Recreational bay scallop enthusiasts are gearing up for the highly anticipated opening of the 2025 season in the Fenholloway – Suwannee River Zone, beginning Saturday, June 15. The season promises ample opportunity for harvesters, remaining open through Labor Day, September 1st.
This designated zone encompasses all state waters within Dixie County, a significant portion of Taylor County including the popular towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee, and a section of Levy County, making it a prime destination for scallop seekers.
To ensure sustainable harvesting and a healthy scallop population, specific bag limits will be in effect, with a transitional period for the initial weeks of the season. From June 15 through June 30, the daily bag limit per person is set at 1 gallon of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 cup of shucked bay scallop meat. For vessels, the maximum daily limit during this period is 5 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 2 pints (4 cups) of shucked bay scallop meat, regardless of the number of harvesters on board.
READ: Slithering Into Summer: Understanding Florida’s Native Snakes As Encounters Rise
Beginning July 1 and continuing through Labor Day, the daily bag limits will increase. Harvesters will be allowed 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. The vessel limit for this extended period will be 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (4 pints) of shucked bay scallop meat per day. It’s important to note that throughout the entire season and region-wide, individual harvesters are not permitted to exceed their personal bag limit, even if the vessel limit allows for more.
Harvesting bay scallops is a hands-on activity, strictly permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net. Commercial harvest of bay scallops in this zone remains prohibited, ensuring the resource is preserved for recreational enjoyment.
All recreational harvesters are reminded that a Florida saltwater fishing license is required to harvest bay scallops. Exemptions apply for those already licensed or with a no-cost shoreline fishing license, provided they are wading from shore to collect scallops without swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, or using a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location.
READ: ‘Doomsday Fish’ Found In India And Tasmania, Sparking Ancient Legends And Online Frenzy
Licenses can be conveniently purchased online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, by calling toll-free at 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or through the Fish|Hunt FL app available on both Apple and Android devices.
For comprehensive information on bay scallop regulations and other marine life, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages the public to visit MyFWC.com/Marine and navigate to “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab. Happy scalloping!
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
