Half Day Scallop Trip (AM) - Gulf Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Snorkel shallow Gulf waters collecting fresh seasonal scallopsFamily-friendly charter includes all gear and fishing licensesMaximum 3 guests with experienced Captain Tanner Schwab
Looking for a fun way to beat the Florida heat while bringing home dinner? Captain Tanner Schwab's half-day scallop trips in Florida's Gulf waters are exactly what you need. This top-rated morning adventure combines the best of snorkeling and harvesting, taking you to prime scallop beds where these tasty bivalves hide in the seagrass. Perfect for families with kids or anyone wanting to try something different on the water, these seasonal charters offer a refreshing break from traditional fishing while still giving you that satisfying feeling of a successful catch.
Captain Tanner keeps things relaxed and fun on these scallop trips. You'll head out to shallow Gulf waters where the seagrass beds are thick with scallops just waiting to be found. The water's usually waist-deep, making it comfortable for everyone from kids to grandparents. Don't worry if you've never done this before - Captain Tanner will show you exactly what to look for and share his best techniques for spotting these well-camouflaged creatures. All your snorkeling gear and licenses are included, so just bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, and get ready to cool off. With a max of 3 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of personal attention and won't feel rushed. The morning timing is perfect because the water's calm and you'll beat the afternoon heat.
Scalloping is all about patience and having a good eye. These little guys are masters of disguise, blending right into the seagrass beds where they live. Captain Tanner will position the boat over productive areas he's scouted, then it's time to slip into the clear Gulf water and start your search. The technique is simple but takes some practice - you'll snorkel along the bottom, scanning the grass for that telltale shell shape or the distinctive "eyes" that give scallops away. Once you spot one, just reach down and grab it. The best part? Scallops can't swim away like fish, so once you see them, they're yours. Captain Tanner provides mesh bags to collect your harvest and will help beginners get the hang of it quickly. The key is moving slowly and methodically through the beds, checking every promising spot.
While your main target is obviously scallops, Florida's Gulf waters during scallop season also offer some fantastic fishing opportunities. Black drum are common in these shallow areas, especially around the grass beds where scallops live. These bottom feeders love to cruise through the same waters, and you might spot them while you're snorkeling. Summer flounder are another species that frequent these areas, lying flat on the sandy patches between grass beds. Sheepshead are regulars around any structure in these waters, using their strong teeth to crunch on crabs and barnacles. Redfish patrol these shallows year-round, and their copper-colored backs are sometimes visible from the surface. Lake trout, though less common, can show up in the deeper edges of the scallop beds, especially during cooler morning hours when they move shallow to feed.
Black drum in these Gulf waters typically run from 2 to 15 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish showing up. They're bottom feeders that love the same seagrass areas where scallops hide, making them a common sight during these trips. What makes them exciting is their powerful fight - even a smaller drum will give you a good battle. They're most active during the cooler morning hours, which lines up perfectly with your scallop trip timing.
Summer flounder are the chameleons of the flats, changing colors to match the bottom perfectly. These flatfish typically range from 12 to 20 inches in Florida's Gulf waters, with some bigger ones pushing over 2 feet. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand near the grass beds, waiting for prey to swim by. Spotting one while snorkeling is always a treat because they're so well-camouflaged until they move.
Sheepshead are the characters of these shallow waters, with their distinctive black stripes and almost human-like teeth. They usually run 1 to 4 pounds in these areas and are incredibly curious fish. You'll often see them investigating divers and snorkelers, making them fun to observe. Their diet of crabs and shellfish means they're right at home in the scallop beds.
Redfish are the superstars of Florida's inshore waters, and the scallop grounds are prime redfish habitat. These copper-colored fish range from slot-size 18-27 inchers up to oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches. They're year-round residents that love cruising the grass flats, and their distinctive spotted tails make them easy to identify. Seeing a big red cruise by while you're scalloping is always a highlight.
Lake trout are less common but add variety to the mix when they show up. These silvery fish prefer slightly deeper water but will move into the scallop beds during early morning feeding periods. They're typically smaller, running 1 to 3 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters that put up a good battle for their size.
Captain Tanner's scallop trips are a customer favorite for good reason - they combine adventure, family fun, and a tasty reward all in one morning. These seasonal charters book up fast, especially on weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your spot. With all gear and licenses included, it's hassle-free from start to finish. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're a local looking for a fun family activity or visiting Florida and want to try something unique, this trip delivers. The combination
Captain Tanner's 18-foot airboat cuts through Florida's shallow Gulf waters like butter, getting you to the best scallop beds where the big boats can't go. Built by Poorboy's Performance in 2020, this nimble craft runs on a reliable Levitator MS80 that'll cruise at 35 mph when you need to cover water fast. The shallow draft design is perfect for working the grass flats where scallops hide – you can glide right over spots that would leave other boats stuck. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to gear up, cool off between dives, and store your scallop haul. The open layout makes it easy to hop in and out of the water as you snorkel the productive beds Captain Tanner knows like the back of his hand. This boat was built for Florida's backwater fishing and gets you close to the action without spooking the marine life in these crystal-clear shallows.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bruisers of our local waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow flats, and anywhere there's structure they can crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - makes them way easier to target. What guests love most is that steady, bulldogging fight and the fact that smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare. They're notorious for making those drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom - these guys are picky eaters and will test your bait before committing, so be patient and don't set the hook too early.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake Trout don't naturally occur in Florida's Gulf waters, being cold-water fish that thrive in deep northern lakes and the Great Lakes region. These char family members prefer water temperatures well below what our warm Gulf provides year-round. They're typically found in depths of 50-200 feet in cold, oxygen-rich lakes from Canada down through the northern U.S. Most average 15-40 pounds and 24-36 inches, making them the largest of the char species. Peak season is right after ice-out in spring when they move relatively shallow before retreating to deep water. Anglers prize them for their strong fights and excellent table quality. The key to success is vertical jigging with spoons or swimbaits in deep water, focusing on structure and temperature breaks. Since these fish aren't available in our Florida Gulf waters, guests interested in trout fishing might consider our excellent speckled trout opportunities instead.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Florida's signature game fish - bronze beauties with that trademark black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-35 inches and love our super shallow flats, sometimes in water so thin their backs show above the surface. You'll spot them cruising seagrass beds, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines year-round, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action. What makes them special is that explosive topwater strike when you work a plug over shallow water - pure adrenaline. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, flaky white meat. These fish are smart and spooky in skinny water, so approach quietly and make long casts. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for their wakes or tails when they're feeding. A gold spoon or topwater plug worked slowly will usually trigger a strike, but keep that rod tip down and be ready for a blistering run.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes, but what really gets people talking are those human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds around here, though we occasionally see 20-pounders near structure. They're always hugging docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered pilings where they can scrape off their favorite meal. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they move in to spawn. Guests love the challenge - these fish are notorious bait stealers with incredibly light bites, but once hooked, they put up a solid scrap. The payoff is sweet, mild white meat that's hard to beat on the table. Best tip I can give: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel any weight. They'll rob you blind if you hesitate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are master ambush predators that blend perfectly with sandy bottoms using their chameleon-like color changes. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can reach 26 pounds. They're flatfish with both eyes on one side, lying in wait to grab unsuspecting baitfish. Fall fishing from September through November is when they really turn on before heading offshore. Guests get a kick out of their unique appearance and the way they fight - plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. The tricky part is feeling those light bites since they're notorious bait thieves. My advice: use a circle hook with live minnows or sea worms, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook. Most anglers pull too early and miss them.
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