Pink Gold Shrimp on Fort Myers Beach
Discover the history of Pink Gold—Gulf pink shrimp off Fort Myers Beach, support local fishermen on San Carlos Island, and celebrate it all at the Lions Shrimp Festival.
From Discovery to “Pink Gold”
In 1949, local fishermen discovered abundant Gulf pink shrimp just off Fort Myers Beach. By the 1950s, the fishery was so valuable it earned the name “Pink Gold.” On nearby San Carlos Island, a shrimping village grew around boats, ice houses, net makers, repair yards, and processing docks—community powered by the tides of Estero Bay.
That heritage still thrives on our working waterfront—and we honor it every year through the Fort Myers Beach Lions Shrimp Festival.
Why Choose Pink Gold (Gulf Pink Shrimp)?
- 🍤 Signature flavor: naturally sweet, tender meat—ideal for boils and grills
- 🌿 Wild & sustainable: Gulf-caught with no additives or preservatives (from Erickson & Jensen)
- ❄️ Seasonality: abundant from late fall through early spring
- 💪 Nutrient profile: a lean protein and source of antioxidants
Ask for Fort Myers Beach Pink Gold at local restaurants and markets to support our working waterfront.
Honoring the Hands That Feed Us
Our story is about captains, deckhands, and families who built their lives on the Gulf. The Blessing of the Fleet, the parade, and our Shrimp Festival events carry this tradition forward.
This is Pink Gold.
Become a Pink Gold Advocate
Choose Gulf pink shrimp, share our festival, and celebrate Fort Myers Beach’s working waterfront.
Pink Gold FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Pink Gold Shrimp
What is “Pink Gold”?
“Pink Gold” refers to Gulf pink shrimp harvested off Fort Myers Beach—locally prized for flavor, quality, and community impact.
When are Gulf pink shrimp most abundant?
Late fall through early spring, though they’re landed year-round.
How does buying a festival shrimp dinner help?
Proceeds fund Fort Myers Beach Lions Club charities that directly support our local community.
Where can I find Pink Gold shrimp?
Ask for Gulf pink shrimp at Fort Myers Beach and San Carlos Island restaurants and seafood markets.