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Have you ever wanted to experience a Florida scalloping adventure? Pasco County is the place to try it out in the Tampa Bay area during the summertime.
In 2023, Pasco County, Florida, also known as Florida’s Sports Coast, extended its scalloping season to more than 30 days on a trial basis. In 2024, the recreational bay scallop season for Pasco County was permanently extended.
The 40-day Pasco County scalloping season now opens July 10 and closes Aug. 18 annually.
Pasco County Scalloping Season Dates: July 10 – Aug. 18
In 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) temporarily modified the 2023 open season for the harvest of bay scallops within the Pasco Zone, extending the 10-day season to 37 days on a trial basis.
In 2024, FWC officially approved a permanent change to the Pasco County scallop season. The 40-day scalloping season for the Pasco Zone starts on July 10 and will run through Aug. 18 annually.
The long-term season dates were informed by the 2023 post-season monitoring results by FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute as well as input received from stakeholders at virtual public workshops, in-person meetings and public comments.
The Pasco Zone bay scallop region includes all state waters between the Hernando – Pasco county line and the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.
Pasco County Bay Scallop Bag Limit
The daily bay scallop bag limit in Pasco County is 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of shucked bay scallop meat per person, with no more than a total of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (4 pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel.
Throughout the season and region-wide, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
Florida Bay Scallop Regulations
- Scallops may be collected by hand or with a landing or dip net.
- There is no commercial harvest allowed for bay scallops in Florida.
For more information on bay scallop regulations, visit FWC website myfwc.com/marine.
Scalloping Safety Tips Courtesy of FWC
Be safe when diving for scallops. Wear a life jacket when underway and do not drink and boat.
When scalloping in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device, and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down flag or device if on a river, inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag or device in open water or within 100 feet of one on a river, inlet or navigational channel must slow to idle speed.
For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Boating/Regulations and click on “Divers-down Warning Devices.”
Stow It, Don’t Throw It
Don’t forget to stow your trash securely on your vessel so that it doesn’t blow out and do not discard empty scallop shells at the dock or in canals. Scallop shells may be discarded in a trash receptacle or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.
What Gear Do You Need for Scalloping?
In addition to a boat, sun protection, drinking water and snacks, you’ll need the following gear for a Florida scalloping adventure:
- Life jackets
- Divers-down flag
- Snorkeling gear
- Mesh catch bags to collect scallops
- Net and gloves, if desired
- Five-gallon bucket or two to hold the scallops
- Large cooler with ice to transport scallops home
- Shellfish knife for scallop shucking
Check out Adventure-Seeking Mom’s Amazon Storefront for our scalloping adventure gear product recommendations.
How Do You Spot and Catch Scallops?
Florida bay scallops are not difficult to spot or catch. Bay scallops are usually found in seagrass beds in waters with depths between four and eight feet. Look for the light that reflects from their eyes. Bay scallops have 20 pairs of small, blue eyes along the edges of their shells that detect movement and light.
When you see one, dive down and grab it carefully. If you miss it on the first grab, the scallop may try to escape. To escape predators, scallops “swim” backward by quickly opening and closing their shells. Watch your fingers!
Tips for Scalloping with Kids
Scalloping can be like an underwater egg hunt for families. Teach younger kids to be scallop spotters. Older kids and adults can dive for any scallops they spot. Give kids a net to help carry the scallops too. These are great ways to involve little ones in the fun and help them get used to snorkeling.
How Do You Shuck and Cook Bay Scallops?
Ice Your Scallops First
Make sure to put your scallops on ice in a cooler. Scallops will quickly spoil if left in the sun. Putting scallops on ice also makes them easier to open. The cold helps the muscle holding the shells together to relax.
Shucking Bay Scallops
Use a shellfish knife (dull/blunt tip) or a teaspoon to shuck scallops. Carefully remove and discard the soft tissue surrounding the white scallop muscle meat.
Cooking Bay Scallops
Scallops should be cooked until the meat is opaque and white. This usually takes no more than three minutes. Be careful not to overcook them. In our house, we quickly sear scallops on a hot skillet so they don’t get rubbery. Bay scallops are naturally tender and sweet. We keep the seasoning simple and often enjoy our bay scallops with a light lemon butter sauce.
More Florida Summer Adventures
Looking for more Florida summer adventure ideas? Check out Adventure-Seeking Mom’s list of 40 Summer Adventures Around Tampa Bay and 8 Amazing Adventures That Go Beyond the Beach.
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Wow, having lived mostly in the upper Midwest most of my life scalloping is all new to me. This sounds super fun! I bet it’s an adventure searching for them. Thanks for sharing about the regulations, that’s so helpful.
So glad you found it helpful! I hope you get to experience this underwater adventure one day!
I have harvested mussels, clams, and oysters in the wild but never scallops. I didn’t know it was possible. This is a fantastic guide to how to do it. next time I’m in Florida, I’m going to give it a try.
Thank you so much! I think you will really enjoy a Florida scalloping adventure!
Those scallops are huge! I have heard about and eaten scallops before, but I never knew that the term scalloping exists. What a fascinating nature activity, thank you for sharing this experience. I have been thinking about visiting Florida area, and now I’m realizing what a seafood heaven it must be. I also like that they have strict regulations on scalloping.
It really is a fascinating Florida outdoor activity and not many people know about it, even people who live in the area, unless they are into boating and fishing. I love that it’s snorkeling with a delicious reward!
I’m going to be honest, I didn’t even know there was a set scalloping season timeframe! I’ve never lived anywhere where scalloping is possible so I thought people just go whenever, lol. Glad to learn about this! I’d love to try it out and make sure I’m following the rules. I’m glad they’re protecting the local resources and making sure they don’t get overharvested.
Also I didn’t know scallops have eyes, I just googled close up pictures; what the – !!!
Scallops are fascinating! You’d be amazed by how their eyes shine when the light hits them underwater, and by how they can swim away from predators by quickly opening and closing their shells. Scalloping is really such a fun Florida adventure that not a lot of people know about unless you’re very into boating and fishing. I’m glad to be able to show people how to do it, and in a responsible way.
This is sooooo cool! I have eaten plenty of scallops (it’s one of my favourite foods in Japan) but I have never attempted scalloping. You and the kids must have loved this sooo much! Plus you get to finish with an amazing dinner. It’s a perfect day out! Light lemon and butter sounds perfect…
Yes! Florida scalloping is such a fun and delicious adventure! I would love to try scallops in Japan someday!