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

If you’ve ever wondered what lives down those little mounds in the surf, it’s a critter called a ghost shrimp. They make for incredible surf bait, and between these and sand fleas, you shouldn't have to spend a penny on bait—if you can catch them. This design has been sold in tackle stores for decades, but it's easy enough to build several so the kids can get in on the action.

Materials Needed

PVC Pipe: 2' of 2" pipe and 2' of 3/4" pipe.
PVC Fittings: 2" endcap, 3/4" endcap, and 3/4" slip tee.
Hardware: 2" test plug, stainless 5/16" x 2" hex bolt, stainless 5/16" x 2" wing nut, and 1" stainless wood screws.
Tools: Drill with 1" spade bit and 5/16" bit, angle grinder (or drill press), and PVC glue.

Step 1: Prepare the Test Plug

Remove the existing zinc hardware from the test plug; it won't survive the salt. Replace it with your stainless hex bolt, threading it through the wider part of the plug.

Step 2: Grind the Plug to Fit

The test plug must slide inside the 2” pipe to create suction, so it needs to be ground down to match the internal diameter.

Pro Tip: Insert the bolt into the chuck of a drill press to spin it while holding an angle grinder against the edges for a perfectly uniform diameter. You can also use a bench grinder or a hand file.

Step 3: Handle & Piston Assembly

Drill a 5/16” hole in the 3/4” cap.
Assemble the piston: Thread the stainless bolt through the 3/4" cap, the smaller red piece, the black grommet, and finally the ground-down red piece. Secure it all with the stainless wing nut.
Glue the 3/4” pipe into this cap. Drive a stainless screw through the side for extra security.

Step 4: The Main Housing

Using a 1” spade bit, drill a hole in the 2” endcap.
Glue the 2” cap onto the 2” pipe and secure it with two stainless screws.

Step 5: Final Assembly

Slide the 3/4” pipe (piston end first) through the 2” pipe and out through the 1” hole in the 2” cap.
Glue the 3/4” tee onto the top of the 3/4" pipe to act as your handle. Drive a screw through to hold it tight.
Add a Stopper: Drive a final screw into the 3/4" pipe just below the tee. This prevents the handle from traveling too far down and potentially damaging the internal assembly.

How To Use It

Catching ghost shrimp is all about the suction:

Tune the Suction: Adjust the wing nut to compress the rubber grommet until it slides firmly but smoothly.
The Technique: Place the 2" tube over a shrimp mound, pull the tee handle up quickly to suck up the sand, and then push the contents out into the shallow surf.
The Catch: Grab the shrimp quickly before they burrow back into the sand!

Wrapping Up

This pump is a time-tested design that turns a trip to the beach into a bait-gathering mission. It’s durable, rust-proof, and significantly cheaper than buying multiple units at a tackle shop.