Let the Florida Scalloping Begin!

Florida's scallop season on the Gulf Coast runs July 1 to September 24 this year. The most popular areas are Steinhatchee, St. Joseph Bay, St. Marks, and Crystal River. You can find the rules and regulations for Bay Scallops Open Harvest Season online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You can also check out the annual abundance survey on their website to see where the best luck has been reported in years past.

Going scalloping this season? Here are some items you will need for the Easter egg (errr scallop) hunt:

• current Florida saltwater fishing license (whether scalloping from boat or shore)
• boat (the best scalloping grounds are only reachable by boat)
• mask, snorkel, fins 
• divers-down flag (vessels should remain 300 feet from a divers-down flag)
• mesh bag and gallon bucket to measure your limit
• cooler of ice or a live well on your boat
• sunscreen, snacks, and drinking water
• camera to show off your successful day of scalloping

Good luck and enjoy!