Capt. Tommy Thompson's Saltwater Angler's Guides

Of course, the second weekend of scalloping at Steinhatchee included both Saturday and Sunday–and most of the week of July 4th.  On opening day, Jim and Joyce Hunt (they own Fiddler’s Restaurant) counted over 400 boats pass their home on the “rockpile” before noon.  I’d bet that number was doubled on Saturday, July 7.

The water situation had certainly changed.  Due to the fact that the rivers finally crested after the inland flooding, the waters were cloudy and stained on both sides of the river.  However, that didn’t stop lots of folks from gathering nice limits of scallops.  The mid-day low tide made things easier, too!  The best catches seem to be coming from the Pepperfish Keys area (South of the river mouth), but there’s still plenty of activity to the north, off Dallus Creek)  I (and many others) are hoping that the water staining will get better during the next week, making it easier for snorkelers to see their prey.

Scallopers have been getting fine catches close to shore near the mouth of Dallus Creek.

The Steinhatchee River can be very crowded during scallop season.

The cleaning table at the Sea Hag Marina is always busy during scallop season.

Kim, local scallop cleaner, will gladly shuck your catch, or give you a quick lesson.

Learn more about recreational scalloping.  Read “Bay Scallops–The Gulf of Mexico’s Tastiest Treat”