Steinhatchee Scalloping Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private scalloping charter accommodates up to four guestsMorning and afternoon departures available at 8am and 1pmAll equipment and fishing licenses included with captain
John's Guide Service offers something special on the Nature Coast – a 4-hour private scalloping charter that gets you into the clear Gulf waters around Steinhatchee during the heart of scallop season. This top-rated trip runs morning or afternoon, starting at 8am or 1pm, and accommodates up to four guests on a spacious 22-foot Express flats boat. Captain John covers your fishing license and provides all the gear you'll need, so you can focus on having a blast on the water. It's become a customer favorite for families and small groups who want to experience the unique combination of snorkeling and harvesting fresh scallops at their own pace.
Your captain will run you out to the best scalloping grounds near Steinhatchee, where the water stays clear and shallow – perfect for spotting these tasty mollusks on the grass flats. The 22-foot Express flats boat is ideal for this kind of work, with its shallow draft letting you access areas where scallops love to hang out. You'll anchor up over productive beds and spend your time snorkeling through the grass, collecting scallops by hand. The water temperature during scallop season stays comfortable, and the visibility is usually excellent. Your captain knows exactly where to find the best concentrations of scallops and will move you around to different spots throughout the trip to maximize your harvest. The relaxed pace means everyone gets plenty of time in the water, whether you're an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the first time.
All your scalloping equipment comes included – mask, snorkel, fins, and collection bags. The technique is straightforward: you'll free-dive down to the grass beds where scallops sit partially buried or resting on the bottom. Look for their distinctive shells with the wavy edges, and you'll quickly develop an eye for spotting them. Your captain will show you how to properly harvest scallops by hand and explain the size and bag limits to keep you legal. The shallow water around Steinhatchee makes this accessible for most fitness levels, with depths typically ranging from 3 to 8 feet over the productive beds. Between scalloping spots, you might even wet a line for some of the area's excellent inshore species like sea trout and redfish that cruise these same grass flats.
While scalloping is the main event, the waters around Steinhatchee hold some fantastic fishing opportunities. Sea Trout are abundant throughout the summer months, holding over the same grass beds where you'll be scalloping. These spotted beauties average 14-20 inches and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day and love to ambush baitfish around the grass edges. What makes them special here is the clear water – you can often see them cruising before you cast.
Redfish patrol these flats year-round and are always a thrill to encounter while you're in the water. These copper-colored bruisers can range from slot-sized fish around 20-27 inches up to oversized bulls that'll make your heart race. They're notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. Summer finds them in slightly deeper water near the grass beds, often feeding in small schools. The sight of a red's broad back and that distinctive black spot cruising through clear water never gets old.
Spanish Mackerel show up in good numbers during the warmer months, especially around structure and bait schools. These speedsters are perfect for light tackle action, averaging 12-16 inches with occasional larger fish mixed in. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit fast-retrieved lures or live bait. What anglers love about Spanish mackerel is their acrobatic fights – they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag system.
Southern Flounder are the ambush predators of these grass flats, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for prey to swim by. They're most active during moving water and low-light periods. These flatfish can be tricky to locate, but once you find them, they're excellent table fare. Summer flounder in this area typically run 14-18 inches, with some reaching into the 20+ inch range. They're prized for their mild, flaky meat and provide a different kind of challenge – more about finesse and patience than pure power.
This world-class scalloping experience fills up fast during the peak summer season, so don't wait to secure your dates. The combination of productive waters, expert local knowledge, and comfortable boat makes this trip a standout choice for anyone wanting to experience Florida's Nature Coast. Whether you're introducing kids to snorkeling or looking for a fun group activity that delivers fresh seafood for dinner, John's Guide Service has you covered. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of water time without feeling rushed, and the flexible morning or afternoon scheduling works with most vacation plans. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates are locked in before booking. Give Captain John a call to check availability and get ready for some of the best scalloping the Big Bend has to offer.
Your scalloping adventure runs on a well-built 22-foot Express flats boat that's perfect for Steinhatchee's inshore waters. The 150hp Yamaha gets you to the scallop beds quickly and reliably, while the shallow-draft design lets you access those prime spots where others can't reach. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to move around, handle your gear, and sort through your scallop haul without feeling cramped. The open layout makes it easy to get in and out of the water, and you'll appreciate the stable platform when you're snorkeling or just enjoying the clear Gulf waters. This boat handles the local conditions well and gives you a comfortable ride whether you're heading out in the morning or afternoon session.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of shallow water fishing around here. These copper-colored beauties average 20-35 inches and put up a serious fight once hooked. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and creek mouths - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They feed year-round but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they school up heavy. What guests love most is sight fishing - watching that red back cruise the shallows before the strike. They're built like bulldogs and will test your drag for sure. Great eating too, with firm white meat that grills perfectly. Here's the trick: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait sit still. They spook easy but curiosity usually wins out.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are some of the most reliable fish you'll find in these waters. They typically run 14-24 inches and weigh 1-5 pounds, though we've seen some real bruisers pushing bigger numbers. You'll find them cruising grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and drop-offs. They love structure but stay mobile, following baitfish through the shallows. Spring through fall gives you the best action, with early morning and evening being prime time. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats that surface explosion. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - spook one and the whole school vanishes.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, though we catch some doormat-sized ones pushing 25+ inches that really get people excited. They stick to sandy bottoms in 3-15 feet of water, especially around creek mouths and structure where current brings food. Fall migration offers the best shot at bigger fish as they head offshore for winter. What makes them unique is their flat body and both eyes on one side - always gets kids fascinated. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, white meat. The fight isn't much, but finding them is the real challenge. Pro tip: drift with live mud minnows or shrimp on a Carolina rig, bumping bottom slowly. Feel for that subtle tap - they don't slam baits like other fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up in good numbers during warmer months. These silver bullets typically measure 12-20 inches and rarely sit still, traveling in schools that can stretch for miles. You'll find them in 10-30 feet of water around structure, but they're always on the move chasing baitfish. Summer brings the best action when water temps climb and bait gets active. Guests enjoy the fast-paced fishing - when you find a school, it's often non-stop action until they move on. They hit hard and make blazing runs that'll test light tackle. Plus they're excellent eating with mild, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Key tip: when trolling small spoons or jigs, keep your speed up around 4-6 mph. These fish are built for speed and slow presentations just don't trigger strikes.
Steinhatchee, FL