Ready, set, SCALLOP! Gulf and Franklin County Scallop Seasons are upon us, and we’re ready to explore the waters and bring home a delicious harvest! Beloved by visitors and locals alike, scalloping is a unique way to see the waters of the Forgotten Coast while having a blast collecting dinner.
How do you scallop? Often compared to an underwater Easter egg hunt, scallops must be harvested by hand or dip net from the grassy beds of bay waters. Snorkeling provides an up-close look and the easiest way to locate the sometimes-elusive sea creatures. The grass beds can be accessed by boat, paddling a kayak or paddleboard, and wading in shallow waters.
Scallops are found in the bays of both Gulf and Franklin counties, and seasons are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The 2022 scallop season in Franklin County began July 1st and runs through September 24th while the Gulf County season begins August 16th and ends September 24th. A map of seasons and harvest zones from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission can be viewed HERE.
Fun for all ages, scalloping provides an intimate look at the coastal creatures that call our bays home – don’t be surprised to find starfish, sea urchins, a variety of fish, sting rays and much more on your underwater adventure!
Scalloping Facts + Tips
- Scallops are harvested by snorkeling the shallow grass beds of the bays where they thrive and can be collected by hand or with a dip net.
- The St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County region includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. PLEASE NOTE: The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area and no scalloping or anchoring is allowed there.
- The Franklin County region (including Carrabelle, Lanark, and St. Marks) includes 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 and vessel limits in open bay scallop harvest zones are 2 gallons 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. A Florida fishing license is required.
- Scallops are usually found in seagrass beds and are easily distinguished from other bottom-dwelling animals by their electric blue eyes. They can swim by opening and closing their shells making them sometimes more difficult to catch!
