Haven't heard of the noodle and mesh trick to catch grass shrimp, but it sure sounds like a winner. Years ago I used a long handle dip net with fine mesh and would just go up under floating grass and bring in a net full. If the shrimp are there it will be evident. Sort of messy though keeping the grass and mess out of the boat.

I fished the lower Choctawhatchee River 2 days ago and today. Launched out of Black Creek. First day, 14 crappie, all 10 inches up to 14 1/2. Today 26, about 8 inches up to 14 inches. All caught on minnows. The first day we released at least a dozen or more that were between 8 and 10 inches. I forgot FL and TX regs are different. Texas the min size is 10 inches. I spent November in Texas fishing. Caught a ton of shellcrackers but no crappie.