Danny Federico, Reporter3@riverbendnews.org
The dates for bay scallop season on the Gulf Coast have been announced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The season varies depending on the section of coastline where the scallops are sought.
The season between the Fenholloway River and the Suwannee River, stretching from Taylor to Dixie Counties (including Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee), begins on Wednesday, June 15 and runs until Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 5.
This zone has a lowered daily bag limit between Wednesday, June 15 and Thursday, June 30, of one gallon of whole bay scallops in shell or one cup shucked, per person. Per vessel, the daily bag limit is five gallons whole or two pints shucked. From Friday, July 1, to Labor Day, the daily bag limit per person is two gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or one pint of bay scallop meat. Per vessel, the daily bag limit during this time frame is a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or half a gallon (four pints) of bay scallop meat.
It should be noted, however, that vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
There is no minimum size for the scallops. Harvesting is permitted by hand or with a landing or dip net. Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are exempt from needing a license, or have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e. feet do not leave bottom to swim, snorkel or SCUBA and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location).
Those looking forward to partake in bay scallop season should be sure to adhere to all safe-boating rules to ensure a good time.