Over 400 shrimp boats of every shape, size, and description work out of and deliver their catches to Bayou la Batre. Assuming that at least two men work on each shrimp boal no less than 800 fishermen call Bayou La Batre their home port. In addition, several hundred smaller vessels operate in Mobile Bay harvesting shrimp, oysters, crabs, and mullet. At least 1,200 Bayou La Batre fishermen are employed on these two groups of vessels.

Commercial fishing vessels require a multitude of other gear and supplies in order to operate. Everything from chain, wire cable, floats and weights to lights, horns, life jackets, and flares are supplied by a dozen Bayou La Batre marine supply shops. Modern commercial fishing also demands the use of highly-sophisticated electronic equipment. Numerous marine electronics firms are located in Bayou La Batre to serve the fishing fleet.

Most vessels operating from Bayou La Batre are trawers which use nets and trawl boards. Approximately ten net and trawl board shops operate in the area. Many other local businesses interface with the Bayou La Batre seafood industry. Bankers, grocers, fuel suppliers, and utility operators all maintain local offices to serve the Bayou La Batre commercial seafood community.