Book Your Scalloping Trip Today

Book Your Trip

Scalloping season will soon open in Pasco County for the first time in many years. This year, the season will run from July 20^th – 29^th, 2018. The daily bag limit consists of 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. There is a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or 1/2-gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.

Before you head out to look for these delicious delicates, you need to know where to find them, what they look like, and what you will need. Bay scallops live in shallow waters, generally between 4 – 9 feet of water. Normally you will find them nestled in the grass flats. Scallop shells are approximately 3 inches in width and the shell colors can be a sand color to a darker brown, which helps blend in with the gulf floor, a green tint which help them blend with the grass flats, to the lucky orange color. Scallops can also be identified by their blue eyes, that can be seen when the shells are open. Scallops swim by opening and closing their shells rapidly, which can sometimes make it challenging to catch them, which makes scalloping all the more fun.

Before you head out to the gulf to scallop, you need to make sure you have the proper equipment. The best way to locate scallops is to snorkel around an area of eel grass. Many people describe scalloping as an adult Easter Egg hunt! It is a lot of fun for the whole family. Since you will be snorkeling, you will need a dive flag to place on your boat to let others around know you’re in the water, a mask, snorkel, preferably fins (helps to swim against the tides), a mesh bag to collect the scallops in, and of course plenty of sun screen and water to stay hydrated.

In the end, scalloping can be a wonderful time for everyone. Not only is it a wonderful way to spend some quality family time together, it is also an effective way to get a workout in that you will enjoy doing. And, once you are home you will have plenty of scallops for a great meal. Book your trip ASAP time slots filling up quick and remember scalloping is only for 10 days in Pasco County

-Captain Mike Rabon & Captain Jimmy Bitzas

Nature Coast Inshore Charters & Jimmy’s Fishing Charters

www.naturecoastinshorecharters.com & www.jimmysfishingcharters.com

727-809-1599 & (813) 803-2085 for any questions.