Scallop Season Florida | 4 Hour Scalloping Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Family-friendly snorkeling in shallow 3-5 foot grass flatsFour-hour scalloping adventure during July-August seasonSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboard
Looking for the perfect way to beat Florida's summer heat while bringing home dinner? Our 4-hour scalloping adventure in Clearwater puts you right in the middle of one of the Gulf Coast's most rewarding seasonal activities. From July 1st through August 6th, these crystal-clear grass flats come alive with bay scallops just waiting to be harvested. This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's more like an underwater treasure hunt that the whole family can enjoy together. With water depths ranging from just 3 to 5 feet, even the kids can get in on the action safely. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of cooking up your own fresh-caught scallops for dinner.
We'll head out to some of Clearwater's top-rated scalloping grounds where the grass beds are thick and the scallops are plentiful. The beauty of this trip is in its simplicity – no complicated fishing techniques or expensive tackle needed. You'll be snorkeling in shallow, protected waters that stay comfortably cool even on the hottest summer days. The grass flats we target are known for their visibility, so you can easily spot those telltale blue eyes peeking out from the seagrass. Most folks are surprised at how quickly they get the hang of it. One minute you're floating on the surface scanning the bottom, and the next you're diving down to grab your first scallop of the day. With our guest capacity limited to just 2 people, you'll have plenty of room to work and won't feel crowded while you're hunting.
All you need is a mask, snorkel, and fins – we've got everything covered if you don't have your own gear. The technique is straightforward but there's definitely an art to it. Scallops are quick little guys, and they'll jet away the moment they sense movement in the water. The key is approaching them slowly and scooping them up in one smooth motion. We'll show you how to spot them among the grass – look for those bright blue eyes or the fan-shaped shells partially buried in the sand. A mesh bag works perfectly for collecting your haul, and you'll want to keep them in a cooler with seawater to maintain freshness. The grass flats we fish are protected from rough water, making this a comfortable experience even for those who might get seasick on deeper water trips. These shallow areas also warm up nicely, so the water temperature stays pleasant throughout the season.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and they're what make summer in Clearwater so special for seafood lovers. These mollusks typically measure 2 to 4 inches across and are distinguished by their fan-shaped shells and those famous bright blue eyes – sometimes as many as 200 tiny eyes around the shell's edge. What makes them so exciting to hunt is their behavior. Unlike oysters or clams that stay put, scallops can actually swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells. When they sense danger, they'll propel themselves through the water in quick bursts, which makes catching them feel like a real pursuit. The sweet, tender meat inside is considered a delicacy, and there's a world of difference between fresh scallops you've harvested yourself and anything you'll find in a grocery store. During peak season from mid-July through early August, these grass flats can hold impressive numbers of scallops. They prefer areas with good water flow and healthy seagrass, which is exactly what we have in our top fishing spots around Clearwater. The daily bag limit is generous enough that most families can easily harvest plenty for several meals, making this one of the most rewarding ways to spend a day on the water.
Scallop season is short and sweet – just five weeks to take advantage of this world-class opportunity right in our backyard. The best part about this trip is how it brings families together for an activity that's both fun and productive. You'll spend four hours in some of the most beautiful shallow water on Florida's Gulf Coast, and you'll head home with a cooler full of the freshest scallops you've ever tasted. This customer favorite fills up fast once word gets out about how good the scalloping is each season. Whether you're a seasoned Florida angler looking to try something different or a family wanting to introduce the kids to harvesting their own seafood, this trip delivers on all fronts. The memories you'll make floating over these grass flats, the excitement of finding that first scallop, and the satisfaction of preparing your own catch make this a trending choice for summer adventures in Clearwater. Don't wait – the calendar fills quickly once scallop season opens, and you won't want to miss out on what many consider the best trip we offer during the summer months.
Jump aboard our restored 25' Privateer bay boat for your scalloping adventure in Clearwater's shallow grass flats! This classic 1989 vessel got a complete makeover in 2016 and packs a powerful 250HP Suzuki engine that'll cruise you out to the prime scalloping spots at 35 knots. Perfect for families, you'll be snorkeling in crystal-clear water just 3-5 feet deep where bay scallops love to hide in the grass beds. The boat's equipped with everything you need - GPS to find the best spots, fish finder technology, wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on scallop beds quietly, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. With room for up to 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to gear up, dive down, and collect these tasty treasures during Florida's short scallop season from July through early August.
Clearwater