Crystal River Scalloping Trip with Jimmy G Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Guided 48 hour scalloping adventure in Crystal River's clear watersAll gear provided with expert captain instruction for beginnersSmall group charter for up to 6 guests in productive grass beds
Crystal River's famous scallop beds are calling your name, and Jimmy G Charters has the perfect setup to get you out there collecting these tasty gems. This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're talking about a hands-on harvest adventure where you'll be diving into some of the clearest water on Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether you're planning a family outing or looking for something different from the usual rod-and-reel action, this scalloping trip delivers a unique inshore experience that keeps folks coming back year after year.
Captain Jimmy runs a tight ship when it comes to scalloping, and that means you're getting 4 to 8 hours in prime grass bed territory where these little beauties love to hang out. We're talking shallow water operations here – typically 3 to 8 feet deep – where visibility is outstanding and the scallops are plentiful during peak season. The boat holds up to 6 guests comfortably, so you've got plenty of room to spread out your gear and move around without bumping elbows. Jimmy provides all the scalloping equipment you'll need, including masks, snorkels, and mesh bags, but you'll want to bring your own swimwear, snacks, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen. The captain knows these grass flats like the back of his hand, and he'll position you over the most productive beds while keeping an eye on conditions to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable in the water.
Scalloping is all about working the shallow grass beds where bay scallops filter feed and camouflage themselves among the turtle grass and manatee grass. You'll be snorkeling in crystal-clear spring-fed water that maintains consistent visibility throughout the day. The technique is straightforward – swim slowly over the grass beds, scanning for the telltale shells and bright blue eyes that give scallops away. When you spot one, simply dive down and grab it, checking that it meets the legal size requirements before tossing it in your mesh bag. Captain Jimmy will show first-timers exactly what to look for and how to distinguish legal keepers from undersized scallops that need to go back. The grass beds here are extensive, and you'll cover different areas throughout the trip to maximize your harvest while giving everyone plenty of bottom time to perfect their technique.
Bay scallops in Crystal River are seasonal treasures that show up in the shallow grass beds from July through September, with peak numbers typically hitting in August. These bivalves are fascinating creatures – they're actually mobile and can swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells, propelling themselves through the water column. What really catches your eye underwater are their bright blue eyes, sometimes dozens of them along the shell edge, which they use to detect shadows and movement. A good-sized bay scallop will measure about 3 to 4 inches across, and Florida regulations require a minimum size of 2 inches. The meat inside is that sweet, tender muscle that scallop lovers crave, and there's nothing quite like the taste of scallops you've harvested yourself just hours before hitting the dinner table. These filter feeders prefer the nutrient-rich waters around Crystal River's spring systems, and the consistent water temperature and quality here create ideal conditions for healthy scallop populations year after year.
Scallop season waits for no one, and the best dates fill up fast with Jimmy G Charters. This top-rated Crystal River experience gives you everything you need for a successful day on the water – expert local knowledge, quality equipment, and access to the most productive scalloping grounds in the area. Whether you're a first-timer looking to try something new or a seasoned scalloper who wants to work with a captain who knows where to find them, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of clear water, abundant grass beds, and Jimmy's years of experience guiding these waters makes for a winning formula that keeps guests coming back season after season. Don't wait until the last minute – secure your date now and get ready for a day of underwater treasure hunting that's unlike anything else on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Jump aboard this nimble 22' center console, perfectly rigged for Crystal River's scalloping grounds. Powered by a reliable 150HP Mercury outboard, she'll cruise you comfortably at 20 knots to the best grass flats where scallops are hiding. The spacious layout gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to gear up and move around between scalloping spots. GPS keeps us on track to productive areas while the fish finder helps locate the underwater structure scallops love. Built for Florida's inshore waters, this boat handles the shallow grass beds with ease, getting you right where the action is. The open deck design makes it simple to hop in and out of the water as you search the clear Gulf shallows for your limit of fresh scallops.
Crystal River, FL