Apalachicola's Best Fishing & Scalloping Combo
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8hour combo charter features inshore fishing and scalloping adventuresSeasonal availability runs July through September in Franklin County watersPrivate trips accommodate up to 4 guests with license included
Picture this: you're out on the pristine waters of Apalachicola Bay at sunrise, rod in hand, waiting for that first redfish to slam your bait. By afternoon, you're snorkeling crystal-clear flats hunting for bay scallops that'll make tonight's dinner legendary. This is what our 8-hour "Shells-N-Scales" charter delivers – the perfect marriage of world-class inshore fishing and Florida's hottest summer activity. From July through September, when the scallop season peaks and the fishing stays red-hot, this combo trip lets you experience the absolute best of what Apalachicola's waters offer. We're talking about a full day that starts at 8 AM and doesn't quit until you've got coolers full of fish and fresh scallops.
Your day kicks off in the legendary shallow waters where Apalachicola Bay meets the Gulf, some of the most productive inshore fishing grounds on Florida's Panhandle. We'll start the morning working the grass flats, oyster bars, and drop-offs that hold concentrations of redfish, flounder, and black drum. The beauty of this fishery is its diversity – one cast you might hook into a bull red cruising the shallows, the next could be a doormat flounder lying in ambush near a channel edge. After we've put some quality fish in the boat, we'll transition to the scalloping grounds where the water stays cool and clear. These shallow grass flats become your underwater hunting ground, where bay scallops hide among the turtle grass waiting to be collected. The contrast between the adrenaline rush of fighting fish and the peaceful, almost meditative hunt for scallops creates a day that hits every note perfectly. Your group of up to four anglers will have plenty of space to spread out, whether you're casting artificial lures or diving for shellfish.
We fish these waters the way they've been fished for generations – with light tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run. Most of our fishing happens in 2-8 feet of water using spinning gear loaded with braided line for maximum sensitivity and hook-setting power. We'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom during the heat of the day. The key techniques here are sight fishing when the water's clear enough to spot cruising reds, and working structure like oyster bars where drum and sheepshead love to feed. For the scalloping portion, we provide all the snorkel gear you'll need to explore the grass flats. The technique is simple but effective – you're looking for those distinctive fan-shaped shells nestled in the grass, and once you spot them, a quick dive down lets you pluck them from their hiding spots. The water stays shallow enough that even novice snorkelers can easily reach the bottom, making this accessible for the whole family.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Apalachicola's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from schoolie-sized fish perfect for the dinner table up to bull reds that'll test your drag and your patience. Summer months bring consistent action as reds patrol the flats in search of crabs and baitfish. What makes catching them here special is the sight fishing opportunities – when conditions align, you can actually see these bronze-backed beauties cruising just under the surface, making for some of the most exciting fishing Florida has to offer. Summer flounder, or fluke as many call them, are ambush predators that lie buried in sandy bottoms near channel edges and grass lines. These flatfish can grow impressively large in Apalachicola's nutrient-rich waters, and their pure white fillets are considered among the best eating fish in the Gulf. The challenge with flounder is detecting their subtle bite – they often just feel like you've snagged bottom until you start reeling and feel that distinctive head-shaking fight.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute brutes when it comes to pulling power. These bottom-dwellers love to hang around oyster bars where they crush shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth, creating that distinctive crunching sound underwater. Catching a big drum on light tackle is like hooking into a freight train – they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to wear you down. Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery, often showing up when you least expect them. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes mistakenly called) are curious fish that will follow your boat, sometimes allowing for sight casting opportunities. When hooked, cobia make blistering runs and aren't afraid to jump, making them one of the most exciting catches possible on this trip. Mahi mahi, while less common in the inshore waters, occasionally push into the bay during summer months, bringing their spectacular aerial displays and incredible table fare to lucky anglers.
This seasonal combo trip represents the pinnacle of summer fishing and scalloping in the Big Bend area. The "Shells-N-Scales" charter runs from July through September when conditions align perfectly – the scallop season is open, the fishing stays consistently good, and the weather cooperates for comfortable days on the water. Franklin and Wakulla County waters are available from July 1st through September 24th, while Gulf County trips from Port St. Joe run August 16th through September 24th. At just $20 per gallon for scallop cleaning (and we provide your license), you're getting incredible value for a full day that combines two of Florida's most popular summer activities. With space limited to four guests, this trip books up fast during peak season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add scalloping to your skills or a family wanting to experience the best of both worlds, this charter delivers memories that'll last long after your tan fades. Don't wait – summer in Apalachicola means prime time for
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 2021 25-foot Pathfinder bay boat, perfectly designed for chasing inshore species and hunting scallops in Apalachicola's waters. This modern bay boat cuts through the Gulf with its powerful Yamaha 300HP engine, reaching speeds up to 44 knots to get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with a fish finder to locate your targets, GPS navigation to mark those honey holes, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches in shallow water. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, while the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida summer days. Whether you're casting for redfish and trout or diving for scallops on the grass flats, this bay boat delivers the perfect platform for your Shells-N-Scales adventure.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love shallow oyster beds and muddy flats around Apalachicola Bay, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What makes them special is the fight they put up on light tackle, plus the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on the bottom near oyster bars during moving tides. The bigger fish will test your drag system, but that's half the fun.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ocean's bulldogs - dark brown torpedoes that average 40-60 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're usually loners cruising near buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early summer is peak season when they migrate through our area, often spotted just under the surface looking like small sharks. What makes them special is their curiosity - they'll actually follow the boat and check out your lures. Plus, they're some of the finest eating fish around with firm, white meat similar to shark. The secret is sight fishing: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig well ahead of them and work it slowly back. Don't cast right at them or they'll spook.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the show-offs of offshore fishing, flashing gold, green, and blue colors that light up like a neon sign when they hit the boat. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Summer months are prime time here in the Gulf when warm water pushes closer to shore. Guests go crazy for their aerial acrobatics and lightning-fast runs, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, sweet meat perfect for the grill. When you hook one, expect company since they often travel in small schools. Keep a second rod ready with a different lure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of our shallow water fishing, sporting that distinctive copper color and black spots near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but don't be surprised by a 40+ inch bull red that'll test your tackle. They thrive in water so shallow their backs show above the surface, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and marsh edges throughout our area. Summer and fall offer consistent action, especially during moving tides. What guests love most is the visual fishing - spotting their tails or backs in skinny water, then watching them crush topwater plugs in explosive strikes. Here's the deal: cast past a cruising red and work your bait back into their path. They're curious and will often follow before committing.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush baitfish. These "doormat" flatfish typically run 15-20 inches, though the big females can push 26 pounds. They love shallow bay areas and grass flats where they blend in perfectly with the bottom. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're actively feeding before their offshore migration. Guests love the challenge of finding them and the excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The key is watching for that subtle tap on your bait, then waiting a beat before setting the hook since they grab prey sideways and need time to turn it around.
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