Scalloping charters - Steinhatchee area

[aihfl]

Can anyone recommend a scallop charter in the Steinhatchee area?

Thanks,
AH

 

[pcscuba]

I've been scalloping in steinhatchee several times and I don't think I've ever seen a scalloping "charter". Most people just get on their small boats and go out. The water is very shallow so I don't know how a larger charter boat would do it. But don't take my word for it search it on the net maybe you'll find something.

 

[bubblejunkie]

What are you wanting to pay the ones I've seen are a little pricey, $150.00 or so a day If that sounds about right let me know I know a couple that would be good.

 

[MikeJacobs]

If it's like California, as long as you don't bring them up they're legal to take and eat. We used to eat them underwater, raw. It was a little difficult sometimes finishing a really BIG one before running out of air, and I actually blew a piece into my regulator once... nasty.

So, what are the general parameters for scalloping here in Florida?

 

[Dr. Jay]

Scallops are normally taken while snorkeling in the waters where the rivers meet the Gulf. Average depth is around 4-5 ft...visibility is about the same.

Folks normally take their own boats out (what we will be doing this year), and hop off the side with snorkel gear, staying within a certain distance from the flag on the boat. The "good" spots are normally packed.

Just snorkel along the surface and look amongst the grass and sand. You see the little blue eyes of the scallops staring up at you. Just swim down and grab 'em. Sometimes they try and scoot away, and be careful not to get pinched (a rarity). Some folks with girly hands prefer gloves.

I think the limit is somwhere around what it would take to fill a standard-sized ice chest. The smaller ones are illegal. Cleaning them is a pain, and pretty messy....and nope, you don't have to eat them underwater.

Just my experience.

 

[Big Bend Brian]

There are a number of businesses in Steinhatchee that would love to take you scalloping. See the links below for a few that come to mind.

The next link also provides updated Steinhatchee scalloping information and the site details a very nice marina in the area (Sea Hag Marina). See http://www.seahag.com/marina2/fishingreports/thisweek.htm . My family & I scallop frequently out of Steinhatchee (~10 x’s during the 70 day season) and this is one of the funnest things we do all summer as a family. In this site’s Fishing & Scalloping report you’ll read about our last scalloping trip and see pictures of my family while scalloping. Scalloping is an excellent family activity.

Here are a few business links that come to mind (both Steve & Brian will provide you with an excellent outing):

http://www.kineticnet.net/pepperfish/index.html

http://www.bigbendcharters.com/

http://www.lastcastrass.com/nextpage.htm

http://www.steinhatcheeoutpost.com/camprates.html

Have fun out there. If I can help you pick a charter or provide any information about the area please let me know.
Brian