It’s Shrimply Delicious

Shrimping in Louisiana’s Bayou Country isn’t just a job — it’s a way of life. For generations, families have made their living off the water, passing down the skills, stories, and traditions that make our region so unique. And here in Terrebonne Parish, you don’t have to go far to get a real taste of what that looks like today.

Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or you’ve lived here all your life, there are still plenty of ways to connect with the people behind one of Louisiana’s most iconic industries. Two places in particular — Faith Family Shrimp and Down the Bayou Shrimp Tours — offer unforgettable ways to experience the culture, the process, and the people who bring wild-caught Gulf shrimp from boat to table.

Faith Family Shrimp

Tucked away in Chauvin at 8167 Redfish Street, Faith Family Shrimp is a family-run operation that offers a close-up look at what goes into harvesting Louisiana shrimp. Chad and Angela Portier, along with their crew, do it all — from catching shrimp aboard their commercial vessels to preparing them for market.

What makes visiting Faith Family Shrimp so special is how open and welcoming they are about sharing their world. You can take a tour of their facility and learn about the shrimp drying process, get a behind-the-scenes look at how the catch is processed, and hear firsthand what it takes to keep a local seafood business thriving. It’s a real, working dock — not something polished up for show — and that’s what makes it such a meaningful experience.

Down the Bayou Shrimp Tours

Head a little farther south to Dulac, and you’ll find Down the Bayou Shrimp Tours, where Kim and David Chauvin invite visitors to step into their world for a little while. Their dockside tour is part education, part storytelling, and 100% authentic. You’ll walk through their facility, get a look at the boats still heading out into the Gulf, and learn how shrimp go from the bayou to your plate.

Kim brings the warmth and personality that makes you feel like family, while David offers an inside look at the reality of shrimping — the hard work, the environmental hurdles, and the challenges posed by imported seafood. They’re honest about the struggles, but also proud of what they do. And after spending some time with them, you’ll understand why supporting local shrimpers matters more than ever.

Want to know how you can support local shrimpers?

• Buy local. When you pick up fresh shrimp, look for folks like Faith Family Shrimp and others in the area who harvest right here in our waters.

• Take a tour. There’s no better way to understand the industry than seeing it for yourself and hearing the stories directly from the people living it.

• Share your experience. If you take a tour or cook a meal with local shrimp, snap a photo and spread the word. It helps keep the spotlight on Bayou Country’s hardworking shrimpers.

In a world of fast-paced, ready-to-eat meals, there’s something grounding about meeting the people behind your food. In Houma and across Terrebonne Parish, shrimping isn’t just part of our history — it’s still very much who we are. And there’s no better way to understand Bayou Country than by experiencing it from the dock.

So next time you sit down to a plate of Gulf shrimp, remember the hands — and the hearts — that brought it to you.