Florida scallop season

There are many reasons to celebrate summer in Florida, as well as many to curse the season in this location, but one of the best treats is the start of scallop season. It begins July 1st and runs until Sept. 24th. An ideal way to beat the heat is snorkeling in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico while on the hunt for scallops.

Here’s (most of) what you need to know to get ready for the season.

What Is A Scallop?

Technically, bay scallops are called Argopecten irradians. Long word, right? They are bivalves that are bottom-dwelling and hang out on grass flats. Bivalves have two shells joined by a hinge. They can get as big as 3 inches in Florida and live about a year.

One distinguishing characteristic is their tiny blue eyes lining their outer shells. Their eyes detect motion and give the rest of the shell a warning signal that something is approaching.

Scallops are fragile. The water has to be just the right temperature for them to survive. They thrive on grass beds with a perfect mix of saltwater and freshwater. Too much rain can mess up this delicate balance and kill the scallops. Same goes if it's too salty.

Here's a fun fact: Scallops have both male and female sex organs, which means they can produce both sperm and eggs. Changes in water temperature triggers spawning, which occurs in the fall. One scallop is capable of producing millions of eggs at once. Only one egg out of 12 million is likely to reach adulthood.

                                                                                                          Where To Go And Why

There was a time when scallops were found up and down the east and west coasts of Florida, from Pensacola to the Florida Keys. Sadly that is no more. The numbers have dwindled and they can be found only in certain areas. Luckily for us, two of those areas are in Crystal River and Hernando. It's the perfect mix of water with an abundance of grass flats.

It takes a boat to reach the swath of water that holds the scallops. Boat rentals are available or you can sign up with one of the countless tour companies to take you out. The best time to head out is during low tide. The water isn't as deep and the grass blades are standing up. It's possible to get scallops during high tide, it just requires a longer dive to the bottom.

Try to go scalloping on a weekday, and go early. It can get crowded on the weekends, which limits the scalloping grounds. And the later you go the higher the chance of an afternoon shower popping up.

What You Need

The most important part of scalloping is the equipment. If you choose to go out on a tour, most places will supply everything you need. If you choose to go out on your own look for a mask and snorkel that fits snugly so water won't seep in. Fins aren't necessary, but it’s much easier to float around the water with them on. Make sure to get a mesh bag that can tie around your waist. This allows you to collect your scallops while staying in the water.

                        How To Scallop

Scalloping is like an Easter egg hunt. They lie in the grass beds and are sometimes camouflaged in the sand. They usually have their shells open and point toward the sun. But once they sense an intruder they clamp up and bury themselves in the sand. The key is to snatch the scallop before it takes off. You might get pinched as the shells close, but it only hurts a little.

After The Catch

The scallops won't shuck themselves. It takes a bit of work to separate the shells, remove the liver and heart and scrape the white muscle off the shell. This is just another reason to head out with a tour company, they will shuck and cook the scallops for you when you arrive back on land.