Scalloping Season Dates: July 1st – September 24th
It’s almost that time of year again!
Many people in Florida look forward to July for the beautiful fireworks over the water every year, for the Independence Day celebrations around the state.
The locals in Citrus County have many more reasons to be excited for July, as the 1st of the month marks the start of the annual Scalloping Season along the unspoiled coast of Citrus County!
Rules
This underwater Easter-Egg hunt lasts almost 2 whole 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 many fun times to be had while out 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 make sure 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 2 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 just jump in the Gulf and grab scallops!
The truth is, you actually 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 and other fishing sport, there are some things you’re going to need in order 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 some type of 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 smart 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.
Popular Recipes
Cooking scallops can be as simple or complex as you choose!
Locals in Citrus County love to make their “stuffed scallops” and serve them right in the shell!
Others may just love them cooked in butter on the stove-top.
Here are a couple delicious recipes for you to enjoy this season….
1) Stuffed Scallops:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfXyyUimg_M
2) Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFIjxsvRDbM
3) Scallop Gratin:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCXKmbN6OBU
4) Creamy Garlic Scallops:
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQzL51vdLY0
This season will definitely be one for the books, as social-distancing regulations seem to be here to stay!
This is a great activity for you and your family to go out and stay safe from any crowded areas.
We’ll see you out on the water!