Scalloping Basics: Gear and Rules

Let's make a checklist of the basic necessities for your scalloping adventure.
1. A boat. Your going to need something to get out to the scallops, although I have seen jet skis and kayaks out there before too. That may be a better option for you, just make sure to have an anchor.
2. Mask, snorkel, and fins. These are musts if you want to have a good time scalloping. A good set can be purchased from your local dive shop, SportsAuthority.com, or my personal favorite leisurepro.com. Leisure Pro has some really good deals on quality products. I recently purchased a very nice mask that I love that was 75% off for $19.95. Link to mask.

 There are also a lot of other scuba sites online including Scuba.com, houseofscuba.com, or even amazon.com has good prices on their scuba stuff. Just be sure if purchasing online that you read reviews to see how the mask will fit your face.West Marine also has probably the best supply of things you may need for your boat as well as dive flags masks, snorkels,fins, bags and almost anything else you may need.  
3. A mesh bag in which to keep your scallops. If you don't have a small mesh bag around the house you can easily find one at your local Walmart or any dive shop.
4. Plenty of sunscreen, food, and drinks. Keeping hydrated and safe from the sun should be your #1 priority in the hot Florida sun. Lots of water is EXTREMELY important.

5. A red and white dive flag. FWC's rules are Divers-down flags displayed on vessels must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches, and a stiffener is required to keep the flag unfurled. Dive flags carried on floats must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. Also, divers-down flags on vessels must be displayed above the vessel’s highest point so that the flag’s visibility is not obstructed in any direction.

6. A five-gallon bucket. It's always helpful to have this to measure out the amount of scallops that you find in order to follow statewide regulations.
7. A cooler with ice or a fish box with ice to put the scallops and keep them good.
8. If you are 16 years or older you must have a recreational saltwater fishing license. You can easily get one of these online or even at your local Walmart. https://www2.fl.wildlifelicense.com/start.php That is a link to a very easy way to sign up for your license.
9. If you are really looking to capture and keep your memories an underwater camera is a must. GoPro makes the best underwater cameras out there if you are really interested in a quality camera.








So now that we have a list of the basic gear and things you will need to go scalloping, lets review the rules and regualtions we must follow while scalloping.
1. Bag limits. From FWC: 2 gallons whole bay scallops in shell, or 1 pint of bay scallop meat per person. Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell, or 1/2 gallon bay scallop meat per vessel.
2. Scallop season. Scallop season lasts from July 1 through Sept. 24.
3. Area where you may scallop. Pasco-Hernando County line to the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County. It is illegal to possess bay scallops on waters outside open harvest areas.
4. Harvest permitted by hand; landing or dip net only.
All info can be found at http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/bay-scallops/