Scalloping Regulations:

- 2 gallon daily limit for whole scallops or 1 pint scallop meat per person.
- 10 gallon daily limit per vessel.
- Must have a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest from boat.
- Must have a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest while wading or from shore starting August 1.
- Divers and snorkelers must display a “Divers Down” flag at all times while in water.

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Scallop Season in Full Swing
07/03/09 - 08:29 PM
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Hundreds of visitors and residents are chowing down on scallops after the season kicked off July 1st.  It everyone flocking to area bays to get their own food.

“Love it, been coming here since I was little,” said Gulf County resident Chase Goddin, “love being out on the bay.  Can’t beat it.”  For his family, it is a weekend ritual full of scalloping, scraping, frying and of course, eating.

“Didn’t take very long, there’s plenty of scallops in the bay this year,” he said, “got our limit in about 45 minutes.”

People are coming in droves to collect their allotted 10-gallon daily maximum, with plenty to go around.

“I guess it’s about 8 to 9 times better than what it has been in the past.  People are getting their limits and the scallops are a really good size,” said Presnell’s Bayside Marina owner Fred Erickson, “There’s not as many scallops in other places so I think we have a larger influx of people because of that.”

He says it’s an economic boost for the area, and fun for the whole family.

“Economy’s kind of slow but the people need a break,” said Erickson, “and this gives something inexpensive to do so they can come out and have some fun with their family.”

Visitor from New Jersey and first-time scalloper Bob Bailey agrees.

“Real peaceful, tranquil, I’ll be back again,” he said.

“I highly recommend everybody try it, it’s exciting, it’s fun it’s safe,” said his brother.

“It’s a good time,” said Erickson, “Bring your family out here, snorkel with your kids, go back home and eat your mess of scallops.”

The season will remain open for bay scallops until September 10.