Nature Coast Scalloping Trips
A family-friendly summer adventure: a boat ride, a swim and an underwater treasure hunt for bay scallops on the shallow grass flats of the Nature Coast.
What to Expect
Guests use a mask, snorkel and fins to search seagrass beds for bay scallops, then bring their catch back to the boat. Final trip details and capacity are confirmed by Captain Al.
July 1 – September 24
Levy, Citrus & Hernando zone, which includes Chassahowitzka, Homosassa and Crystal River waters. The 2026 season has ended; FWC sets the 2027 dates.
Scalloping Trip
Text Captain Al your preferred date and how many people are coming, including kids’ ages.
Scallop Rules, Simply Put
- Bag limit: 2 gallons whole in the shell or 1 pint of meat per person, per day.
- Vessel limit: 10 gallons whole or ½ gallon (4 pints) of meat per boat, per day. Nobody may exceed their personal limit.
- Gear: by hand or with a landing or dip net only. No minimum size.
- License: a Florida saltwater fishing license is required unless you’re exempt.
- Shells: FWC asks that shells not be dumped in inshore waters like the Homosassa River or Crystal River. Use a trash can or larger open water.
Source: FWC: Bay Scallops, Seasons and Bag Limits (opens in a new tab), checked November 10, 2026.
What to Bring Scalloping
- Swimsuit, towel and a dry change of clothes
- Mask, snorkel and fins if you have your own (ask Captain Al what’s provided)
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a long-sleeve sun shirt
- Water and snacks
- A cooler with ice to keep your scallops cold
Scalloping FAQ
When is scallop season near Chassahowitzka?
Chassahowitzka sits near the Citrus–Hernando county line, inside FWC’s Levy, Citrus and Hernando zone. The 2026 season in that zone ran July 1 through September 24. FWC sets the dates each year, so check before you plan.
What is the scallop bag limit?
In the Levy, Citrus and Hernando zone: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of meat per person per day, and no more than 10 gallons whole or ½ gallon of meat per vessel. There is no minimum size, and harvest is by hand or with a landing or dip net only.
Do I need a fishing license to go scalloping?
A Florida saltwater fishing license is required to harvest bay scallops unless you’re exempt. Exemptions include anyone under 16 and people harvesting from a for-hire vessel with a valid charter license. Captain Al will confirm what’s covered on your trip.
Is scalloping good for kids?
Scalloping happens in shallow, clear water over seagrass, and it’s one of the most family-friendly days on the Nature Coast. Tell Captain Al the ages and swimming ability of everyone in your group when you book.
Plan your scalloping day
Call or text Captain Al with your date, the number of people and the trip you’d like. He’ll confirm availability, rates and where to meet. No payment or deposit is collected online.
Tap “Text Captain Al” and a message is started for you. Just fill in your date and group size.