Florida scallop season has returned, and the underwater scavenger hunt has begun on the Gulf Coast! Every summer, families return to our slice of paradise, searching for the tasty bay scallops found in our waters. Scalloping is fun for all ages since it requires minimal gear and little experience. Dive for dinner on the Florida Gulf Coast and choose Cape & Coast Premier Properties to host your getaway. Our vacation rentals are fully equipped with kitchens, so you can easily prepare your scallops for a delectable dinner at the end of the day. Read on to learn more about how you can find these tasty mollusks in our Florida waters this summer!
Florida Scallop Season General Information
The scallops you will search for along the Florida Gulf Coast are Bay Scallops. These mollusks are usually found in 4-8 feet of water and can grow as large as 3 ½ inches. To identify bay scallops, look for dark shells and the tiny blue eyes lining the outer rim of the shell. Keep in mind that you may not be able to see the eyes as you get closer. Once you have located some bay scallops, you are allowed to fill a two-gallon bucket per person.
What Do I Need for Scalloping in Florida?
The first thing you need for scalloping is a saltwater fishing license unless you join a guided fishing charter. You will need some essential snorkel gear for those who want to look for bay scallops on their own. This includes a mask, snorkel, fins, and a mesh net to store your scallops. Finally, you will also need diver down flags to notify nearby boaters that you are diving in the immediate area.
Franklin & Gulf County Scalloping
Scalloping in Franklin County lasts from July 1st through September 24th. This includes the areas from St. Vincent Island to Rock Island. Apalachicola Bay is the most popular spot to find scallops in the county. Several local charters will take you scalloping if you are not comfortable with finding these mollusks on your own.
Gulf County scalloping season lasts from August 16th through September 24th. This includes all the waters from St. Joe Beach to the western side of St. Vincent Island. St Joe Bay and Cape San Blas are the county’s most popular destinations for scalloping. You can find everything you need to start your underwater scavenger hunt at Scallop Cove.
Stay at Our Florida Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals
Now that you know more about Florida scallop season, you may be wondering how to clean and prepare your finds from the day. Watch this helpful YouTube video to learn how to clean and cook your bay scallops in your vacation rental. Choose Cape & Coast Premier Properties to host your Florida getaway in St. George Island, Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, St. Joe Beach, or Mexico Beach. Browse our complete collection of Florida Gulf Coast vacation rentals, and join us for this year’s scallop season!
