies that the internet brings in terms of delivering education, innovation, and products is only going to increase going forward.
The reason we put a link to Amazon is because our audience spans the country (along with a surprisingly high amount of folks from across the world which was unexpected), so an independent brick and mortar only shop would exclude too many readers… plus it was the best deal for Gulp shrimp that I was able to find.
Anyhow, thanks for reading the Gulp shrimp tips article, and let us know if we can help in any way… Fish On!
Luke Thanks for your reply and for your advise about the Internet. Your comment shows that you are not a part of the “Industry” because virtually everyone that is involved in the Tackle Industry knows that besides Outdoor Pro Shop I am also the Owner of monsterfishingtackle.com – a very high visibility National website selling Fishing Tackle. So unlike your observation, I am far more than just an independent brick and mortar only shop !
I like most of the other high quality Independent Fishing Tackle Retailers websites also offer an affiliate program just like Amazon. So to think the road to success for a Tackle Retailer is to use Amazon as a path is flawed thinking because of their usurious rates Amazon charges for selling on their site. A successful Tackle Retailer blazes their own path by their unique blend of Products, Customer Service and Knowledge of the latest Tackle and Techniques. As one of my hundreds of thousands of loyal customers so aptly put it “Ask Amazon questions about Techniques and Tactics!!!
I’m sure they have all the Answers!!!!
Sorry for accidentally striking a nerve yet again… my earlier comment that recommended an online presence was just a general statement because I had no idea that you were an Online retailer (your prior comment only specified “Independent Fishing Tackle Retailer”). Anyhow, congrats on your online success!
And yes, you’re absolutely right about not using Amazon exclusively for building an online presence… it’s always best to be the direct distributor. The earlier recommendation was focused on growing an online presence… and Amazon is at least a start for those who don’t yet have their own online retail system in place yet (which I now know does not apply to you).
You’re also correct in saying that I am NOT in the tackle retail industry… my focus is on providing helpful fishing tips to our readers, and I do my best to provide them with the best deal that I can find for any particular piece of equipment when doing a product review like this gulp shrimp review.
If you get the chance, please let me know how much you sell the 3″ Gulp shrimp tubs for… I just searched for “gulp shrimp” on the home page of the “Outdoor Pro Shop” site (which “Monster Fishing Tackle” points to), but I didn’t see any results for it.
Ken, I’m surprised you can fish at all when you spend so much time pating yourself on your back. I think there is enough room for both of you to exist without raining on Salt Strong’s parade. As a consumer, I find Amazon very convenient and customer focused.
Hi Tom
I’m fairly certain you don’t have the burden of responsibility of providing for the livelihood of 40 employees and their family members. If you did you would understand how difficult that job is. You also don’t know who I am but if you did you would know I never spend any time patting myself on the back. What you would see is a man that spends a large amount of my money volunteering for various positions in the Angling world like I am a member of the Boards of Amercian Sportfishing Association – Golden Gate Salmon – Coastal Conversation California – United Anglers of California just to name a few. I also donate many thousands to every kids fishing tournament I can find I sponsor many High School Bass clubs I sponsor many college Bass Clubs and the simple fact is all of this takes money to accomplish. So again thanks for your comments – I only wish I had the opportunity to look you in the eyes as I know your opinion would change
Thanks
Bravo! I will always support local mom-and-pop-suppliers who freely offer on the spot local tips to fishing. Those who do not are slowly selling out that expertise without knowing. It is not always about upfront price.
Thanks mom and pop local shops!
Want to try some of these on the beach fishing for snook in south Florida, I seem to get more hits when the water is a bit stirred up, what color would you recommend, I was thinking that the penny color would do good when the visibility is low, and maybe a lighter color when the water is a bit clear, the snook seem a bit skidish when the water is calm. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also the weight size.
Just became a member and I really like all the info!! Thanks!
Hey David, my absolute favorite Gulp jig for catching snook on the beach is a white Gulp Pogy rigged on a red jig head (1/8th oz or 1/4th oz depending on depth, wave size, current speed)… I do well with it when the water is chalked up and when it’s crystal clear for sight-fishing. This pogy is better for the beach in my opinion because it’s tail gives off more action than the shrimp… here’s a link to a similar post about rigging the pogy:
https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-rig-a-gulp-pogy.
Note: Snook will most often be right next to shore, so I typically stand at least a few feet back from the water and cast up-current along the beach (not directly out).
Please keep us posted to your results… Fish On!
I love using Gulp shrimp too. I use the pearl white when the water is clear, if the water is stained I will use the new penny color. Both on a jig red jig head. I will use the root beer gold with the chartreuse colored tail for speckled trout. If the bite doesn’t seem to happen I will switch to a 6″ pearl white jerk shad. I have had a lot of success using jerk shad too. Again, if the bite is slow I will tie on a redfish magic lure with a gold spoon and replace the plastic bait that comes on it with a 5 or 6″ jerkshad. I absolutely love this stuff. Especially when there is not much live bait around or during cold weather. I do not anchor up much and prefer drift fishing. I made not catch as many but when I do they are keepers and you avoid stressing out the undersize. Lighter colors for clearer water and darker colors for stained or dirty water works for me.
Hey John, thanks so much for leaving the helpful comment. Glad to see that you’re a Gulp shrimp fan as well… Fish On!
what size jig head do you recommend for these? No boat fishing, unfortunately I am stuck on land.
Hey Donna, great question! The answer depends on the depth of water your target fish are feeding… I recommend a 1/8th oz jig head for covering depths up to 5 ft, and add another 1/8th lb every 5 ft after that for simplistic gauge when fishing with Gulp shrimp. However, if fishing in a spot with heavy current, you’ll likely need to go up a notch or two in weight to account for the drag of your line in the current.
hey luke will the Gulp shrimp work for catching spillway snook that has a strong heavy current and is the 10-15ft deep. What jig size would you recommend for that situation.
What kind of Gulp would you recommend if going out a half day fishing trip of the NC coast (Calabash) and captain saying likely fish to catch include: Black sea bass, flounder, rudderfish, jacks, cobia. Thanks.
Hey Dave, thanks for making time to ask the great question. Although I believe that soft plastics like the Gulp shrimp can be effective for the fish you mentioned, please know that I have not tried them offshore which is what you appear to be doing on your upcoming trip. If I were going offshore, I’d grab some 3″ Gulp shrimp as shown in this video (or 3 to 4 inch Gulp Pogys and have variety of different jig head sizes to match the depth you’ll be fishing in. For instance, a 1/2 oz or greater jig head would be needed to bounce it along the bottom in ~50 ft of water for sea bass, but a lighter one would be good if sight fishing jacks or cobia up near the surface. Hopefully this helps. Please keep me posted to your results out there.
My problem is how to fish them. I bought them and all i caught with them was a ladyfish. I have been using them to catch bait fish which they are great for. Or maybe I am just fishing them in the wrong place.
Hey Jason, thanks for leaving a great comment. I’m glad to see that you’re give these Gulp shrimp a try. I think your last sentence hit the nail on the head… fishing in the wrong places is by far the biggest cause of not catching quality inshore fish. For help in finding new spots, be sure to read our Inshore Fishing Manfiesto… here’s a link to how you can download it for free – http://v2.saltstrong.com/articles/inshore-fishing-manifesto-overview/.
Great video. I also like to rig them weedless using the owner weighted hooks.
Thanks for leaving a comment. Yes, the weighted hooks are fantastic for rigging Gulp shrimp weedless. Plus, they allow for better skipping performance when fishing under mangrove overhangs. Fish On!