Scalloping Season Dates:
July 1st – September 24th
Many people in Florida look forward to July for the beautiful fireworks over the water every year and the Independence Day celebrations around the state. The locals in Citrus County are also excited for July because the 1st of the month marks the start of the annual Scalloping Season along our unspoiled coast!
Rules
This underwater Easter-Egg hunt lasts almost two months along the Gulf Coast of Florida. (It may be longer or shorter in other counties along the Gulf Coast.) That being said, there are plenty of fun times to be had while scalloping with your friends and family, but there are also many guidelines and rules to follow to ensure a safe and legal trip out on the water.
If you’re planning on going scalloping this season, you want to ensure you don’t take too many scallops! Like any other seasonal fishing, there are limits to how many you can take. Each person is allowed two gallons of whole scallops (in their shell) OR 1 pint of scallop meat per day. Also, there can’t be more than 10 gallons of whole scallops or ½ gallon of scallop meat aboard any vessel. You’re also only allowed to acquire scallops by hand or with a landing or dip net!
Equipment
You may think it’s easy to jump in the Gulf and grab scallops! The truth is, you don’t need much to find them. Usually, you don’t need to dig too far to see their shells sticking out of the sand. They’re even right on top of the sand sometimes!
Like any other fishing sport, there are some things you’re going to need to get your scalloping adventure started… First and most important, you need a Saltwater Fishing License! Time after time, this gets confused with something that does not require a license in Florida, but it does. Second, you need a mask and snorkel to stay underwater long enough to find your scallops.
Third, you need a bag to put your scallops in. Many scallopers will use a netted bag and attach it to their wrist so they don’t drop it. Last, it’s wise to bring a pair of flippers too! These will not only help you move faster through the water, but you can cover more ground and find more scallops this way.
Please visit myfwc.com for more information regarding the Citrus County Scalloping Season guidelines and regulations.
