Fishing and Scalloping Combo-Full Day
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day combo trip combines fishing and scalloping activitiesExpert guides lead guests to prime local fishing spotsCrystal-clear waters provide ideal scalloping dive conditions
Some days on the water, you want it all – the rush of setting the hook on a feisty fish and the zen-like satisfaction of diving for fresh scallops. That's exactly what you get with Native Fishing Charters' top-rated combo trip. This full-day adventure packs two completely different experiences into one amazing day, perfect for couples or small groups who want to maximize their time on the water. You'll spend half your day working the fishing grounds with our seasoned captain, then switch gears to hunt for scallops in the shallows. It's hands-down one of our most popular offerings because you're getting double the action and double the seafood to take home.
Your day kicks off early at the dock where you'll meet your guide and get briefed on the game plan. The beauty of this combo trip is how different each half feels – you'll start by targeting local fish species using proven inshore techniques, working structure and grass flats where the action heats up. Your guide knows these waters inside and out, so expect to hit multiple spots throughout the morning depending on what's biting. The fishing portion runs about four to five hours, giving you plenty of opportunities to put fish in the cooler. After lunch (bring your own – we keep the focus on fishing and scalloping), you'll head to the scalloping grounds where the pace shifts completely. Here, you'll don your mask and snorkel gear to hunt for bay scallops in crystal-clear water that's usually chest-deep or less. The whole experience feels like two separate trips rolled into one world-class day.
We've got all the fishing tackle covered – light spinning gear perfect for inshore species, with live bait and artificials depending on what's working best. Your guide will set you up with everything from popping corks to jigheads, and if you're new to saltwater fishing, they'll walk you through each technique step by step. The boat's rigged with a shallow-water setup that lets us get into those productive backwater spots where big fish like to hide. For the scalloping portion, we provide masks, snorkels, and mesh bags – just bring a swimsuit and towel. The technique is simple but addictive: you'll free-dive in shallow grass beds, scanning the bottom for those distinctive fan-shaped shells. Scallops like to bury themselves in the grass, but once you get your eye trained, you'll start spotting them everywhere. Most of our guests pick up the technique within minutes, and before long, you're filling bags with these sweet little gems.
This trip hits different because you're not just fishing or just scalloping – you're getting the full coastal experience in one shot. Regular customers tell us they love how the day breaks up naturally, keeping things fresh and exciting from start to finish. The fishing portion gets your adrenaline pumping when you're battling fish in shallow water, while scalloping offers this peaceful, almost meditative contrast as you glide through clear water searching the bottom. Families especially appreciate how the scalloping portion gets everyone involved – even kids who might lose interest during a long fishing trip stay engaged when they're treasure hunting underwater. Plus, you're going home with two completely different types of fresh seafood for dinner. Many of our repeat customers book this trip multiple times each season because the fishing and scalloping conditions change throughout the year, offering new challenges and opportunities each time out.
While we can't predict exactly what will be biting on any given day, the inshore waters we fish hold some fantastic species year-round. Redfish are always a customer favorite – these copper-colored bruisers love to cruise the shallow flats and put up an amazing fight when hooked. They're most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round, especially around structure like docks and oyster bars. What makes reds so special is how they behave when hooked – they'll make powerful runs and use their broad tails to bulldoze through the water, testing your drag and your patience. Most of the reds we catch range from 18 to 27 inches, perfect eating size with firm, sweet meat.
Spotted seatrout are another mainstay that keeps anglers coming back. These silvery gamefish are abundant in grass flats and love to ambush baitfish around drop-offs and channel edges. Spring and fall offer the best trout action, but they bite consistently throughout most of the year. Trout are notorious for their soft mouths, so there's real skill involved in landing them – too much pressure and they'll throw the hook, too little and they'll shake free. When you get one to the boat, you'll notice their distinctive black spots and understand why locals call them "specks." They're fantastic table fare, with flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or blackening.
Bay scallops might not be fish, but they're the real stars of the second half of your trip. These bivalves live in seagrass beds and are surprisingly good at hiding despite their size. Scalloping season typically runs from late June through September, and these little guys are prized for their sweet, tender meat. What's really cool about scallops is how they move – when threatened, they can actually "swim" by rapidly opening and closing their shells, creating a jet of water that propels them away from danger. Finding a good concentration of scallops requires reading the water and understanding their habitat preferences, but once you locate a productive bed, you can fill your limit pretty quickly. Each scallop yields a small piece of adductor muscle that's considered a delicacy in restaurants, but tastes even better when you've harvested it yourself.
This combo trip books up fast, especially during peak season when both the fishing and scalloping are at their best. With just two spots available per trip
Jump aboard our 27-foot Ameracat power catamaran for the perfect fishing and scalloping combo day! This high-performance vessel cuts through the water with ease, giving you that smooth, stable ride whether we're chasing fish or hunting for scallops in shallow bays. The catamaran design means less rocking and more comfort while you're working your lines or getting ready to dive for those tasty scallops. We've got all the gear you need - GPS to hit the hotspots, fish finder to locate the action below, and a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches when the fish are finicky. The boat's fuel efficiency means more time on the water and less time at the dock. With space for just two guests, you'll get personalized attention from our guide who knows exactly where the fish are biting and the scallops are hiding. The wheelchair accessible design ensures everyone can enjoy a full day of fishing action and scallop hunting. Ready to fill the cooler?
Crystal River, FL