Scalloping in Crystal River

2025 Scalloping Season - Crystal River, FL

Harvesting Scallops near Crystal River, FL

Scalloping in Crystal River is an exciting recreation for the whole family. It's no wonder people come from all over the country to go scalloping in our local waters.

What could be more fun than spending the day on the water, relaxing and diving for bay scallops with your family or friends.

Our fishing guides are experienced and very knowledgeable of the area, as well as licensed and insured. Our guides provide everything you need to go scalloping. Just bring your swimming apparel, cooler & camera.

2025 Scalloping Season begins on Tuesday July 1st and ends on Wednesday September 24th.

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Scalloping Charters
(352) 364-4600

Scalloping Charters in Crystal River, FL.

Florida residents between the age of 16 and 65 must have a valid Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops.

Non-residents over the age of 16 are required to buy at least a limited-time license.

A license is not required if you are scalloping from a for-hire vessel operated by one of our Coast Guard Licensed Captains. That saves you time and money!

The per-person limit is 2 gallons of whole scallops in the shell, or 1 pint of scallop meat per day. No more than 10 gallons of whole scallops or 1/2 gallon of scallop meat may be on board any vessel at any time. Scallops must be harvested by hand or using a landing or dip net.

The following items are recommended for an easier harvest...

- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Mesh bag
- Divers flag (required by law)

Flag must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches and should only be displayed while scallopers are in the water.

All boats must make efforts to stay within 300 feet of another divers-down flag on open waters and within 100 feet of a flag within rivers, inlets, or navigation channels.

Scalloping areas are mostly found several hundred yards up to a few miles from shore so a boat with a motor is recommended to get to the best scalloping grounds. Many scalloping grounds are in shallow water, so it is possible to wade for bay scallops in the seagrass, or to collect them from a small boat using a dip net or a landing net, but these methods are not as productive as snorkeling in the water with mesh bag in hand.

Scalloping is fun and exciting and a great way to spend a day on the water in the hot summer months. Scalloping is easy for swimmers and can be enjoyed by all ages. Don’t forget to bring lots of sunblock, ice and drinking water. Our charter boats have tops, so you will have some shade available, while out on the water.

Have Fun!