July 1–September 10, 2012

Great news for scallop lovers: The 2012 scalloping season begins July 1. Come bag the adventure!

Citrus County's bay scallops sit in seagrass beds under five or six feet of water on the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. A favorite activity of many families, scalloping requires little more than a boat, a snorkel and a desire for a seafood dinner. Scallopers over the age of 16 also need a Florida fishing license.

Licensed guides are a popular choice and provide all the necessary equipment.

State regulations allow each person to collect 2 gallons of whole bay scallops or 1 pint of meat, with no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops or half a gallon of meat on any vessel at any time. Scallops may only be taken by hand or with a landing or dip net.

Click on the links at the top of this page to find local businesses that will complete your scallop adventure. Guides, accommodations and supplies are ready and available.

Learn more about tidal information in the area. Also be sure to check out our Bay Scallops page in the Learning Lagoon.

Click to download the Citrus County Scalloping Guide