Andrew Pace
Scalloping is a popular activity in Florida, where scallops can be found along the western coast in seagrass beds. While most people scallop from a boat, it is possible to go scalloping without one. If you're looking for places to scallop without a charter, you can try Cape San Blas, Port. St. Joe, and Steinhatchee, or rent a kayak in Holiday and New Port Richey. However, keep in mind that certain areas, such as Tampa, may have restrictions on scalloping. Additionally, make sure to check the open seasons, regulations, and license requirements before heading out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Florida, specifically the waters off the coast of Tampa, Pasco County, Crystal River, Homosassa, Holiday, New Port Richey, Cape San Blas, Port. St. Joe, Steinhatchee, Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County, and St. Vincent Island in Franklin County |
| Season | Scallop season varies by location, but generally occurs during the summer months. For example, in Pasco County, the season is from July 1st to August 6th, while in another region, it is from August 16th to September 24th. |
| Equipment | Mask, snorkel, fins, mesh bag, gloves, sunscreen, hat, wetsuit, sun suit or shirt, and boating safety equipment such as life jackets, throwable flotation devices, whistles or air horns, and visual distress signals. |
| Transportation | Boat, kayak, paddleboard, or shore diving if the destination is close to the shore. |
| Regulations | A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to harvest bay scallops, except when fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) with a valid charter license or when scalloping on a chartered trip. Daily bag limit: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person; maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2 gallon of bay scallop meat (4 pints) per vessel. |
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What You'll Learn
Scalloping in Florida: rules and regulations
Scalloping is a seasonal fishing activity along Florida's coast. It is important to always check local guidelines and regulations before planning your scalloping trip. Here are some rules and regulations to keep in mind when scalloping in Florida:
Equipment
When scalloping, you will need the right equipment. Most people scallop from a boat using a mask, snorkel, fins, and a mesh bag to store their catch. A cooler with plenty of ice is also necessary to keep your scallops cool and safe to eat. You will also need to display your dive flag correctly and have the standard boating safety equipment, including life jackets for each person, a throwable flotation device, and a sound-producing device such as a whistle or air horn.
Fishing License
You will need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless you are exempt. Exemptions include fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) with a valid charter license. If you hire a local fishing guide who is a licensed captain in Florida, your fishing license is covered during your trip.
Harvesting
Scallops can only be harvested by hand or using a landing or dip net. Commercial harvest is prohibited. You can locate scallops by their shape or rows of electric blue eyes, usually in waters from four to eight feet deep. They are easiest to see in areas where the sandy bottom and the sea grasses join. Once you find a scallop, move quickly as they can swim away!
Closed Areas
It is important to be aware of closed harvest areas. While it is legal to transit through closed areas with legally harvested bay scallops on board, you may not stop and fish for other species within a closed area. The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black's Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area, and no scalloping or anchoring is allowed there.
Bag Limits
Bag limits for scalloping can vary from one area to another, and there is no minimum or maximum size for scallops. However, it is recommended to toss back scallops smaller than two inches across to allow them to reproduce and replenish the local scallop population.
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Scalloping gear and equipment
Scalloping is an underwater game of hide-and-seek that involves laughter and getting soaked, searching for tasty mollusks with rows of bewitching blue eyes. It is a beloved tradition on Florida's Gulf Coast during summertime.
If you plan to go scalloping, you will need the right gear and equipment to make your hunt efficient and safe. Here is a list of recommended gear for your scalloping adventures:
- Mask, snorkel and fins: Most folks scallop from a boat, so you will need these items to help you see and swim underwater.
- Anchor and dive flag: When you find a good spot, you will need to anchor your boat and display a dive flag before jumping into the water.
- Collection bag: A mesh bag to put your scallops in while you are underwater is useful. You can also use a small dip net to help you gather the scallops.
- Gloves: Scallops can sometimes close their shells on your fingers, which can be a bit painful. Some people prefer to wear gloves to protect their fingers.
- Boating safety equipment: If you are using a boat, make sure to have life jackets for everyone aboard, a throwable flotation device, a whistle or air horn, and visual distress signals like flares.
- Cooler: Bring a cooler with plenty of ice to keep your scallops fresh and safe to eat after your hunt.
- Fishing license: Check if you need a fishing license for the area you plan to scallop in. For example, you will need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops in Florida, except when saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license.
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Where to scallop near Tampa without a charter
Scalloping is a popular activity in Florida, and while most people opt for a boat, it is possible to scallop without one. If you are looking to go scalloping near Tampa without a charter, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, scalloping season varies by location, so be sure to check the dates for your chosen spot. Secondly, you will need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless you are exempt, for example, if you are saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license.
In terms of specific locations near Tampa, there are a few options. Pasco County is the closest county to Tampa that permits scalloping, and it is only a 40-minute drive from downtown Tampa. The Florida Bay Scallop can be found in the shallow seagrass beds in this area, which are common in Pasco County. Another option is Holiday and New Port Richey, where you can rent a kayak cheaply and head to Anclote. However, some locals say that this spot is "hit or miss".
If you are willing to travel a little further, Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Steinhatchee are shore-based locations where you can scallop without a boat. These spots are known for their abundant seagrass beds and shallow, clear water, making them ideal for scalloping. Additionally, Homosassa is known for its legendary scalloping, but a boat is highly recommended for this location.
When scalloping, remember to bring the proper equipment, including a mask, snorkel, mesh bag, and optional gloves and swim fins. A bucket or container is also necessary to measure your catch, and don't forget to bring a cooler with plenty of ice to keep your scallops fresh.
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Scalloping seasons and zones
In Maine, there are two scallop seasons: the in-shore state water fishery and the federal Gulf of Maine season. The in-shore season typically runs from early December through March, while the federal season usually runs during the month of April. The daily catch limits vary from zone to zone, and the season is closed on a zone-by-zone basis based on scientific survey results.
It is important to note that some areas within these zones may be closed to scalloping to allow scallop populations to recover. These areas are typically marked as "study areas" or "restoration areas" and direct harvesting is prohibited. However, it is usually permitted to transit through these closed areas with legally harvested scallops on board, as long as you do not stop or fish for other species.
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How to locate scallops
Scalloping is a beloved tradition on Florida's Gulf Coast. The scalloping season varies by location, but generally, it is legal to gather scallops north of the Pasco-Hernando (Aripeka) county line to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County.
To locate scallops, you'll need a mask, snorkel, fins, and a mesh bag. You'll normally find bay scallops camouflaged among thick eel and turtle seagrass beds, usually in water from four to eight feet deep. They're easiest to spot where the sandy bottom and the sea grasses join. You can identify them by their shape or their rows of electric blue eyes. Once you've spotted a scallop, move quickly, as they can swim away by squeezing their shells together to generate thrust.
If you don't want to use a boat, you can try scalloping in Cape San Blas, Port. St. Joe, and Steinhatchee. You can also rent a kayak in Holiday and New Port Richey and paddle out to the grass flats to look for scallops. If you go out on a boat, remember to display a dive flag to alert nearby boaters that you're in the water.
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Frequently asked questions
Cape San Blas, Port. St. Joe, and Steinhatchee are places where you can get scallops from the shore. You can also rent a kayak in Holiday and New Port Richey to get scallops near Anclote.
You will need a mask, snorkel, fins, a mesh bag and/or a dip net to harvest scallops, plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and a wetsuit if you tend to get cold.
Yes, you will need a Florida recreational saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless you are scalloping on a chartered trip or from a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license.
Scalloping seasons vary by location. For example, scalloping in Pasco County, Florida, is from July 1st through August 6th, while in the region from Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County, it is from August 16th to September 24th.
