Hudson, FL Scalloping Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Familyfriendly snorkeling and scalloping adventure in Hudson watersShorebased trip accommodates up to four guests comfortablyProfessional charter service provides relaxing aquatic exploration experience
Captain Travis Paxton's scalloping trip in Hudson, Florida brings families together for one of the Gulf Coast's most popular summer traditions. This top-rated charter takes you to the crystal-clear waters where bay scallops thrive, giving you and your crew the chance to snorkel, hunt, and collect these tasty shellfish while making memories that stick. With space for up to four guests, it's the perfect size for families or small groups looking to experience what locals have been doing for generations. The waters around Hudson offer some of the best scalloping grounds on Florida's Nature Coast, and Captain Travis knows exactly where to find them.
Your scalloping adventure starts early morning when the Gulf waters are calm and visibility is at its peak. Captain Travis will cruise you out to the shallow grass flats where scallops love to hide, typically in 3-8 feet of crystal-clear water. The beauty of scalloping is that it's active - you're not waiting for fish to bite, you're hunting for your dinner. Everyone gets in the water with mask and snorkel gear to search the sandy bottom and seagrass beds. Scallops have dozens of tiny blue eyes along their shell edges, and when they spot you coming, they'll clap their shells and jet away in a zigzag pattern that's pretty entertaining to watch. Kids absolutely love the chase, and adults get just as competitive trying to fill their mesh bags. The season runs from July through September, with peak action typically in August when scallop populations are at their highest.
Captain Travis provides all the essential gear you'll need - masks, snorkels, fins, and mesh collection bags. The technique is straightforward but takes a little practice to master. You'll drift over the grass flats, scanning the bottom for the telltale shells nestled in the sand or attached to seagrass. Legal scallops must measure at least 40mm across the widest part of the shell, and you're allowed 2 gallons of whole scallops per person or 1 pint of scallop meat. When you spot one, dive down and grab it quickly before it jets away - they're faster than most people expect. The key is moving slowly and quietly through the water so you don't spook them from a distance. Captain Travis will show first-timers the ropes and help spot productive areas where scallops tend to cluster.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and they're what make Hudson's waters famous during summer months. These bivalves are typically 1.5 to 2 inches across with beautiful fan-shaped shells in shades of brown, orange, and cream. They live in shallow seagrass beds where they filter-feed on plankton and algae. What makes them so fun to hunt is their unique escape mechanism - when threatened, they rapidly open and close their shells to propel themselves through the water in short bursts. Bay scallops are hermaphrodites, meaning each individual can produce both eggs and sperm, and they spawn throughout the summer months. The sweet, tender meat inside is considered a delicacy, with a flavor that's much more delicate than the larger sea scallops you find in restaurants. Fresh-caught scallops are best prepared simply - a quick sear in butter with garlic brings out their natural sweetness. Most guests are surprised by how much better they taste when harvested fresh from the Gulf compared to store-bought options.
Scalloping season is short and sweet, running only from July 1st through September 10th, so spots with Captain Travis fill up fast. This family-friendly adventure gives you the chance to harvest your own seafood while spending quality time on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast waters. The combination of snorkeling, hunting, and the satisfaction of catching your own dinner makes this trip a customer favorite year after year. Whether you're introducing kids to the underwater world or looking for a fun alternative to traditional fishing, scalloping delivers action and excitement for all skill levels. Book your Hudson scalloping trip now and join the ranks of families who make this an annual summer tradition.
This well-equipped motorboat is perfect for your Hudson scalloping adventure. Built for family comfort with room for up to 4 guests, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh while the fish finder helps locate the best scalloping spots along Florida's Nature Coast. Navigate confidently with the GPS system, and when you reach those shallow grass flats, the wireless trolling motor lets you glide silently without spooking marine life. Between scalloping dives, relax with the multimedia system while kids spot dolphins and manatees. The boat handles Hudson's coastal waters beautifully, whether you're cruising out to the scalloping grounds or anchoring up for snorkeling breaks. With all the essentials covered, you can focus on filling your limit and creating great family memories exploring these productive waters.
Clearwater