Seasonal Scallop Trips in Homosassa
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
2-hour seasonal scallop harvesting adventure in clear Homosassa watersCaptain Guy provides equipment and demonstrates safe scalloping techniquesFamily-friendly trips accommodate up to 4 guests with safety guidance
When scallop season rolls around in Homosassa, there's nothing quite like getting out on the crystal-clear inshore waters with Captain Guy from Run And Gun Charters. This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's a hands-on adventure where you'll be diving into Florida's pristine grass flats to harvest fresh scallops with your own hands. Perfect for families looking to create some real memories together, these 2-hour trips put you right in the middle of one of Florida's most popular seasonal activities. Captain Guy knows these waters like the back of his hand and will have you spotting scallops in no time.
Your scallop adventure kicks off from 6326 S Richard Ave in Tampa, where you'll meet Captain Guy and get the rundown on what makes Homosassa such a hot spot for scalloping. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small groups who want that personal touch you just don't get on the big cattle boats. Once you're on the water, you'll cruise into the shallow grass beds where scallops love to hang out. The water here is so clear you can usually spot them from the surface, and Captain Guy will point out the best techniques for free-diving down to collect them. Don't worry if you've never done this before – he'll walk you through everything from proper breathing techniques to how to spot the telltale signs of a good scallop bed.
Captain Guy provides all the gear you'll need, including snorkels, masks, and mesh bags for your catch. The key to successful scalloping is knowing how to read the grass beds and understanding scallop behavior. These little guys like to nestle down in the turtle grass, often with just their shells slightly visible. You'll learn to look for the distinctive fan-shaped shells and the telltale eyes that scallops use to detect movement. The technique is pretty straightforward – take a deep breath, dive down about 3-6 feet, and gently pluck the scallops from their hiding spots. Captain Guy will teach you how to identify legal-size scallops and show you the proper way to clean them right there on the boat. The grass flats around Homosassa are ideal because they're shallow enough for beginners but rich enough to keep experienced scallop hunters busy.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and Homosassa's grass beds produce some of the sweetest ones you'll find anywhere along Florida's coast. These filter feeders spend their time in shallow seagrass beds, usually in water 3-10 feet deep, where they feed on plankton and algae. What makes them so fun to hunt is their unique defense mechanism – when they sense danger, they'll actually swim away by rapidly opening and closing their shells, creating a jet propulsion effect that's pretty cool to watch. Bay scallops typically measure about 3-4 inches across when they're legal size, and Florida law requires them to be at least 2 inches in the greatest dimension. The season usually runs from July through September, with peak activity in August when the scallops are at their largest and most abundant. What gets people hooked on scalloping is not just the sweet, tender meat that's perfect for searing or adding to pasta dishes, but the thrill of the hunt itself – spotting those beady little eyes staring back at you from the grass bed never gets old.
Captain Guy's seasonal scallop trips fill up fast once word gets out about how good the beds are looking. This is one of those Florida experiences that locals keep coming back to year after year, and for good reason – there's something special about harvesting your own fresh seafood in these pristine waters. Whether you're a Florida native looking to show visiting family what real scalloping is all about, or you're new to the area and want to try something uniquely Floridian, this trip delivers. The 2-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to get your limit but short enough to keep the kids engaged. Just make sure to contact Captain Guy with the ages of your guests so he can ensure everyone has the proper safety equipment. Don't wait too long to book – scallop season is short, and the best days on the water go fast.
Captain Guy's custom 24' Gause Built is the perfect scalloping machine for Homosassa's clear inshore waters. This shallow-draft charter boat runs on a reliable 300HP Yamaha and features dual-station tower for spotting scallop beds from above. The wireless trolling motor lets us drift quietly over grass flats without spooking marine life, while GPS navigation keeps us on the productive spots. Built for comfort and efficiency, this boat handles up to 4 guests with plenty of deck space for sorting your scallop haul. The dry-ride hull cuts through chop smoothly, and Captain Guy knows exactly where to find the best scallop beds during season. Whether you're new to scalloping or a seasoned pro, this boat gets you to the action fast and brings you back with coolers full of fresh scallops.
Tampa Bay