Scallop Season

Scallop Season for 2012 begins July 1st and ends on September 25th.

Scalloping is a fun activity the entire family can enjoy. Scallop season only lasts a couple of months, July to September, but during that time St. Joseph Bay draws visitors from all over seeking to fill their buckets with the succulent morsels. Catching them is easy, cleaning them a little harder, and feasting on them simply delicious.

How do I scallop?
Scalloping is relatively easy for beginners and doesn't require much more than a saltwater fishing license and a mandatory dive flag, if snorkeling. A mask and snorkel gliding over the grass beds in 2-3 foot deep water is the preferred method. Many simply wade out from the shore but if you use a boat please consider preservation of our grass beds and avoid motoring in low tides to prevent scarring of the bottom. Scallops are a bivalve mollusk that can be found resting on blades of grass or sometimes sitting on the sandy bottom. A good way to spot them is to look for the myriad of glowing blue eyes along the edge of their shells.

It takes quite a few scallops to make a meal, and the bigger they are the better. Consider throwing back small scallops of under 2" for a little more growth as the meat size may not be worth harvesting.

When scalloping it may be helpful to carry along a few additional items to make the job easier, such as a mesh bag for collecting scallops, an ice chest for storing freshly caught scallops, a scallop knife and neoprene water shoes. Licenses and supplies are available at local outfitters.

Where do I Scallop?
Scallop habitats include grass beds and sandy bottoms at the head of St. Joseph Bay and spreading out along the shoreline for hundreds of yards in each direction.

What do I need to Scallop?
Whatever it is you may need - a mask and snorkel, a pontoon boat, or a scallop excursion guide - all can be found in Mexico Beach.

Scalloping Checklist:

• Mask & Snorkel
• Fins or Water Shoes
• Mesh Bag
• Empty Cooler & Ice
• Scallop Cleaning Knife (or butter knife and spoon)
• Dive Flag
• Saltwater Fishing License