HOMOSASSA SCALLOPING
Scallop Town USA - bay scallop capital of the world
1-833-468-8687
SCALLOP SEASON 2022
Scallop season 2022 opens July 1st and closes September 24th. Scalloping in Homosassa is also considered to be the "Nature Coast, Treasure Hunt." If you've never been scalloping before, the best way to explain it is that you're on an underwater Easter egg hunt. Snorkeling around anywhere from 3-8 feet of water, searching for little round treasures in the crystal clear waters on a natural reef. It's very easy to do for all ages! The hardest part of scalloping is getting to the scalloping areas and locating the right spot. Navigating Homosassa and Crystal River waterways can be very tricky, which is why we recommend hiring a scallop charter guide to lead you to the right area.
HOMOSASSA SCALLOP PACKAGES
Hire a local native to guide you to the treasure
Parties larger than 6 require multiple boats per the US Coast Guard
Please call to inquire for about groups larger than 6
SCALLOP CHARTER
$400 for 1-2 guests
$450 for 3-4 guests
$500 for 5-6 guests
4 hours
Go on an underwater treasure hunt for scallops. This is a great adventure for all ages. We don't only pride ourselves as excellent scallop guides, all of our captains are also 5 star in hospitality and guarantee to create a fun and comfortable setting for you and your party. Long as you know how to snorkel, you'll be a scalloping master. If you don't know how to snorkel, we'll teach you!
State required fishing license, mask, snorkel, fins, bounty bag, ice, bottled water - included in price.
SCALLOP & FISHING PACKAGE
Starting at $750
7 hours
Experience the Nature Coast at it's fullest when pairing Scalloping & Fishing together! Go on an underwater treasure hunt for scallops then before or after, fish the mangroves islands for inshore species such as Redfish, Snook, Trout, Jack, Sheepshead and much more! This is a great adventure for all ages. We don't only pride ourselves as excellent scallop and fishing guides, all of our captains are also 5 star in hospitality and guarantee to create a fun and comfortable setting for you and your party.
State required fishing license, mask, snorkel, fins, bounty bag, fishing equipment, bait, ice, water - included in price
VIP SCALLOP PACKAGE
Starting at $700
6 Hour Tour
Start the day off by enjoying the classic 4 hour scallop adventure. A trip suited for all ages diving down on a treasure hunt for scallops. Our 5 star captains will teach you everything you need to know, all while providing a fun and comfortable setting.
After the first 4 hours, it is up to you what you would like to do. Option 1 is to continue to scallop for an additional 2 hours. Option 2 is to head to the sand bar, anchor down, and relax. Our sand bars offer a true local experience where you can kick back and enjoy the local scenery and wildlife, go swimming, and reflect on the great day your group had scalloping.
State required fishing license, mask, snorkel, fins, bounty bag, ice, and bottled water- included in price
HOMOSASSA SCALLOPING FACTS
All though scalloping is very easy to do, there are many regulations and things to know before heading out on your own. Below are a few commonly asked questions but for more information, click on the FWC link for full regulations and laws. Remember, NEVER dump your empty shells into the fresh
SCALLOP BAG LIMITS
SCALLOP LICENSE
How many scallops can I keep?
You can keep 2 gallons of un-shucked (still in shell) scallops per person with a 10 gallon per boat limit. If you have 3 people, you can keep 6 gallons, if you have 6 people, you can keep 10 gallons.
Do I need a license to go scalloping?
Yes, the scallop harvest laws follow the saltwater fishing laws so you would need a saltwater fishing license. BUT if you hire our guide services, you won't need a license because the licenses are included in the price!
SCALLOP CLEANING OR SHUCKING
WHERE TO GO TO FIND SCALLOPS AND HOW TO GET THEM
How do I clean (shuck) a scallop?
It's very easy but can be repetitive if you have a lot. The first thing you want to do is put your scallops on ice and let them sit chilled for an hour or so, this will help shock the scallops and open them up. Take a scallop shucker or use a teaspoon to separate the meat by scraping at the top of the shell and peel that shell you separated off. Then, you use the same tool to scrape the insides gently off the meat. Scoop out the remaining meat from the other side of the shell and put the meat in a bowl with fresh ice water. You can also hire a scallop shucker which is at our docks to do it for you, the going rate is $6 per gallon.
Where do I go to find scallops?
Homosassa is known as the bay scallop capital of the world. There are many areas to cover to find scallops as they move in from the Gulf to our reefs. Target 5 feet of water just outside the Homosassa channel where the grass beds meet the coral bottom. The best way to locate scallops is to hire a guide. We're on the water every day so we understand the scallop travel trend and can take you right to the best spots.
How do I catch a scallop?
Catching a scallop is E-A-S-Y! First you spot them laying on the bottom, normally in the grass. Before you dive down to grab it, look around it because more than likely there is another next to it! When you dive down, simply pick it up with your hand and place it in your bag.
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