[2024] Scallop Season In Florida: Helpful Tips
[2024] Scallop Season In Florida: Tips for A Successful Season
Whether you’re a hardcore fisherperson, or just looking for a fun, family-friendly activity on a hot summer day, scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico is awesome fun.
What is Scalloping?
Scalloping is the term used for snorkeling on the surface of the water, looking for bay scallops in 4-7 feet of water. When you see the rim of iridescent eyes, peeking through the grass, the swimmer dives down, collects the scallop, and puts it into their collection bag. Once the limit has been met, the next step is cleaning, cooking, and eating the scallops!
The Scallop Treasure Hunt
Going scalloping is such a fun activity and I always say that it’s always about the hunt that makes it so much fun. You may find your place to anchor, among the countless dozens of other boats, thinking this is the spot, only to come up with 3 or 4 scallops. You pull anchor and find another spot, for 6 more.
But then, you find a spot that allows you to fill your mesh collection bag to the limit. Scallops are wild creatures, they can be anywhere and it’s fun to try and find them!
Florida Scallop Season
If you’re looking to get the first scallops of the Florida scallop season, June 15th is your date. It is important to follow the local fishing guidelines and have the proper license to go scalloping. Stiff fines await you if the FWC boards your vessel and you are not in compliance. Different areas of the Gulf Coast have different dates for seasons. Visit the FWC website for the important season and fishing license information.
Scalloping in Steinhatchee
Probably the most popular location for scalloping is in and near Steinhatchee, on the border of Dixie and Taylor Counties, about 2 1/2 hours north of Tampa Bay. The season opens first for this area of the Gulf Coast. Not only are there several marinas offering boat rentals, there are plenty of great places to eat and hang out. Steinhatchee is a popular place so book early!
Use this map to book your accommodations in Steinhatchee
Scalloping in Crystal River
Another great place for scalloping enthusiasts is Crystal River. Located about 90 minutes north of the Tampa Bay Area, this is a great option for a day trip! Seriously, get up early, drive to your scallop tour, enjoy the day, then drive back south. You’ll be exhausted, but it’s worth it!
Crystal River is famous for being the only place in Florida where you can swim with manatees. Manatee season is the opposite of scalloping season, although it’s not uncommon to see a manatee here and there during the summer months.
Scalloping in Pasco County
Recently, the Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation voted to extend the scallop season in Pasco County. This is great news for the locals and businesses, that service the fishing industry. Effective in 2024, the scallop season in Pasco County will run for 40 days from July 10 through August 18, annually.
This is another great reason to visit New Port Richey and enjoy this historic, river town, that has tons of wonderful shops, restaurants, and things to do! You won’t be disappointed.
What is a scallop?
Bay scallops are bivalves, which means, they have 2 shells connected with a hinge. They have a rim of iridescent blue eyes that help them detect danger and if necessary, they contract and relax the adductor muscle which causes the water to thrust through the shells and the scallop can move through the water. The meat is usually about the size of the last knuckle of your thumb, as opposed to much larger sea scallops.
Where are the Scallop Beds?
The scallops are typically found in the crystal clear water in the grass flats. This is an area just off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico and ranges from 4 to 8 feet of water. Scallops live in the grassy areas, often down towards the bottom, but can be found in any part of the grass.
You will need a boat, charter, or other tour to get you out to the flats. We are members of the Freedom Boat Club and will take a boat out during the week. Before we were members of the boat club, we would do a day rental from a local marina.
If you are visiting the area for a short time, your best option would be to hire a charter. I recommend Captain Experiences because they have a wide variety of vetted captains and boats that make this their living. By using this service, you will find people who are very knowledgeable about the area and take pride in their boats and services.
What Do I Need to Go Scalloping?
First, you will need a snorkel set: mask, snorkel, and fins. You will also need a mesh bag to put your scallops in, and a cooler with ice to put your scallops on when you’re done in the water. A blunt-edged knife is necessary for cleaning the scallops, and you’ll want a plastic bag to put the meat in, once cleaned.
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Best Gear for Scalloping and Snorkeling
Aside from the gear mentioned above, you will want to bring a cooler with cold drinks, snacks, and anything else you might need for a day on the water. Most scalloping locations could take 45 minutes or more to get to by boat. This is a full-day activity unless the weather cuts your day short. Don’t forget your diver-down flag!
Speaking Of The Weather…
The weather in Florida can turn very quickly. It’s very important to keep an eye on the radar, and the horizon. Watching the tide charts and wind apps will help keep you informed of the conditions around you.
The afternoon thunderstorms in Florida are no joke and need to be taken very seriously. If you are out on the water and a storm is brewing, please get your scallopers out of the water and seek shelter.
If you’re on a charter or with a tour operator, please adhere to all instructions given for your safety.
Is Scalloping A Kid-friendly Activity?
Absolutely! Scalloping is a great activity for all ages, but be sure participants have good swimming skills. Don’t forget your SPF and sun protection!
Also Read: 9 Tips to Avoid Sunburn At The Beach
What kind of license or permit do I need to go scalloping?
You will need a scalloper license to participate in this activity unless your charter boat captain provides this with their charter rate.
How Do I Catch a Scallop? Do They Bite?
Once you spot the scallop in the grass, dive down and grab it with your hand. Put it in your mesh collection bag. If you find scallops that are less than 1.5″, throw them back and let them grow a bit more. There’s not much meat in scallops, so please only keep the ones that are larger than 1.5″.
Scallops do not bite, but when they feel threatened, they will contract their adductor muscle to close the shells. You could get pinched. I prefer to wear diving gloves when I scallop.
How Many Scallops Can I Catch and Keep?
Typically, you can keep 1 or 2 gallons of whole scallops, however, the limits could vary based on the date and area you are scalloping.
How Do I Clean Scallops? What Do I Do With The Scallop Shells?
If you’re in Steinhatchee, there are plenty of roadside huts with folks that will clean your scallops for a fee. Just look for the signs, they are everywhere. If you are not into the cleaning part of the activity, then hire someone to do it for you.
If cleaning your scallops doesn’t bother you, it’s pretty easy to do, once you get set up and just DO IT! You take the blunt edge of a scallop knife and gently pry the shells apart. Discard the top shell, and remove the membranes from the bottom shell. Keep the meat attached to the bottom shell or you can remove the meat entirely. It all depends on how you plan to prepare your scallops to eat.
After you’ve cleaned your scallops, do not discard your shells in channels, canals, springs, marinas, or boat ramps. They cause a hazard to recreational users and could damage wildlife. Either clean and dispose of the scallop shells away from other scallopers in the Gulf of Mexico, or dispose of them in a trash can.
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Scallop?
The only time to scallop is during the designated seasons. Check the FWC website for this year’s season information.
Breakin’ It Down: Tips For A Successful Scallop Season In Florida
Catching Scallops is a great family activity that can be done safely with a bit of preparation. Book your rentals early and take plenty of water and snacks. Enjoy your day on the water and enjoy the hunt during the Florida scallop season!