Half Day Scalloping Adventure with Capt. Duane
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4-hour morning scalloping adventure for up to 4 guestsSnorkel in shallow, crystal-clear waters searching for scallopsSeasonal availability July through September, all ages welcome
Looking for something different on Florida's waters? Capt. Duane Tibbetts offers a top-rated scalloping experience that gets you in the water instead of just casting from the boat. This 4-hour morning trip kicks off at 8 AM sharp, putting you right in the sweet spot before the afternoon heat cranks up. Running from July through late September, this seasonal adventure gives you and up to three friends the chance to snorkel crystal-clear shallows while hunting for Florida's tastiest treasure. At $450 for your group, you're getting guided access to prime scalloping grounds plus all the local knowledge that comes with years on these waters.
This isn't your typical fishing charter - you'll be getting wet and getting after it in waist-deep waters where bay scallops love to hang out. The morning start time isn't just about comfort, though that Florida sun can be brutal by noon. Scallops are most active in cooler water, and visibility is usually at its peak in the early hours. Capt. Duane knows the grass flats like the back of his hand, positioning you over productive beds where these little guys cluster up. The whole vibe is relaxed but focused - perfect for families or anyone who can handle basic swimming and wants to try something new. You'll spend most of your time snorkeling in 3 to 8 feet of water, so it's not intimidating for beginners but still rewarding for experienced snorkelers.
Scalloping is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it, but there's definitely technique involved. You'll need a mask, snorkel, and fins - most guides provide these, but double-check when you book. A mesh bag is essential for collecting your catch, and you'll want something that won't tear when you're moving through grass beds. The actual harvesting is all about spotting those telltale shells nestled in the seagrass. Scallops have dozens of tiny blue eyes along their shell edges, and when they sense movement, they'll clap shut and try to jet away. Quick hands are your friend here - grab them fast before they disappear into the grass. Florida law requires you to separate the meat on-site and return shells to the water, so bring a small cooler with ice for your haul.
Bay scallops in Florida waters are seasonal gold, and there's good reason why this fishery only runs a few months each year. These bivalves spawn in late spring and grow rapidly through summer, reaching perfect eating size by July. What makes them special isn't just the sweet, tender meat - it's the challenge of finding them. Scallops are masters of camouflage, blending into grass beds and sandy bottoms until you're right on top of them. They're surprisingly quick too, using jet propulsion to rocket away when threatened. The daily bag limit is generous at 2 gallons of whole scallops per person, but don't expect to limit out every trip. A good day might yield a gallon per person, which translates to plenty of fresh scallop dinners. The meat is incredible - sweet and delicate, perfect for everything from simple sautéing to fancy seafood pasta. Size varies, but Florida bay scallops typically run 2-3 inches across, with the larger ones offering the best meat-to-shell ratio.
Scalloping season is short and sweet in Florida, running roughly 12 weeks before these waters close to harvest again. Capt. Duane's morning trips book up fast, especially on weekends and during peak summer vacation weeks. The 4-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures everyone gets plenty of water time without feeling crowded. This is one of those experiences that hits different than regular fishing - you're actively hunting underwater, using your eyes and quick reflexes instead of waiting for something to bite. Plus, you're pretty much guaranteed to take home dinner if you put in the effort. The $450 price point covers your whole group, making it a solid value for a unique morning adventure. Whether you're looking to try something new or introduce the family to Florida's underwater bounty, this trip delivers both excitement and excellent table fare.
Our 24-foot Carolina Skiff from 2004 is your ticket to Florida's prime scalloping waters. This reliable flats boat handles shallow bays with ease, powered by a dependable 115HP Mercury engine that gets you to the best spots quickly. The GPS keeps us on course while the fish finder helps locate productive areas where scallops gather. Built for up to 6 anglers but configured for your intimate group of 4, there's plenty of deck space to gear up for snorkeling and sort your catch. The shallow draft design lets us access those crystal-clear flats where scallops hide, and the stable platform makes it easy to hop in and out of the water. Perfect for families and first-timers who want to experience Florida's seasonal scalloping without the crowds of larger charter boats.
Homosassa