DIY: Build a Pump to Summon Ghost Shrimp to the Surface Fast!

If you’ve ever wondered what lived down those little mounds in the surf, its a little critter called a ghost shrimp. Fortuitously, they also make for great bait in the surf, right by the shore (between ghost shrimp and sand fleas, you shouldn’t have to spend a penny on bait…if you can catch them.

For as long as I can remember, the design below has been sold at all the local tackle stores, but if you are like me, you might want to just build a few so all the kids can get in on the action. I didn’t make up this design, but it has stood the test of time.

How To Build It

Materials Needed

• 2″ PVC Endcap
• 3/4″ PVC Endcap
• 2″ PVC Pipe (2’)
• 3/4″ PVC Pipe (2’)
• 3/4″ PVC Slip Tee
• 2″ Test Plug
• Stainless5/16″ x 2″ Hex Bolt
• Stainless 5/16″ x 2″ Wing Nut
• Stainless Wood Screws ~1″

Step 1: Replace Test Plug Hardware

Remove the existing zinc hardware from the test plug (as it will not stand up to the salt) and thread in a stainless bolt to the wider part of the plug.

Step 2: Grind Test Plug To Fit Pump

The test plug has to slide in the 2” pipe to create suction do you need to grind it to the diameter of the pipe.

I do this by inserting the bolt into the chuck of my drill press and running my angle grinder on the edges. You can also use a bench grinder or file (if you have the time).

Step 3: Drill 5/16” Hole in 3/4” Cap

Drill a hole in the 3/4” cap.

Step 4: Attach 3/4” Pipe to Test Plug

Thread the stainless bolt through the cap, smaller red piece, black grommet and the newly ground red piece. Tighten with the stainless wing nut.

Step 5: Drill 1” Hole in 2” Cap

Using a 1” spade bit, drill a hole in the 2” end cap.

Step 6: Attach Test Plug to 3/4” Pipe

Glue the 3/4” pipe to the end cap attached to the test plug and screw a stainless screw through the attachment point to ensure it stays tight.

Step 6: Attach 2” Cap to 2” Pipe

Glue the 2” cap to the 2” pipe and add two screw to ensure it stays tight.

Step 7: Attach 3/4” Tee for Pump Handle

Push the 3/4” pipe through the 2” pipe and put the 1” hole you drilled in the 2” cap. Glue on the 3/4” tee and drive a screw through to hold it tight.

Step 8: Add Stopper Screw

Drive another screw through the pipe below the tee to prevent the handle from traveling out the bottom of the pipe.

How To Use It

Using the pump is fairly simple:

1. Dial in the suction by adjusting the butterfly nut
2. Place the end of the 2″ tube over a shrimp mound
3. Pull the tee up to suck up the sand
4. Push it out the sand into the surf
5. Grab the shrimp before it gets away!