Scalloping St. Joseph Bay: a first-timer’s guide
Every late summer, families wade and snorkel the shallow seagrass of St. Joseph Bay looking for bay scallops. Here’s how to join in.
St. Joseph Bay, between Port St. Joe and the Cape San Blas peninsula, is one of Florida’s recreational bay scallop areas. The water is shallow and calm, and the seagrass is where scallops hide. That makes it a fun, family-friendly way to spend a summer morning.
When to go
The season runs for a few weeks in late summer, usually from mid-August into September. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets the exact dates and rules for St. Joseph Bay every year, so check the FWC website before you plan your trip.
What you need
- A Florida saltwater fishing license, unless you qualify for an exemption
- Mask, snorkel and fins, plus water shoes for wading
- A mesh bag to hold your scallops as you go
- A divers-down flag on your boat or float when you’re in the water
- A cooler with ice to keep your catch cold
How to do it
- Head out from a bayside access point, or rent a kayak or boat from a local outfitter.
- Float slowly over the seagrass and look for the scallop’s row of tiny blue eyes along its shell edge.
- Pick them up gently and drop them in your bag.
- Stay within the FWC’s bag and vessel limits for the year.
- Put your scallops on ice right away, and clean them the same day.
Make it a scallop week
Stay close to the bay so you can head out early, come back for lunch and go again. A rental with a deck and a full kitchen makes cleaning and cooking your catch part of the fun.
Port St. Joe & Cape San Blas stays
Rules, limits and season dates change. Always check current FWC regulations before you go.
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