Captain Hatt's Shrimp Market: Fresh Seafood and Local Flavor in Calabash

What Captain Hatt's Shrimp Market Offers

Captain Hatt's Shrimp Market is a working seafood dock and retail shop in Calabash, North Carolina—just across the state line from South Carolina's Brunswick County. The market sells fresh shrimp, fish, and other seafood caught by local boats, and it operates as both a wholesale supplier to restaurants and a retail counter where individuals can buy directly. You can walk up to the counter and purchase shrimp by the pound, whole fish, crab, and seasonal catches, often the same day they come off the boat.

The market's location on the water means the seafood moves quickly from catch to sale. Calabash has been a working fishing village for generations, and Captain Hatt's is one of the older operations there—the kind of place where commercial fishermen still dock and unload. That proximity to the source is what draws people from across the region, including from South Carolina's coastal areas.

Key Takeaways

• Captain Hatt's is located in Calabash, North Carolina, about 30 minutes north of Myrtle Beach, and sells fresh seafood caught by local boats.
• The market operates as both a wholesale supplier to restaurants and a retail counter open to the public during posted hours.
• Shrimp, fish, crab, and seasonal catches are sold by the pound, and availability changes based on what the boats bring in.
• The market is a working dock, so it closes when weather prevents boats from operating or when catch is low.

Hours, Location, and What to Expect

Captain Hatt's is located at 1113 Calabash Road in Calabash, North Carolina 28467. Hours vary by season and by what the boats have landed, so calling ahead is important—the market may close early if the day's catch is sold out, or stay closed if weather has kept boats in port. The phone number is (910) 579-6723.

When you arrive, expect a working commercial dock atmosphere rather than a polished retail environment. The building is functional, the floors are wet, and the smell is unmistakably seafood. This is not a tourist attraction dressed up as a market—it is an actual seafood operation where you are buying from people who know the boats and the catch. Parking is available on-site, and the retail counter is accessible to walk-up customers.

Types of Seafood and Seasonal Availability

Shrimp is the market's signature product, and Calabash shrimp—particularly white shrimp and brown shrimp—are known for their size and flavor. The market sells them fresh, usually still on ice the day they are caught. Whole fish available year-round include flounder, sea bass, grouper, and Spanish mackerel, depending on the season and what local boats have caught. Crab, both blue crab and occasionally stone crab claws, appears seasonally.

Availability is not consistent. A boat may bring in a large catch of one species one day and nothing the next. The market does not maintain a frozen inventory in the way a supermarket does—what you see is what the boats brought that day or the day before. This means calling ahead or visiting regularly to learn the patterns. Spring and fall typically bring the best variety, while winter can be slower due to weather.

Pricing and Payment

Prices are set by the pound and fluctuate based on the catch, the season, and market conditions. Shrimp prices vary depending on size and whether they are headed or headless. Whole fish are priced by the pound as well. Because this is a working wholesale operation, prices are often lower than supermarket seafood counters, but they are not fixed—you will need to ask what the current price is when you visit or call.

The market accepts cash and card payments. Because it is a small operation, it is worth calling ahead to confirm they have what you want in stock and to ask about current pricing, especially if you are planning to buy in larger quantities.

Why People Travel for Captain Hatt's

The draw is freshness and connection to the source. Supermarket seafood has been caught, processed, packed, shipped, and stored—sometimes for days or weeks. At Captain Hatt's, you are buying from a dock where the boats unload. The shrimp may have been in the water that morning. That difference in freshness is noticeable in flavor and texture, and it is why people from South Carolina's coastal towns and inland areas make the drive to Calabash.

The market is also part of Calabash's identity as a fishing village. Visiting Captain Hatt's connects you to that working waterfront culture—the boats, the people who crew them, and the seafood economy that has sustained the town for decades. It is a place where you can see how seafood actually moves from ocean to table, rather than appearing pre-packaged on a shelf.

Planning Your Visit

Call ahead before you go. Ask what is in stock, what the prices are, and confirm the hours. If you are buying shrimp for a specific dish, ask about size and whether they are headed or headless—that affects how much you need to buy and how you will prepare them. If you want a large quantity, mention that when you call so they can set it aside.

Bring cash or a card, and wear shoes you do not mind getting wet—the dock area is active and slippery. If you are visiting from South Carolina, the drive from Myrtle Beach is about 30 minutes north on US 17. The market is worth the trip if you are serious about fresh seafood, but it is not a casual stop—it is a destination for people who know what they are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy shrimp in bulk for a party or event?

Yes. Call ahead and tell them how much you need and when you want to pick it up. They can set aside shrimp for you and may offer better pricing on larger orders. Confirm whether you want them headed or headless, as that affects the final weight and price.

What if I do not know how to cook whole fish?

The staff at Captain Hatt's can clean and fillet fish for you if you ask. They work with restaurants and know how to prepare seafood for cooking. Ask when you order, and they will do it while you wait or have it ready when you pick up.

Is Captain Hatt's open year-round?

The market operates year-round, but hours and availability change with the season and weather. Winter can bring closures due to rough seas or low catch. Call before you visit, especially in winter or during storms.

Do they ship or deliver?

Captain Hatt's primarily operates as a walk-up retail counter and wholesale supplier to local restaurants. They do not ship. You need to visit in person or arrange local pickup.

What is the difference between white shrimp and brown shrimp?

White shrimp are larger, sweeter, and more tender—they are prized for boiling or grilling. Brown shrimp are smaller, firmer, and have a slightly stronger flavor—they hold up well in dishes with sauce. Both are excellent; it depends on how you plan to cook them.