Aw, Shucks – Scalloping Season Begins July 1 in Citrus County
People once again hungry for travel can satisfy their appetite for fun with the July 1 start of scalloping season in Florida’s Citrus County. The scalloping season runs through Sept. 24, providing a family-friendly water activity for visitors of all ages to get outside and enjoy all summer long.
“Like swimming with manatees, scalloping is just one of those unique Florida activities that people never forget,” said John Pricher, Executive Director of Discover Crystal River. “Now more than ever, people are looking for outdoor experiences to enjoy with their friends and families that meet health guidelines, and our area offers natural adventures unlike anything else in Florida at an amazing value.”
Combining the best elements of snorkeling, fishing, and boating, recreational scalloping is an underwater scavenger hunt for Citrus County’s bay scallops, which sit four to eight feet underwater, along grassy beds or the edges of sandy spots just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The area’s top-rated guides and rental services make any scalloping trip a stress-free experience, providing all the equipment you may need. |
| Photo credit: Stephen Frink |
One of the highlights of a scalloping excursion is enjoying the day’s catch after working up an appetite on the water. Visitors can take their harvest of scallops to several local restaurants, where the chefs can specially prepare Cook-Your-Catch meals, complete with all the trimmings. The bay scallop is noticeably sweeter and more tender than its sea scallop cousin, guaranteeing a delicious dining experience.
Scalloping is considered to be a sustainable food source, with daily limits per person and vessel. The bag limit is 2 gallons of whole, shelled scallops or 1 pint of scallop meat per person, per day. Scallopers must remain within designated scalloping areas and all scallops must be caught by hand or a dip net. Every year, barring environmental factors, the local bay scallops replenish themselves when left alone during the off-season. One single bay scallop can lay up to two million eggs every fall. Fortunately, local guides know all the rules, making it easy and fun visitors to safely enjoy the experience.
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| Photo credit: Carol Grant/Miles Saunder |
Find out more information about the Scalloping Season in Citrus County and to plan your visit today go to DiscoverCrystalRiverFL.com.
