CITRUS COUNTY SCALLOPING:
MORE SCALLOPS, MORE FUN
Now June 19 - September 10, 2010
Great news for scallop lovers: Citrus County's 2010 scalloping season starts two weeks early and promises to be one of the best seasons in recent memory!
Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida FWC moved the season two weeks early, starting Saturday, June 19, 2010. This was possible because a recent state scallop survey of Homosassa and Crystal River found an increase of more than 270% over last year's scallop count—that's more than three times the 2009 total. What's more, our waters remain crystal clear and absolutely open for adventure!
Citrus County's bay scallops sit in seagrass beds under five or six feet of water on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. A favorite activity of many families, scalloping requires little more than a boat, a snorkel and a desire for a seafood dinner. Scallopers over the age of 16 also need a Florida fishing license. Licensed guides are a popular choice and provide all the necessary equipment.
State regulations allow each person to collect 2 gallons of whole bay scallops or 1 pint of meat, with no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops or half a gallon of meat on any vessel at any time. Scallops may only be taken by hand or with a landing or dip net.
Click on the links at the top of this page to find local businesses that will complete your scallop adventure. Guides, accommodations and supplies are ready and available.
Check the latest water temperatures and tide information. Also be sure to check out our Bay Scallops page in the Learning Lagoon.
