Scalloping Charter Steinhatchee Florida – 6 Hours
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour scalloping charter runs June 15 through September 1All gear provided with no experience required for guestsCaptain Jacob Watts guides families in shallow, clear waters
Captain Jacob Watts knows the Steinhatchee waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to share the best scalloping spots with you and your crew. This top-rated 6-hour charter runs during prime scalloping season from June 15 through September 1, giving you plenty of time to fill your bag with fresh bay scallops in some of Florida's clearest inshore waters. Whether you're a first-timer or a scalloping veteran, this family-friendly adventure lets you work at your own pace while exploring the productive grass flats that make Steinhatchee a customer favorite destination for scalloping enthusiasts.
You'll launch out of Steinhatchee and head to the shallow grass beds where bay scallops hang out during the summer months. The beauty of this 6-hour trip is that you're not rushed – Captain Jacob takes his time finding the best spots and makes sure everyone gets comfortable with the snorkeling and scalloping process. The water here stays crystal clear most days, with depths ranging from 3 to 8 feet, making it perfect for beginners and kids. You'll spend your morning and afternoon drifting over seagrass beds, scanning the bottom for those telltale shells that house some of the sweetest seafood Florida has to offer. The boat stays close by while you're in the water, so you can take breaks, hydrate, and share stories about your finds. Captain Jacob provides all the gear you need – masks, snorkels, fins, and mesh bags – so you just need to bring sunscreen, water, and your appetite for adventure.
Scalloping is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. You'll use basic snorkeling gear to cruise over the grass flats, looking for bay scallops nestled in the seagrass. These little guys have dozens of tiny blue eyes along their shell edges, and when they spot you coming, they'll clap their shells and try to jet away – that's your cue that you've found a keeper. Captain Jacob shows everyone the proper technique for spotting scallops, how to grab them quickly, and the regulations you need to follow. Florida law allows you to harvest scallops in depths up to 15 feet during the designated season, and you can keep up to 2 gallons of whole scallops per person per day. The mesh bags provided make it easy to collect your catch while you're swimming, and the captain helps with cleaning and icing your scallops at the end of the trip. The key is moving slowly and systematically across the grass beds – rushing around will just stir up the bottom and make it harder to spot the scallops.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and Steinhatchee's waters produce some of the best you'll find along Florida's Gulf Coast. These bivalves typically measure 3 to 4 inches across and live in shallow seagrass beds where they filter-feed on plankton and organic matter. During peak season from July through August, the scallop populations are at their highest, making it easier to find limits for your group. What makes bay scallops special is their incredibly sweet, tender meat – nothing like the larger sea scallops you find in restaurants. The adductor muscle is what you're after, about the size of a nickel, and it has a delicate flavor that's perfect for searing, frying, or adding to pasta dishes. Bay scallops are most active during the day when they're feeding, which is why these morning and afternoon trips are so productive. They prefer areas with good water circulation and healthy seagrass, exactly what you'll find in the waters around Steinhatchee. The best part about targeting bay scallops is that anyone can do it – no special skills required, just patience and a good eye for spotting those shells on the bottom.
This world-class scalloping experience fills up fast during the summer season, especially the longer 6-hour trips that give you the best chance at success. Captain Jacob's reputation for finding productive scalloping grounds and making sure families have a great time on the water has made this one of the most sought-after charters in Steinhatchee. The extended trip length means you'll have time to really learn the techniques, explore multiple scalloping areas, and come home with a cooler full of fresh scallops that'll make your neighbors jealous. With space for up to 4 guests, this charter is perfect for couples, small families, or a group of friends looking to try something different on the Gulf Coast. Don't wait until the last minute – the best dates book weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on this seasonal adventure that only happens a few months each year.
Captain Jacob's 22-foot Lowe center console is built for comfortable scalloping in Steinhatchee's shallow waters. The 2022 boat handles up to 4 guests with plenty of deck space for moving around while hunting scallops. Its Mercury 200HP gets you to the best scalloping grounds quickly, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly through the grass flats without spooking marine life. The GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the fish finder helps locate structure where scallops like to hang out. With radar for those summer afternoon squalls and a stable center console design, this boat gives you a solid platform for a full day on the water. Perfect for families looking to harvest their limit in Florida's crystal-clear coastal shallows.
Jacksonville