Florida Scallop & Fishing Combo Adventure
Looking for something different than your typical Florida fishing charter? This seasonal combo trip mixes the best of both worlds – serious angling and hands-on scalloping that gets the whole crew involved. Running from mid-June through early September, this 6-hour adventure starts at 8 AM with 2 solid hours chasing fish, then switches gears for 4 hours of scalloping fun. It's the kind of trip that keeps everyone busy, whether you're a die-hard angler or just want to try something new on Florida's inshore waters. With gear provided and space for up to 4 guests, this top-rated charter delivers variety you won't find anywhere else.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day kicks off bright and early targeting some of Florida's best inshore species. The first two hours focus purely on fishing – we'll work the grass flats, structure, and drop-offs where black drum, redfish, and sea trout like to hang out. Don't worry about licenses or tackle; everything's covered so you can focus on getting fish in the boat. After we've had our fun with the rods, we shift into scalloping mode. The crew provides masks, snorkels, flippers, scallop bags, and nets – basically everything you need to get in the water and start collecting. The beauty of this combo is how different it feels; one minute you're working a spoon over a grass bed, the next you're diving down to grab scallops off the bottom. Water stays cool on the boat, but feel free to bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks. Just remember – no glass containers for safety reasons. This isn't your standard charter experience, and that's exactly what makes it special.
Gear Setup & Techniques
We run light to medium tackle for the fishing portion, perfect for the inshore species we're targeting. Expect live bait, soft plastics, and spoons depending on conditions and what's biting. The key is staying mobile and reading the water – sometimes the fish are shallow on the flats, other times they're holding near structure in deeper pockets. For scalloping, the technique is pretty straightforward but takes some getting used to. You'll swim along the grass beds in 3 to 8 feet of water, scanning for those telltale shells. When you spot one, dive down, grab it, and check if it's legal size before dropping it in your mesh bag. The trick is learning to spot them quickly – they blend in well with the bottom. We stick to areas where scallops are thick and the water's clear, making it easier for beginners to get the hang of it. The snorkel gear fits most adults and kids, and we'll get everyone comfortable in the water before turning you loose to hunt.
Target Species
Black Sea Bass are one of the most reliable catches during this season, hanging around structure and rocky bottom in 15 to 40 feet of water. These chunky fighters average 1 to 3 pounds but can surprise you with their strength when they head for cover. They're aggressive feeders, especially in summer months, making them perfect for light tackle action. The bite usually picks up as the sun gets higher, and they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take dinner home.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the inshore world, with fish ranging from schoolie-size up to serious 20-plus pounders that'll test your drag system. They cruise the flats and deeper channels, often in small schools, feeding on crabs and shrimp. Summer brings consistent action as they stay active in the warmer water. When you hook into a big drum, expect a long, powerful fight with several strong runs. They're not the prettiest fish, but they sure know how to pull.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are the bread and butter of Florida inshore fishing. These beautiful fish love grass flats and drop-offs, where they ambush baitfish and shrimp. During summer, look for them in 3 to 8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They hit soft plastics and live bait with authority, and their distinctive spots make them easy to identify. Trout in the 15 to 20-inch range are common, with occasional fish pushing into the mid-20s that really get your attention.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing, and Florida's summer waters hold plenty of slot-size fish perfect for sport and the table. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, often feeding in just a few feet around grass beds and oyster bars. When a red hits your bait, you'll know it – they make powerful runs and use their broad tails to create serious pressure on your tackle. The sight of that distinctive black spot near the tail never gets old, and reds between 18 and 27 inches are legal to keep, making them a customer favorite.
Cobia are the wildcards of this trip, showing up when you least expect them but delivering some of the best fights you'll find inshore. These brown sharks (they're not actually sharks) cruise the flats and structure, often following rays and other fish looking for easy meals. Summer is prime time for cobia in Florida waters, with fish ranging from 20 to 50-plus pounds. They're curious fish that will often come up to investigate the boat, giving you a shot at sight-casting. When you hook a big cobia, clear the deck – they're strong, fast, and known for making long runs that strip line off your reel.
Time to Book Your Spot
This seasonal combo only runs from June 15th through September 5th, so your window is limited for experiencing this unique mix of fishing and scalloping. It's the kind of trip that works for serious anglers who want variety and families looking for something beyond the typical charter experience. With only 4 spots available, these dates fill up fast once word gets out. The combination of quality inshore fishing