oversized, and this is the muscle that is so popular
in U.S. markets. There are many scallop species, but
in general they are classified into two groups, bay
scallops and sea scallops. Florida produced two
scallops commercially, the bay scallop and the calico
scallop. They average about 60-100 per pound and
their meat is sweeter and more succulent than the
sea scallop. Their lifespan is between 12-18 months
before they either die naturally or are eaten by
crabs, octopus, or a variety of shell crushing fish.
They spawn in the fall releasing up to a million eggs.
After a two-week larval period, they develop a
shell and settle onto sea grass blades where they
continue to grow.
must have a valid fishing license, and be sure to have
your diver down flag.
When you get back from scalloping, you can rinse
and cool off in the 72-degree fresh water at many of
different springheads after swimming in the warm
Gulf.
Because scallops perish quickly out of the water,
they are always shucked immediately after harvest
and the meat iced. Cleaning your catch can take
some time, but there are ways to speed that up
such as teamwork and a shop vac. One person
opens the shell by inserting a knife into the gap
and cutting the muscle on one side, and the next
The season starts July 1st and lasts through person vacuums the guts off the muscle and the
September 10th. The bag limit remains 2 gallons next person cuts the muscle from the shell into a
of whole scallops or one pint of meat per person bowl. You can fry or sauté these delicious scallops,
per day. Also vessels may not possess more than or add them to pasta. These are sweetest scallops
10 gallons of whole scallops or ½ gallon of meat you have ever eaten.
at anytime. Harvest is allowed only in state waters
This is a great trip for the entire family, so get
off the Gulf of Mexico from the Pasco-Hernando
out there and explore our world. Visit our website
county line to the west bank of the Mexico Beach
at: www.ocean-explorer.com, and book your stay at
Canal in Bay County. Those aged between 16-65
the: www.plantationinn.com.
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