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Bay Scallops

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Open harvest season for bay scallops along Florida’s gulf coast begins July 1 and runs through September 10. State waters in the Gulf of Mexico open to scallop harvest extend from the Pasco-Hernando County line (near Aripeka—latitude 28 degrees, 26.016 minutes North) to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County (longitude 85 degrees, 25.84 minutes West).  It is illegal to possess bay scallops on water outside open harvest areas.
It is also illegal to land scallops outside open harvest areas. For
example, it would be legal to take scallops from waters off the Hernando County coast, but it would be illegal to dock your boat in Pasco County with the scallop catch onboard.

Recreational harvesters are limited to two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat, per day during the open season. In addition, recreational scallopers may possess no more than 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or ½ gallon of bay scallop meat, aboard any vessel at any time. Bay scallops may be harvested only by hand or with a landing or dip net. They may not be harvested for commercial purposes.  Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops, even when scalloping from shore. See Shoreline Fishing FAQS for more information.

Additional information about scallops can be found here.

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