Half Day Scallop Charter - Nature Coast
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day scalloping charter accommodates up to 6 guests maximumAll equipment, licenses, and professional guide included with trip26ft tritoon features full cover and complimentary photo service
Captain Judge Wilkes has been running scalloping charters along Florida's Nature Coast for years, and his afternoon trips are about as good as it gets. This isn't your typical fishing charter - we're talking about hunting for bay scallops in the crystal-clear waters of Citrus County. You'll spend four solid hours on a spacious 26-foot tritoon, diving down to grab these tasty little treasures from the grass flats. With room for up to six people, it's perfect for families or small groups who want a more personal experience without the crowds you'll find on bigger boats.
Captain Judge runs these trips twice daily during scallop season, which runs from July 1st through September 24th. The afternoon charter gives you that sweet spot timing - the sun's high enough to light up the bottom, but you're not dealing with the early morning rush. The 26-foot tritoon is set up specifically for scalloping, with a full bimini top that keeps everyone comfortable even when the Florida sun is cranking. You'll have plenty of deck space to move around, sort your catch, and take breaks between dives. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, hitting the productive grass beds where scallops love to hang out. Most trips head to spots around Crystal River, Homosassa, or the flats near Chassahowitzka, depending on conditions and where the scallops are thickest that day.
Everything you need comes with the trip - masks, snorkels, fins, mesh bags for your scallops, and even an underwater camera if you want some shots of your haul. The captain provides all the required licenses too, so you don't need to worry about paperwork. Scalloping is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. You'll snorkel along the grass beds in 3-8 feet of water, scanning the bottom for those fan-shaped shells. When you spot one, you dive down and grab it - no special tools needed, just your hands. The trick is learning to spot them camouflaged against the grass and sand. Some folks get the hang of it right away, while others need a few tries to develop that eye for seeing scallops. Captain Judge and his crew are right there to help first-timers get comfortable in the water and show you exactly what to look for.
Bay scallops are the only game in town during this season, and they're what makes this trip so special. These aren't the giant sea scallops you see in restaurants - bay scallops are smaller, about the size of a silver dollar, but they're incredibly sweet and tender. They live in the shallow grass beds along Florida's Nature Coast, filtering water through their shells and moving around by rapidly opening and closing to jet through the water. During summer months, they're at their peak size and easiest to spot. What makes scalloping so addictive is the hunt itself - scanning the bottom, spotting that perfect shell, and making a quick dive to snag it before it jets away. Each scallop can produce multiple meats, and a good day on the water can net you enough for several meals. The limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops per person, which sounds like a lot until you realize how quickly you can fill your bag when you hit a good spot.
The beauty of bay scallops is they're found in relatively shallow water with excellent visibility, making them perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels. They prefer areas with mixed grass and sand bottom, typically in 4-6 feet of water where there's good current flow. During peak season in August and early September, you'll find them clustered in productive areas, sometimes dozens in a single small patch. What gets people hooked on scalloping is how active and engaging it is compared to regular fishing - you're constantly moving, diving, searching, and filling your bag. Plus, there's something satisfying about harvesting your own seafood dinner that you just can't get from a grocery store.
Scallop season on Florida's Nature Coast is short and sweet, running just under three months from July through September. Captain Judge's afternoon charters fill up fast, especially on weekends and during the peak August timeframe when scallops are at their best. The small group size means you'll get personalized attention and won't feel rushed, but it also means fewer available spots throughout the season. With everything included - gear, licenses, ice, water, and even photos of your trip - this charter offers serious value for families or groups looking to try something different on the water. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or someone who's never been scalloping before, Captain Judge's crew will make sure you have a productive day and leave with a cooler full of fresh scallops. Book early in the season to secure your preferred dates, because once word gets out about the quality of this operation, spots disappear quickly.
Captain Judge Wilkes runs this spacious 26ft tritoon perfectly suited for Florida's scallop beds. With a powerful 300hp engine, we cover plenty of water while the generous deck space keeps your group comfortable during the hunt. The full bimini top provides welcome shade between dives, and our icebox keeps drinks cold while you're pulling scallops from the grass flats. Safety gear includes GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate the best scalloping spots. The stable tritoon design makes getting in and out of the water easy for snorkelers of all skill levels, plus we're wheelchair accessible. Six-person max capacity means no crowded conditions – just room to move around, sort your catch, and enjoy the day on Florida's Nature Coast waters.
Crystal River, FL