While the rush is on for harvesting bay scallops, state officials remind those taking part need a license.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has opened yet another Gulf Coast county to bay scallop season.
Recreational harvesting of the shellfish is now permitted in Pasco County. The season remains open until Aug. 18. The harvesting is open in waters from the Hernando-Pasco County line in state waters south of that area and north to the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County. That includes all waters of the Anclote River.
FWC officials are aware of the popularity of recreational harvest runs on scallops. But they caution those taking part that there are extensive rules to follow.
“The daily bag limit in this area is two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or half gallon (four pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel per day. Throughout the season, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit,” an FWC news release said.
It’s the second sizable run of recreational bay scallop harvesting to open in the past month. July 1 brought the open season for portions of Franklin, Taylor, Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties. The scallop season in those areas runs through Sept. 24.
In Taylor County, scallop harvesting areas include Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks along the Nature Coast. Harvesting areas along Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties include Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa.
Bay scallop harvesting can only be done by using a landing or dip net. The state prohibits commercial harvesting during the season.
FWC officials say those seeking scallops should follow safety tips for divers and boaters. They should maintain a 360-degree awareness surrounding “diver-down” flags deployed in the water. Divers should keep a distance of 300 feet from the flags in the open Gulf and 100 feet if they’re diving in a river, inlet or navigation channel.
While recreational harvesting is encouraged by the state, those participating in the bay scallop season need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless they are wading near shore. Licenses can be purchased online.
