Scallop Season – The Big Bend area of the Gulf of Mexico
Season: July 1, 2022 to September 24, 2022
Location: Homosassa and Crystal River, Florida
What are “Bay Scallops”?
The Florida Bay Scallop is a bivalve mollusk that lives in seagrass beds in relatively shallow water, usually 4 to 10 feet deep. These can only be found in selected locations along Florida’s west coast area of the Gulf of Mexico near the Crystal and Homosassa rivers with expansive, healthy seagrass beds.
How do you scallop?
Do I need a license?
The recreational harvest of the Florida Bay scallop is one of Florida’s most anticipated summertime activities for residents and visitors of all ages.
Preparing To Go Scalloping
1. Gather Personal Equipment
Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
Mesh bag and/or dip net to harvest scallops
Plenty of water
Hat and sunscreen
Sunsuit or shirt
Gloves (optional)
2. Check License and Regulations
Anyone harvesting scallops needs a current Florida recreational saltwater fishing license, unless you are scalloping on a chartered trip. A saltwater fishing license can be obtained at most sporting goods stores, Walmart or online at www.myfwc.org.
Make sure you understand the open seasons in your intended zones and bay scallop harvesting regulations. This makes the rules more complicated for scallopers, so be sure you understand the open and closed seasons and areas. Visit www.myfwc.or for the most up-to-date information on open dates and zones.
Daily Bag Limit
2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person; Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon of bay scallop meat (4 pints) per vessel. These rules apply in all zones unless otherwise mandated by the FWC.
Minimum Size Limit
None, though it is recommended that you toss back scallops smaller than 1.5 inches across (about the size of a golf ball).
Gear requirements
Scallops may only be landed by hand or by using a dip net, no other harvest methods are allowed. Commercial scalloping is illegal.
3. Pack Boating Safety Gear
Be sure to pack your divers-down flag and familiarize yourself with the rules. One of the most common divers-down flag violations is displaying the flag while underway. Always remember to stow your flag before moving to a new location!
Also, check your standard boating safety equipment to be sure you have enough life jackets for every person aboard, a throwable flotation device, a sound-producing device such as a whistle or air horn, and a supply of visual distress signals in good condition (not wet or expired).
Finally, you’ll want a cooler with plenty of ice to keep scallops cool and safe to eat.