The 2018 scalloping season in Wakulla County runs from July 1 – September 24, so now is the time to get prepared with everything you need to have a fantastic season!
What you need to know before you go scalloping
Recreational scalloping is a great opportunity for Wakulla County locals and visitors to spend some summer days on our beautiful waters and harvest delicious scallops to eat. It’s one of the most anticipated times of the year for seafood lovers all around, but there are some important rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure that everyone has a safe and successful scalloping season, and that scallops will be available for many years into the future.
First and foremost, every person scalloping must have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license on their person while they are harvesting, even if you aren’t on a boat. Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website for more details on fishing licenses.
Also, please use only your hands or a dip net to harvest scallops, and abide by the bag limits:
- 2 gallons 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 bay scallop meat per vessel
How you can have a safe and fun time in the water
Harvesting bay scallops is perfect summer fun for the whole family, as long as you follow some important safety guidelines. A mask, snorkel, and fins will help you swim confidently in the water, and you are required to put a dive flag up on your boat when swimmers are in the water to alert nearby boaters.
Try to stay close to your boat: if an area doesn’t seem to have much activity, head back to your boat and find a new spot. Bring plenty of water and reapply sunscreen liberally, because the summer sun in Florida is no joke!
Tips for scalloping success
Most scallops will be found near the bottom of seagrass beds, especially where they meet the sand. Once you bring them back to the boat, keep your scallops on ice in a cooler until you get home. The internet is full of great recipe ideas for succulent, delicious bay scallops to suit your cooking skill level. Of course, you can’t go wrong with simply sautéing them in some butter and adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley!
You can view our accommodations options to start planning your scalloping excursion today, and see many of the other incredible ways you can spend your summer outdoors in Wakulla County.
