Extended Half Day Scalloping In Steinhatchee
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended halfday scalloping adventure in Steinhatchee watersAll equipment, licenses, and gear provided for guestsFourperson capacity with professional guide service included
When folks talk about the Nature Coast's hidden gems, Steinhatchee consistently tops the list for good reason. This laid-back fishing village serves up some of Florida's most productive scalloping waters, and Salt Obsession Fishing Co. knows exactly where to find them. Our extended half-day trips give you plenty of time to work the grass flats and shallow bays where these tasty mollusks love to hang out. With everything provided except your appetite for adventure, you'll be diving into crystal-clear waters that have been producing limits for decades. The best part? You don't need to be an expert – these waters are perfect for first-timers and seasoned scallop hunters alike.
Your morning starts at our dock where Captain and crew will get you set up with everything needed for a successful hunt. We're talking catch bags, fresh water, ice, and all the gear that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. The boat holds up to four guests comfortably, so you won't be fighting for elbow room or prime spots along the gunwale. We'll cruise out to the grass beds where visibility runs 8-15 feet on most days – perfect for spotting those telltale shells nestled in the turtle grass. The extended half-day format gives you roughly 6 hours on the water, which means multiple spots and plenty of opportunities to fill your bag. Most trips involve 2-3 different locations depending on conditions, tides, and where the scallops are showing up best that particular day.
Scalloping gear is pretty straightforward, but having the right stuff makes all the difference. We provide basic dive gear, though experienced hunters often prefer bringing their own mask and snorkel for the perfect fit. You'll want a good seal on that mask since you'll be doing plenty of bottom time scanning the grass beds. The technique itself is simple – cruise along the surface, spot the distinctive fan-shaped shells, dive down and grab them before they jet away. Bay scallops are surprisingly quick when spooked, using jet propulsion to escape predators. Pro tip: approach from behind and cup your hands around them rather than grabbing directly. Water temperatures this time of year run comfortable for extended periods, usually in the mid-80s. The grass flats we fish average 4-8 feet deep, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Remember to bring that cooler if you're planning to take your catch home – fresh scallops are incredible on the grill that same evening.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and Steinhatchee's population is healthy and productive. These beauties typically measure 3-4 inches across and feature those iconic ridged shells with brilliant blue eyes around the rim – sometimes over 100 tiny eyes per scallop. What makes them special is their sweet, tender meat that's nothing like the larger sea scallops you find in restaurants. Florida's scallop season runs from July through September, with peak numbers usually hitting in August when reproduction cycles bring them into shallower waters. The limit is generous at 2 gallons of whole scallops per person per day, and most guests have no trouble reaching their limit on our extended trips. Bay scallops prefer seagrass beds where they filter-feed on plankton and small particles. They're also masters of camouflage, often covered with algae and small organisms that help them blend into their surroundings. When you do spot one, there's usually more nearby since they tend to cluster in areas with ideal water flow and food sources.
Steinhatchee scalloping represents some of the best shallow-water hunting on Florida's Nature Coast, and our extended half-day format maximizes your time in productive waters. Salt Obsession Fishing Co. takes care of the details so you can focus on the fun – from gear and licenses to local knowledge about where they're biting best. The intimate 4-person capacity means personalized attention and prime positioning at every spot we hit. Whether you're introducing the family to scalloping or adding another successful trip to your log, these waters deliver consistent action in a setting that feels worlds away from crowded tourist areas. Spots fill up quickly during peak season, especially for our top-rated extended trips that give you the best shot at limiting out. Book now and get ready to experience why anglers and scallop hunters keep coming back to Steinhatchee year after year.
Our 20-foot 2008 Pathfinder bay boat is built for serious scalloping in Steinhatchee's shallow waters. The center console design gives you plenty of deck space to move around while hunting for those tasty bay scallops. With a reliable 150HP Yamaha pushing us up to 50 knots, we'll get you to the prime scalloping grounds fast and cover more water during your trip. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're working the grass flats - no engine noise to spook anything below. Perfect for drifting over the scallop beds while you scan the bottom. The onboard multimedia system keeps the mood light between diving sessions. This rig comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone room to gear up and store their catch. The shallow draft gets us into those skinny-water spots where the big scallops like to hide. Built tough for Florida's inshore conditions, this Pathfinder handles the chop and keeps you dry while you're out there working the flats for your limit.
Steinhatchee