Half Day Scalloping Adventure In Bayport, FL
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Captain Gary guides scallop hunting in Bayport watersFourhour diving adventure for up to two guestsSnorkeling gear required for optimal scallop gathering
Captain Gary knows these Bayport waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why scallop season brings folks back year after year. This isn't your typical fishing charter – we're talking about diving for one of the Gulf's most prized catches. You'll spend four solid hours hunting bay scallops in some of the clearest, most productive waters along Florida's Nature Coast. Bring your snorkeling gear and appetite for adventure because Captain Gary's going to put you right on top of the best scallop beds around. With just two guests max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work the flats without bumping elbows.
Captain Gary runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – exactly what you want for a half-day scallop hunt. You'll launch from Bayport and motor out to the prime grass flats where these little guys love to hide. The water here stays relatively shallow, usually 3-8 feet, which makes for perfect snorkeling conditions. Captain Gary's got an eye for reading the bottom structure and water clarity, so he'll position you over the hottest spots where scallops are thick. The boat stays anchored while you work the area, giving you a stable platform to gear up and a safe place to stash your catch. Don't worry about experience level – Captain Gary walks first-timers through the whole process, from proper snorkeling technique to spotting scallops camouflaged in the grass beds.
You'll want to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins – this gives you the best fit and comfort for hours in the water. Captain Gary provides mesh bags for your catch and knows all the tricks for efficient scallop hunting. The technique is straightforward but takes some practice: you'll free-dive down to the grass beds, scan for those telltale shells, and gently pluck them from their hiding spots. Good scallops will clamp shut tight when you grab them – that's how you know they're keepers. Captain Gary teaches you to look for the bigger shells and avoid the tiny ones that aren't worth your time. The grass flats here are perfect for this type of hunting because the scallops blend right into the turtle grass, creating a fun challenge that keeps you engaged all morning or afternoon.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and Bayport's grass flats produce some beauties. These bivalves typically measure 2-4 inches across and hide in the turtle grass beds during summer months, roughly June through September. What makes them special is their sweet, tender meat – way better than anything you'll find in a restaurant. Bay scallops are filter feeders, so they're constantly opening and closing their shells, which creates those distinctive "eyes" along the shell edges. When they sense movement, they'll actually swim by rapidly clapping their shells together – it's pretty wild to see underwater. The best hunting happens in 4-6 feet of water where the grass is thick but not overgrown. Captain Gary knows exactly where these beds hold the most scallops, and he'll put you on spots that consistently produce limits. The daily bag limit gives each person plenty to take home, and with Captain Gary's local knowledge, you'll learn to spot the difference between legal keepers and the smaller ones you need to release.
This half-day scalloping adventure gives you everything you need for an awesome day on the water without breaking the bank. Captain Gary's reputation speaks for itself – he's been working these Bayport flats for years and knows how to put his guests on scallops consistently. The two-person limit means you get personalized service and plenty of space to work. Plus, you'll head home with a cooler full of fresh scallops and stories about diving the pristine waters of Florida's Nature Coast. Scallop season doesn't last forever, and the best spots fill up quick with repeat customers. Captain Gary's calendar books solid during peak season, so don't wait around if you want to experience some of the best scallop hunting on the Gulf Coast.
Captain Gary's 22-foot 2006 Renegade flats boat is your ticket to Bayport's best scalloping grounds. This shallow-water specialist runs on a reliable Mercury 115HP that'll get you to the prime spots quickly, hitting speeds up to 40 knots when needed. The boat comes equipped with GPS navigation and a fish finder to locate the perfect underwater terrain where scallops love to hide. With space for up to 2 guests plus Captain Gary, you'll have plenty of room to gear up and sort your catch. The shallow draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach flats where the biggest scallops wait. Gary knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position you right over the best beds. The boat's stable platform makes it easy to get in and out of the water as you dive for your limit. Four hours gives you plenty of time to explore multiple spots and fill your bags with these tasty treasures.
Bayport, FL