Scalloping in Port St Joe, FL

Scallopers between the ages of 16 and 65 are required to have a current Florida saltwater fishing license to collect scallops. Non-residents over the age of sixteen are required to buy a license. Exemptions include scallopers under 16 years of age, Florida residents 65 years of age or older with proof of residency and age, or scallopers on a charter boat with a valid recreational saltwater fishing license.

The scallop limit is two gallons of whole scallops (in the shell), or 1 pint of scallop meat per person per day with no more than ten gallons of whole scallops or one-half gallon of scallop meat aboard the vessel at any time. Scallops can only be harvested by hand or with a landing or dip net. Always check for updated rules with the state of Florida before scalloping. The average water depth to find scallops is usually 4 – 7 feet. Look for clear water with sea-grass beds from the bottom. You will find scallops in the seagrass or at the edge's sandy spots. They are usually easiest to see in the areas where the sand bottom meets the edge of the seagrasses. Scallops may try to swim away when they see you, but don't worry they are not fast swimmers.

Most people scallop from a boat or a fishing kayak and use a mask, snorkel, and fins. They anchor the boat or kayak, put up their dive flag and snorkel over the beds, collecting scallops by hand or small dip net. Let us know what you catch and don't forget to tag Fighting Conch Kayak Rentals in any photos on social media! GOOD LUCK!