Two snorkelers in shallow turquoise water holding a bay scallop over seagrass

July – September · Gulf of Mexico

Scalloping in Homosassa

Enjoy a day on the water with friends while you snorkel for scallops in the shallow seagrass flats of the Gulf of Mexico. We have the boats and the gear.

Rent a pontoon to scallop

Season: July 1 – Sept 242 gallons per person10 gallons per boatFishing licence required

Scallop season is the best excuse to be on the Gulf all summer, and Homosassa sits right at the edge of the flats.

We offer boat rentals and the equipment you need to snorkel the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico while searching for scallops. The water is warm, the bottom is sand and grass, and the search is the fun part.

How to find scallops

They are found in seagrass about 6 inches tall, usually in 3 to 6 feet of water. From our marina, drive to Homosassa Channel Marker 8 and head north about 10 minutes, always in sight of land. Look for the blue eyes along the edge of the shell — once you see one, you will start seeing dozens.

How to catch them

Catching a scallop is as easy as picking up a shell. They do not have teeth, so they cannot hurt you. They can swim in short jets when startled, so approach slowly and scoop rather than grab.

The rules, in short

Limits and licences

2 gallons of whole scallops per person
Maximum 10 gallons per boat
Florida saltwater fishing licence required
Under 16 and over 65 are exempt

Bring with you

Mask, snorkel and fins
Mesh bag for the catch
Cooler with ice for the ride home
Waterproof sunscreen, and plenty of water

After the catch: scallops keep best on ice and are usually cleaned on the boat or at home. Personal limits apply to everyone aboard, so count heads before you fill the cooler.

Dogs, kids and grandparents

Dogs are welcome on pontoon rentals. Children and older passengers do well on the flats, where the water is shallow and the boat is close. Bring shade, water and a hat — a summer day on the Gulf is bright.

Look for the blue eyes along the shell edge.

Picking them up is the easy part.

Ice them straight away and they keep all day.

Before you book

Scalloping questions

When is scallop season in Homosassa?

The Florida scallop season for the Homosassa area runs July 1 through September 24. Always confirm the current dates and any closures with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you plan.

Do I need a fishing licence to scallop?

Yes. A Florida saltwater fishing licence is required to harvest bay scallops. Everyone under 16 and over 65 is exempt.

What is the bag limit for scallops?

The personal limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops in the shell per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons per boat.

How far are the scallop grounds?

From our marina it is about a 90-minute boat ride to the scallop grounds in one of our rental boats. Head to Homosassa Channel Marker 8 and north about 10 minutes, always in sight of land.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. You snorkel in 3 to 6 feet of water over seagrass. If you can float and breathe through a snorkel, you can scallop.

Does everyone find scallops?

Most people do, but scallops are wild and move with the season. We never promise a harvest.

Scallop season is better on the water.

Reserve a pontoon for scalloping online, or call (352) 628-5222 to plan your day on the flats.

Pontoon rentals