Scallop Season Florida | 4 Hour Scalloping Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Limitedtime scalloping adventure available July 1224 onlySnorkel crystalclear Gulf waters hunting for delectable scallopsSmall group experience with maximum 4 guests aboard
Get ready for Florida's most anticipated summer adventure! From July 12 to July 24, the Gulf of Mexico transforms into a treasure hunter's paradise where bay scallops are ripe for the picking. This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're talking about an underwater Easter egg hunt where you'll snorkel through crystal-clear waters searching for these sweet, succulent gems hiding in the grass beds. With JC Fishin Charters, you'll experience the best scalloping the Gulf has to offer, with our seasoned guides showing you exactly where these tasty critters love to hang out. Limited to just 4 guests, this top-rated adventure sells out fast during scallop season, so don't sleep on booking your spot.
Picture this: you're floating in gin-clear water, mask and snorkel on, scanning the sandy bottom and grass flats for the telltale fan-shaped shells that house Florida's most coveted summer delicacy. The water's typically 3-8 feet deep in our prime scalloping spots, making it perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. We'll anchor up in productive beds along the Nature Coast where scallops are thick, and you'll spend your time free-diving down to collect these beauties by hand. The water temperature in July hovers around a comfortable 84-86 degrees, so you'll want to wear a thin wetsuit or rash guard to prevent sunburn on your back. Our guides know these grass beds like the back of their hand – we're talking about areas that produce consistently year after year, from Homosassa to Crystal River and beyond. Each person gets a mesh bag to collect their limit, and trust me, you'll fill it up quick when you hit the right spots.
Scalloping is all about technique and knowing what to look for. These little guys are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the grass and sand bottom. The trick is to look for their bright blue eyes – seriously, they've got dozens of tiny blue peepers along the edge of their shell that give them away every time. When you spot one, dive down and grab it quickly because they can actually swim by clapping their shells together, shooting away in a zigzag pattern. We provide all the snorkeling gear you'll need, including masks, snorkels, and fins, but feel free to bring your own if you've got a setup you prefer. The key is moving slowly and methodically across the grass beds, checking under ledges and in the thicker grass where scallops love to hide. Our guides will show you the difference between a keeper and one that's too small – Florida law requires they measure at least 2 inches across, but most of what we find out there are nice, plump ones that'll make your mouth water just thinking about dinner.
Bay scallops are the crown jewel of Florida's summer seafood scene, and for good reason. These filter-feeders spend their time in shallow grass beds, pumping water through their shells and feeding on plankton and algae. What makes them so special isn't just their incredibly sweet, delicate meat – it's the fact that they're only available during this short two-week window each year. Unlike their deep-water cousins, bay scallops live fast and die young, with most only surviving about a year. They're surprisingly active little creatures, capable of swimming by rapidly opening and closing their shells, and those bright blue eyes aren't just for show – they can actually detect shadows and movement, which is why quick hands are essential when you're collecting them. The meat inside is pure white gold, tender and sweet with a texture that's firm but never chewy. Fresh scallops straight from these Gulf waters have a clean, briny flavor that's nothing like what you'll find in restaurants. Each scallop yields a marble-sized piece of adductor muscle that's absolutely perfect seared in butter with a little garlic, and you'll taste the difference immediately between these wild-caught beauties and anything you've had before.
Scallop season only comes once a year, and those 13 days fly by faster than a spooked scallop shooting across the grass bed. This world-class adventure combines the best of Florida's Gulf Coast with the satisfaction of harvesting your own dinner, making it a customer favorite that books solid every single season. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or someone who's never put on a mask before, our experienced guides will have you finding scallops like a pro. The memories you'll make floating in these pristine waters, the satisfaction of filling your bag with fresh scallops, and the incredible meal you'll enjoy that evening make this trip worth every penny. With only 4 spots available per charter, we keep things intimate and personal, ensuring everyone gets plenty of individual attention and leaves with their full limit. Don't let another scallop season slip by – grab your calendar, mark those dates from July 12-24, and book your 4-hour scalloping adventure with JC Fishin Charters today. Trust me, once you experience the rush of finding these hidden treasures in the Gulf's grass beds, you'll understand why this is Florida's most anticipated summer tradition.
Your scalloping adventure awaits aboard this dependable 18' Sterling Skiff from 2004. Powered by a solid 115HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 26 knots, this boat gets you to the prime scalloping grounds quickly and comfortably. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning over those grassy flats where the best scallops hide. With an icebox onboard, your fresh catch stays cold while you snorkel and hunt for more treasures. The fish finder helps locate productive bottom structure, and GPS keeps you on track to the hottest spots in the Gulf. Built for up to 4 guests, there's plenty of room to gear up, dive in, and sort your scallops without feeling cramped. This shallow-water setup is perfect for working the clear waters where these tasty mollusks love to hang out during the short season.
New Port Richey, FL