Steinhatchee Scalloping and Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eight-hour private charter combines fishing and scalloping adventuresCaptain Jacob provides all scalloping gear for up to four guestsSummer season runs June 15 through September 1 annually
Captain Jacob Watts knows how to make the most of Steinhatchee's prime summer season with this top-rated combination trip that gives you the best of both worlds. You'll spend 8 hours experiencing what makes this Nature Coast destination a customer favorite – starting with some serious fishing action in the morning, then switching gears to hunt for bay scallops in crystal-clear shallows. This isn't your typical fishing charter, and that's exactly why anglers and families keep booking with Knockin Bottom Fishing Charters year after year.
Your day kicks off at 7 a.m. sharp when Captain Jacob fires up the engines and heads out to his proven fishing spots around Steinhatchee. The first half of your trip focuses on targeting the local species that call these waters home – we're talking about fish that know how to put up a fight and taste even better on the dinner table. The captain's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to find them, whether they're holding near structure or cruising the grass flats. Around midday, you'll make the switch to scalloping mode, heading into the shallow, gin-clear waters where bay scallops are just waiting to be collected. Don't worry if you've never done this before – Captain Jacob provides all the scalloping gear and knows how to get everyone in your group comfortable in the water, regardless of age or experience level. The whole experience accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably, with room for 6 if your crew wants to bring along extra family members.
Captain Jacob runs a well-equipped boat that's set up for both sides of this charter perfectly. For the fishing portion, you'll be using quality rods and reels matched to whatever species are biting that day – sometimes that means lighter tackle for speckled trout over the grass beds, other times it's heavier gear if the redfish are schooled up thick. The captain knows when to drift, when to anchor, and when to move spots to keep the action going. When it's time to switch to scalloping, all the snorkel gear comes out and gets fitted properly. The scallops hang out in 3 to 8 feet of water over sandy bottom mixed with sea grass, so you'll be snorkeling in some of the clearest water Florida has to offer. Captain Jacob will show you exactly what to look for – those telltale blue eyes peeking out from partially opened shells – and how to grab them quickly before they jet away. The boat stays right with the group, making it easy to drop off your catch and grab a drink before diving back down for more.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter around Steinhatchee during summer months, and they're feeding heavy in the grass flats and along the drop-offs. These fish average 14 to 18 inches but don't let their size fool you – they'll give you a good fight on light tackle and make some of the best table fare you'll ever eat. Early morning is prime time when they're actively feeding, and Captain Jacob knows exactly which flats are holding fish based on tide, wind, and recent patterns. Redfish patrol these waters year-round, but summer brings some of the most consistent action as they school up in the shallows. You'll find them ranging from slot-size fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. They're ambush feeders that love to cruise the edges of grass beds and oyster bars, making them perfect targets during the morning fishing portion of your trip. Bay scallops might not be fish, but they're definitely a target species that gets people just as excited. These seasonal treats are only available from June 15 through September 1, and Steinhatchee's clear waters make them easier to spot than anywhere else along the Nature Coast. They're surprisingly quick when spooked, darting away with rapid shell claps, but that just adds to the fun of tracking them down across the sandy bottom.
This world-class combination trip runs exclusively during scallop season from mid-June through the beginning of September, and Captain Jacob's calendar fills up fast with repeat customers and referrals. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to enjoy both activities without feeling rushed, and the 7 a.m. start time means you'll beat the heat and the crowds. Whether you're planning a family trip where everyone can get involved or looking for a unique fishing experience that offers something different, this charter delivers on all fronts. The memories you'll make pulling fish over the rails and then diving for scallops in crystal-clear water are exactly what summer fishing trips should be about. Captain Jacob's local knowledge, quality equipment, and laid-back approach make this a best trip choice for anyone visiting the Steinhatchee area during peak season. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the combination of limited season availability and high demand means the best spots go to the anglers who book early.
Captain Jacob's 22-foot 2022 Lowe center console is built for Florida's inshore waters and scalloping adventures. With a Mercury 200HP pushing you across the flats at up to 55 knots, you'll cover serious water between fishing spots and scalloping beds. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when stalking redfish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding trout and other species. GPS navigation gets you to productive waters fast, and radar keeps you safe if afternoon storms roll in. This stable platform handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, with room for 6 if your crew wants to bring extra hands for the scallop hunt. The center console design gives everyone easy access to the action, whether you're casting to grass beds or diving for scallops in Steinhatchee's crystal-clear shallows.
Jacksonville