Get your gear and DIVE IN! The highly anticipated Gulf and Franklin County Scallop Seasons are here, and it’s time to explore the waters of the Forgotten Coast for a fun-filled harvest! Scalloping is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors, offering a unique opportunity to experience the coastal waters while gathering a fresh, delicious dinner.
Curious about how to scallop? Imagine an underwater Easter egg hunt where the prizes are savory sea treasures. Scallops are harvested by hand or with a dip net from the grassy beds of bay waters. Snorkeling is the go-to method for spotting these sometimes-elusive creatures up close. You can access these grass beds by boat, kayak, paddleboard, or simply wading in shallow waters.
Both Gulf and Franklin counties are prime scalloping spots, with seasons carefully regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). In 2024, the Franklin County scallop season kicks off on July 1st and runs through September 24th, while Gulf County’s season begins on August 16th and ends on September 24th. For detailed maps of the seasons and harvest zones, check out the FWC’s resources [HERE].
Scalloping is a family-friendly adventure that offers an intimate glimpse into the vibrant marine life of our bays. As you search for scallops, keep an eye out for starfish, sea urchins, various fish species, stingrays, and more on your underwater journey!
Scalloping Facts & Tips
- How to Harvest: Scallops are typically found in the shallow grass beds of the bays, where they can be collected by hand or with a dip net while snorkeling.
- Location Details: The St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County region encompasses all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. Important Note: The area marked by FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is designated as a Bay Scallop Restoration Area—scalloping and anchoring are not permitted here.
- Franklin County Coverage: This region, including Carrabelle, Lanark, and St. Marks, covers all state waters from the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County to Rock Island near the mouth of the Fenholloway River in Taylor County.
- Bag & Vessel Limits: In open bay scallop harvest zones, the limits are 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in-shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in-shell or 1/2 gallon of bay scallop meat per vessel. Don’t forget, a Florida fishing license is required.
- Scallop Characteristics: Scallops are most commonly found in seagrass beds and are easily recognizable by their bright, electric blue eyes. They have the unique ability to swim by rapidly opening and closing their shells, which can sometimes make them a bit tricky to catch!
Get ready to experience the thrill of scalloping on Florida’s Forgotten Coast—where the adventure is just as rewarding as the feast that follows!
