Scallop Trip with Captain Richard
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Five-hour scalloping adventure in shallow, clear watersSnorkeling gear provided plus scallop cleaning instruction includedSmall group trips accommodate up to six guests maximum
Get ready for a top-rated scalloping adventure that'll have you diving into crystal-clear waters and coming home with a cooler full of fresh bay scallops. Captain Richard runs one of the area's most popular scalloping charters, taking small groups of up to 6 people to his favorite spots where these tasty mollusks are practically waiting to be picked. The 2026 season runs from July 1st through September 24th, and trust me, you'll want to book early because word travels fast about the best scalloping grounds around here.
This 5-hour trip takes you to some seriously productive scalloping flats where the water runs between 5 and 8 feet deep – perfect for snorkeling without feeling like you're in over your head. Most days, the water clarity is fantastic, so you'll easily spot those telltale shells sitting on the sandy bottom. Captain Richard keeps his groups small with a base price for 4 people, though he can accommodate up to 6 anglers for an extra $50 per additional person. Don't worry if you don't have your own snorkeling gear – he's got a basic setup ready for you, but experienced scallpers often prefer bringing their own mask and fins for the best fit. The real bonus comes at the end when Captain Richard breaks out his cleaning station and walks everyone through the proper way to shuck and prepare your catch. You'll head home knowing exactly how to turn those fresh scallops into a restaurant-quality meal.
Scalloping is all about the hunt, and it's way more active than most people expect. You'll be snorkeling along the grass flats, scanning the bottom for those distinctive ridged shells that blend surprisingly well with the sandy patches and turtle grass. The technique is simple but takes a good eye – scallops like to nestle into the grass beds where they filter-feed, so you'll learn to spot the subtle differences between shells and debris. When you find one, it's a quick dive down to grab it before it can swim away with those surprising jet-propulsion bursts. Yeah, these things actually swim by clapping their shells together, which always catches first-timers off guard. Captain Richard provides mesh bags for your haul, and he'll show you how to measure them properly since there are strict size limits. The snorkeling gear includes basic masks, snorkels, and fins, but if you've got your own setup that fits perfectly, bring it along. Some regulars swear by their prescription masks or longer fins for easier diving.
Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and they're unlike anything else you'll encounter on the flats. These world-class mollusks typically measure 3 to 4 inches across when fully grown, with those beautiful fan-shaped shells that range from brown to orange to almost purple. What makes them so exciting to hunt is their behavior – they're not just sitting there waiting to be picked up. Scallops can actually see you coming with dozens of tiny blue eyes along their shell edges, and when they sense danger, they'll clap their shells together to jet away in quick bursts. It's like underwater hide-and-seek, and the good ones will bury themselves in the grass or sand when they think you're getting too close. The best time to target them is during the cooler parts of the day when they're more active and the water visibility is at its peak. July and August tend to produce the biggest scallops, while September fishing can be more challenging but often yields better quality meat. What keeps people coming back year after year is that perfect combination of the hunt, the beautiful shallow-water environment, and knowing you're going home with some of the sweetest, most delicate seafood you'll ever taste. Fresh bay scallops have a completely different flavor than anything you'll buy in a store – they're sweeter, more tender, and have this clean ocean taste that disappears within days of being harvested.
Captain Richard's scalloping trips book up fast once word gets out about the water conditions and scallop populations each season. This customer-favorite charter combines the best scalloping grounds in the area with hands-on instruction that'll have you feeling confident whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned veteran looking for new spots. The 5-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunities to fill your limit while still having time to relax and enjoy being out on the water. Plus, that cleaning lesson at the end means you'll actually know what to do with your catch instead of staring at a bag of shells wondering where to start. With the 2026 season running from July 1st through September 24th, now's the time to secure your dates before the prime summer slots fill up. Whether you're planning a family outing, a group of friends looking for something different, or you're a solo angler wanting to try your hand at scalloping, this trip delivers both the adventure and the dinner. Book with Tops Charters and get ready to discover why scalloping has become one of the most popular summer activities around here.
Captain Richard's 24' Triton center console is your ticket to prime scalloping waters. This well-rigged boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably and comes loaded with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working shallow flats, while the power pole anchors you perfectly over productive spots. GPS and fish finder help locate the best grounds, and there's an icebox stocked with cold water plus an onboard head for convenience. The shallow draft design gets you into those 5-8 foot depths where scallops thrive, and Captain Richard provides snorkeling gear plus teaches proper cleaning techniques. At $50 per additional person beyond the base 4, it's a solid deal for accessing some of the area's most productive scalloping grounds during the July-September season.
Crystal River