Six Hour Scalloping Trip with Rocky Creek Charters
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Sixhour guided scalloping adventure on Steinhatchee grass flatsAll gear and licenses provided for beginners and familiesExtended schedule allows unhurried collection and instruction time
When you're looking for a top-rated scalloping adventure in Steinhatchee, Captain Frank's six-hour guided trip delivers exactly what you're hoping for. These productive inshore grass flats have been giving up steady scallops for years, and Frank knows every productive spot along this stretch of coast. With all your gear provided and licenses handled, you can focus on what matters most – getting in the water and filling your collection bags with some of the sweetest shellfish you'll ever taste.
This isn't your typical rushed scalloping run. Six hours gives you the luxury of time – something most charters just can't offer. Frank starts the day by getting your group of up to five people set up with quality masks, snorkels, and collection bags that actually work. He's been running these waters long enough to know which gear holds up and which doesn't, so you won't be dealing with leaky masks or bags that fall apart halfway through the trip. The extended schedule means you're not constantly watching the clock. When you find a productive patch, you can work it thoroughly. When the scallops get scarce, Frank moves the boat to fresh grounds without that hurried feeling you get on shorter trips. Families with kids especially appreciate this pace – there's time for everyone to get comfortable in the water, and Frank's patient instruction helps nervous first-timers find their rhythm.
Steinhatchee's inshore grass flats are perfect scalloping habitat, and Frank has spent years learning which areas produce consistently. The water here runs shallow – typically 3 to 8 feet – making it ideal for snorkeling and giving you great visibility to spot those shells nestled in the grass beds. You'll be swimming over turtle grass and mixed bottom that scallops love, using your hands to collect rather than any fancy techniques. It's straightforward work, but there's definitely skill involved in knowing where to look and how to move efficiently through the water. Frank provides the required licenses, which takes one headache off your list, and he'll coach you on the best collection methods. The key is moving slowly and systematically – scallops blend in well, but once your eye gets trained, you'll start spotting them everywhere. Between collection areas, you can rest on the boat, grab some water, and maybe snack on whatever food and drinks you've brought along.
Bay scallops are what you're after on this trip, and Steinhatchee's population is renowned throughout the region. These aren't the massive sea scallops you might see in restaurants – bay scallops are smaller but incredibly sweet and tender when prepared right. They typically range from about 2 to 4 inches across, with those distinctive fan-shaped shells that can be surprisingly well-camouflaged against the grass bottom. What makes bay scallops special is their behavior – they're filter feeders that stay relatively stationary, but they can actually swim by clapping their shells together when threatened. You'll often see them partially buried in the grass or tucked up against rocks and structure. The season runs from July through September, with peak numbers usually showing up in late July and August when the water temperatures are just right. What guests love most about scalloping is how different it feels from traditional fishing – there's something satisfying about the hands-on collection, the clear water, and knowing exactly what you're taking home for dinner. Kids get especially excited when they spot their first scallop, and the learning curve is gentle enough that everyone in the family can contribute to the day's haul.
Frank's six-hour scalloping trips book up fast during peak season, and there's good reason why. The extended time on the water, quality gear, and his knowledge of productive areas make this a customer favorite year after year. You're getting a world-class scalloping experience without the rushed feeling of shorter trips, plus the peace of mind that comes with an experienced captain who knows these flats inside and out. The trip accommodates up to five people, making it perfect for families or small groups who want a more personal experience than you'll get on larger boats. Frank handles all the licensing requirements, provides top-quality snorkel gear, and gives you the instruction and time you need to make the most of your day. Whether you're new to scalloping or a veteran looking for a better experience, this trip delivers the kind of day on the water that keeps people coming back to Steinhatchee season after season. Don't wait until the last minute – advance reservations ensure you get your preferred dates and help Frank plan for a smooth start to what's going to be an outstanding day collecting some of the best scallops on the coast.
Our motorboat cuts through Steinhatchee's shallow waters with ease, getting you to the best scalloping spots on the grass flats. The onboard fish finder helps Captain Frank locate productive areas where scallops are thick, while the GPS keeps us moving efficiently between hotspots during your six-hour adventure. With an ice box to keep your catch fresh and room for up to 5 people, there's plenty of space to gear up, take breaks between dives, and store your collection bags as they fill up. The boat's shallow draft design lets us work the flats where scallops hide in the grass beds, and the stable platform makes getting in and out of the water simple for the whole family. Perfect for covering ground and making the most of scallop season in these productive inshore waters.
Steinhatchee