Clap your shells together, it’s scallop season!
It’s never too hot for fishing. But just in case you’re feeling a bit heated on the boat these days, your friendly Tampa Bay fishing charter also has a refreshing, delicious summer alternative—and that’s getting in the water to net fabulous bay scallops!
This time of year, I offer scallop runs out of Crystal River, a clear, clean inshore spot that’s popular for all kinds of water activities and adventures.
So grab your swimsuit and come aboard. Here’s what you should know about scalloping this season with Unreel Fishing Charters.
What are bay scallops?
While you may be more familiar with the large sea scallops usually served in restaurants (or the slightly smaller Patagonian scallops from the arctic waters off Argentina), here we fish for our own petite delicacies: bay scallops.
These bivalves grow to about three inches in shell size and rarely live longer than 18 months. We hunt them specifically for their adductor muscles, which in bay scallops are about half an inch in diameter.
In the Crystal River area, bay scallop season runs July 1 through Sept. 24, and we can bag two gallons of whole scallops per person (max 10 gallons per boat).
Where do Gulf Coast charters go scalloping?
There are lots of places along Florida’s Gulf Coast to catch scallops. These bivalves hang out in shallow waters, especially in grass flats of eel grass and turtle grass.
I like scallop runs in Crystal River for a lot of reasons—most of all, the water is clear, the inshore conditions are smooth, and the scallops are plentiful. And if you’re going to fish for a species that requires you to actually go swimming, than you might as well swim in a beautiful place!
How does scallop fishing work?
Scalloping is both primal and a throwback to childhood swim time trying to get your hands on things in the water.
What you need to catch scallops: A mask and snorkel, plus a mesh “scallop bag” to hold your catch. Fins are also pretty great for easier maneuverability in the water, and a small net can help you catch these creatures, which can actually swim quick like bunnies if they see you coming. Sometimes mesh gloves are handy (literally) for protecting your fingers from barnacles and other sharp objects while you’re feeling around in the grass and sand.
We also recommend a dive flag to signal to other boats that there are people in (and sometimes under) the water.
Of course, when you do your scalloping with a professional fishing charter, I provide you with all of the required equipment. You just need to bring your swimsuit and a sense of fun and adventure!
The bottom line on scalloping with Unreel
Scalloping is one of the coolest alternatives to rod-and-reel fishing—especially for kids of all ages, who absolutely love it. And in the summer, when you want to jump in the water anyway, scalloping is a fantastic way to spice up your swim time and catch a delicious dinner to boot!
So book your scalloping trip today with Unreel Fishing Charter, Tampa Bay. We’re excited to see you!
Deckard & Company