5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Morning Scalloping in Steinhatchee
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Halfday morning scalloping trip in shallow Steinhatchee watersAll gear and licenses provided with expert instruction includedFamilyfriendly activity suitable for beginners and all ages
There's something special about getting your hands dirty—or in this case, getting your fins wet—hunting for bay scallops in Steinhatchee's crystal-clear shallows. Captain Frank's half-day morning trips put you right in the heart of some of the Gulf Coast's best scalloping grounds, where the seagrass beds are thick and the scallops are plentiful. This isn't your typical fishing charter, but it's every bit as rewarding. You'll spend your morning diving into calm, protected waters, learning the art of spotting these little gems hiding in the grass, and coming home with a cooler full of the freshest seafood you'll ever taste.
Your morning starts early at Rocky Creek's convenient dock location, where Captain Frank has everything ready to go. We're talking masks, snorkels, collection bags, and all the required licenses—you just need to show up ready to get wet. The boat ride out to the scalloping grounds is quick, usually within 10 minutes of leaving the dock, and Frank knows these waters like the back of his hand. He'll put you on productive beds where the scallops are thick and the water's calm enough for everyone from kids to grandparents to feel comfortable. The beauty of scalloping is that it's not about technique as much as it is about patience and having a good eye. Frank walks you through the basics: how to spot the telltale shells nestled in the seagrass, how to approach them without spooking them into snapping shut, and the proper way to collect them so you're staying within regulations. Most folks get the hang of it pretty quick, and before you know it, you're competing with your family to see who can find the biggest ones.
Scalloping happens in shallow water, typically 3 to 8 feet deep, which makes it perfect for snorkeling rather than full scuba gear. The mask and snorkel setup lets you cruise along the surface, scanning the bottom for those distinctive fan-shaped shells. Captain Frank provides quality gear that fits properly—nothing worse than a leaky mask when you're trying to spot scallops. The collection bags are mesh, which lets the water flow through while keeping your scallops secure. Frank also brings along a small dip net for anyone who's not comfortable diving down to grab them by hand. The boat stays anchored nearby while everyone spreads out over the seagrass beds. It's a relaxed pace where you can take breaks on the boat, grab a snack or drink, and then get back in when you're ready. The key is moving slowly and methodically. Scallops have dozens of tiny eyes along their shell edges, and they'll clam up tight and swim away if you come at them too fast. But get the approach right, and they'll sit there calm as can be while you scoop them up.
"Our day with Rocky Creek Charters was nothing short of incredible. Captain Frank knew exactly where to take us for scalloping, and we came back with plenty! What really stood out was how patient and knowledgeable he was—he explained everything about the scallops, the seagrass beds, and even gave us local insights into Steinhatchee. It wasn't just a charter, it was a true learning experience wrapped up in a fun adventure. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone looking for an authentic taste of the Gulf Coast." - Shelley "We had two young children who weren't quite ready to handle the sea and Captain Frank was more than happy to look after them while we dove for scallops. He was very knowledgeable and took us right to a great spot. Highly recommended!" - Matthew "Captian Frank did a great job communicating. The meet up location is great and the shower for after scalloping is a great feature. Captian Frank put us on the scallops within 10 minutes of leaving the dock. He is constantly monitoring the weather to ensure your safety. All in all it was a top notch experience." - Glenn
Bay scallops are the stars of the show here in Steinhatchee, and these little bivalves are something special. They're about the size of a silver dollar when fully grown, with beautiful fan-shaped shells that range from white to brown with intricate patterns. What makes scalloping so unique is that these guys are actually pretty active for a shellfish—they can swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells, which creates a jet propulsion effect. You'll see them scooting across the bottom when they get spooked, which is both funny and impressive to watch. The season typically runs from July through September, with peak abundance usually hitting in August when the water temperatures are just right. Bay scallops love seagrass beds because that's where they find their food—tiny plankton and organic particles that they filter from the water. The meat you're after is the adductor muscle, that sweet, tender morsel that's prized by seafood lovers everywhere. Fresh scallops have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that's completely different from anything you'll buy at the store. They're also fast-growing and short-lived, which means the population turns over quickly and sustainable harvesting doesn't hurt the overall numbers.
This half-day morning scalloping trip with Captain Frank gives you the perfect taste of what makes Steinhatchee such a special place on Florida's Gulf Coast. You're not just collecting seafood—you're learning about the local ecosystem, spending quality time with family or friends in a beautiful natural setting, and coming home with the freshest dinner you could ask for. The trip accommodates up to 6 guests, making it ideal for small groups who want that personalized attention and aren't looking to be packed in with a crowd. Frank's local knowledge, quality equipment, and patient instruction make this a top-rated choice for both first-
Our reliable motorboat gets you right into Steinhatchee's prime scalloping waters with room for up to 6 guests. Built for shallow flats fishing and scalloping, she's equipped with GPS to navigate the best spots and a fish finder that doubles perfectly for locating scallop beds on the bottom. The onboard ice box keeps your harvest fresh and cold, plus there's space for any snacks and drinks you want to bring along. Captain Frank knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and this boat handles the shallow areas where scallops thrive. She's steady enough for easy water entry and exit when you're ready to dive in with your mask and snorkel. The setup makes it simple to move between productive spots throughout the morning, giving everyone aboard plenty of chances to fill their bags with quality scallops in the calm, family-friendly waters around Steinhatchee.
5.0 out of 5.0Our day with Rocky Creek Charters was nothing short of incredible. Captain Frank knew exactly where to take us for scalloping, and...
We had two young children who weren't quite ready to handle the sea and Captain Frank was more than happy to look after them while...
Captian Frank did a great job communicating. The meet up location is great and the shower for after scalloping is a great feature...
Steinhatchee