Scalloping in the Tampa Area, Florida

SCALLOPING IN PASCO COUNTY IS ONLY AVAILABLE FROM JULY 1st - AUGUST 6th IN 2023!

We are located in Pasco County which is the closest county to Tampa that permits scalloping. We are only a 40 minute drive from Downtown Tampa / Clearwater Beach. The Florida Bay Scallop grows and lives in shallow seagrass beds (4 to 10 feet deep) common in our area. Our 2018 through 2022 seasons were PHENOMENAL!!

Florida Residents between the ages of 16 and 64 must have a current Florida saltwater fishing license to collect scallops. All non-residents 16 and older will need a saltwater fishing license. This can be purchased over the phone (888-fish-florida) or online. (myfwc.com).

You can rent a pontoon boat from us to go scalloping and drive yourself, but we HIGHLY recommend choosing one of the captained packages. Our captains know where the best scalloping areas are! Also, some of the BEST scalloping is in areas where we do not permit self drive pontoons due to dangerous rocks and shoals. Our captains know the scalloping area very well and can avoid these dangers.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO GO SCALLOPING?

You will need a mask, snorkel and a mesh bag to collect scallops. Gloves and swim fins are optional. Don't worry, scallops don't bite! You will also need a bucket or container in order to measure your catch. Daily Bag Limit: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell. 10 gallon whole scallop limit per boat.  ABSOLUTELY NO SHUCKING SCALLOPS ON THE BOAT!! 

HOW DO YOU CATCH SCALLOPS?

After donning your snorkel gear, swim on the water surface, and look below for scallops. Sometimes they will be in reach, other times, you will need to dive down to grab them. It will be the neon blue eyes that pop through the scallop's opening that will catch your eye. They will try to swim away, but scallops don't swim very fast.

Place your catch on ice as soon as it comes on board and cover the shells with ice. While they’re cooling the shells will open automatically. If you are going to clean them yourself, you will need a tool, such as an oyster knife or sharp, flexible kitchen knife.  Please harvest responsibly!   Under 2 inces in diameter throw it back.

Fully Inclusive Scalloping Package
Boat, captain, sales tax and 5 gal. gas!
$450 for 4 hours! $650 for 8 hours. Maximum 6 people ONLY!

Bring your own drinks, you have a designated driver! Your professional licensed captain will drive you to grass flats where you can catch scallops and view the wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. Our captains know the waters and can take you to perfect scalloping areas where we do not allow self drive pontoon boats due to numerous rocks and other dangers.
BOOK ONLINE FOR INSTANT CONFIRMATION OR CALL TODAY AND REQUEST "CAPTAIN PONTOON SPECIAL" 

IF YOU HIRE A CAPTAIN YOU ARE ABSOLVED OF YOUR LIABILITY ON DRIVER DAMAGE TO THE BOAT! (This excludes any damage your party might cause to the interior of the boat, such rips in the upholstery, cigarette burns or willful destruction of property). No need to worry about crashing into other boats or damaging the propeller on rocks. Your captain is responsible for this.

If you have 7 or more people, you can still go out with a captain, but instead of a fully inclusive charter rate, you would instead select the 7-12 person rental package and then add a captain for an additional $30 per hour. This fee is then paid directly to the captain in cash.

$30 per hour PLUS GRATUITY (minimum charge: $120) Tipping Guidelines here >>>