Sweet Grown Alabama Blogs

For the family behind Miss Caylee Seafood, shrimping is more than just a business. It’s a way of life characterized by hard work, family tradition and a commitment to bringing the freshest catch from the Gulf to their neighbors.

David Bryan began working on a shrimp boat at the age of 14, and ever since, he has embraced the daily routine of catching fresh shrimp. He purchased his first shrimp boat in 1981 and launched his own shrimping company. 

David and his wife, Debbie, have been married for 41 years, and she quickly adapted to the shrimping lifestyle. Together, they built a family and a thriving shrimping business, creating strong ties within the Mobile area. 

Family is extremely important to the Bryans, which is why their most recent boat, purchased in 1998, was named after their granddaughter, Caylee. Thus, Miss Caylee Seafood was born.

Each day, David sets out on the Miss Caylee, typically leaving around 3:00 a.m. and returning anywhere between noon and 5:00 p.m., depending on the catch. The shrimping business can be unpredictable. Some days, he might return with as little as 19 pounds of shrimp, while other days, he can catch thousands of pounds in a single day’s work. 

Regardless of the catch, Debbie plays a crucial role in the business. She explains their efficient system simply: “He catches, I sell. It’s a great system.” 

This approach seems to be working well. The Bryans enjoy a steady stream of customers who call or text to place their orders. With many returning regulars, they quickly weigh, separate and pack the fresh shrimp, leaving plenty of time to interact with customers and catch up with community members, who often have new stories to share during their visits.

The Bryan family wants customers to remember one important thing about their shrimp: "These shrimp are fresh, top quality and hand-picked daily." 

Miss Caylee Seafood is a family business dedicated to providing the best product possible. If you find yourself in or near Mobile, it's definitely worth taking a small detour to visit the Bryans and bring home some fresh Gulf shrimp.