Known for being an unbeatable destination for bay scallops, Florida’s Sports Coast is the perfect place to score these tasty saltwater clams by the fistful. Whether you’re snorkeling from the shore or diving onto our rich scallop beds by boat, there’s no better location to tackle scalloping season than Florida’s Sports Coast.
Below are a few recommendations and tips to help complete your scalloping trip on Florida’s Sports Coast.
Get a Charter
Make sure to book a local charter captain for your scalloping excursion. There are several experienced and knowledgeable captains that know the best places to find scallops and usually have saltwater fishing licenses that cover up to 5 people. View Charters.
Book a Hotel
Be sure to book a hotel to get the most out of your trip. On Florida’s Sports Coast, you’ll find many options for great hotels in and around New Port Richey to stay near our coastline. View hotels.
Eat Like a Champion
Scallops aren’t the only thing on the menu. In every corner of Florida’s Sports Coast, you’ll find delicious restaurants and craft breweries to enjoy when you’re not on the water. View Restaurants & Breweries.
Scalloping Tips & Tricks
- Before you get started, there are a few things to keep in mind to have a safe and successful scalloping season on Florida’s Sports Coast:
- Scallops pinch! Use a mesh bag when collecting them to avoid any painful moments.
- Scallops are found on or near the bottom of seagrass beds in shallow waters. You can either swim on your belly or wade through the water to seek them out.
- Keep them on ice. Scallops are sensitive to temperature and need to remain cold to stay open. This will make them easier to clean later.
- How to Clean Scallops: Cleaning is a fairly easy process that requires minimal tools. All you need is a spoon or oyster knife to separate the muscle, or “white meat,” from the shell.
- Scallops are best consumed after being cooked which also eliminates any possible food safety hazards that come with eating raw meat.
- Commercial harvest of bay scallops is illegal. Recreational scallopers between the ages of 16-65 must have a current Florida saltwater fishing license.
- Bag Limit: 2 gallons whole (in-shell) or 1-pint scallop meat per person, per day.
- Scallops can only be harvested by hand or dip net.
- Scallop fishers must remain in legal water and cannot cross county waterline border with catch.