Scallop Season Opens in Pasco: Catch Your Limit Before It's Gone!

Miami Gardens, Florida - As the summer sun shines brighter on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so does the excitement for recreational scallop harvesting. The 2025 bay scallop season is officially expanding to the Pasco Zone, commencing Thursday, July 10. This popular activity draws many recreational harvesters eager to make the most of their time on the water and enjoy one of Florida’s cherished seafoods.

The newly designated Pasco Zone encompasses all state waters south of the Hernando-Pasco county line and includes the picturesque areas around the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, particularly the Anclote River. With the season running through August 18, enthusiasts can get ready to dive in and collect these marine treasures. Records show that bay scallops thrive in shallow, seagrass-rich waters from Anclote Key in Pasco County all the way to Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County, noted Florida Politics.

Harvesting Guidelines

For those venturing into these bountiful waters, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations in place. The daily bag limit for each person is set at 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat. Additionally, each vessel can carry up to 10 gallons of scallops in their shells or 1/2 gallon of shucked scallop meat each day. It’s important to note that while you might be part of a crew, personal limits cannot be exceeded by the vessel total, ensuring responsible harvesting for everyone.

Harvesting bay scallops is a hands-on experience, permitted only by hand or with the use of a landing or dip net. To protect the scallop population and recreational experience, commercial harvesting remains strictly prohibited. Every harvester must possess a valid Florida saltwater fishing license unless exempt. Licenses can be easily obtained via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website or by calling 1-888-347-4356.

When and Where to Harvest

The scalloping season has already kicked off in some regions. Parts of the Nature Coast and the Big Bend area opened on July 1 and will remain available until September 24, while the Fenholloway-Suwanee River zone welcomed scallopers in mid-June and is open until Labor Day. These zones highlight Florida’s commitment to providing expansive access to recreational opportunities, as noted by Nature Coast.

Specific dates for the 2025 harvesting season span several regions:

• Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties: July 1 – September 24
• Pasco Zone: July 10 – August 18
• St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County: August 16 – September 24
• Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County: July 1 – September 24
• Fenholloway through Suwannee Rivers Zone: June 15 – Labor Day

The Scallop Experience

What should you expect when you’re out there? Bay scallops, scientifically known as Argopecten irradians, are most often found in seagrass beds and can be easily recognized by their striking electric blue eyes. They have a unique way of escaping danger by quickly swimming backward, an impressive skill for these bivalves. Notably, they typically reach a shell height of up to 90 millimeters and tend to live up to two years, making them a resilient yet delicate part of our marine ecosystem.

As you prepare for a season filled with adventure and camaraderie, remember to treat our waters kindly. Scallop shells, once emptied, should not be discarded in rivers, but instead placed in trash receptacles or larger bodies of water, ensuring a healthy environment for future harvests.

With ample opportunity for scalloping along the stunning Gulf waters, this year’s season promises a delightful blend of relaxation and excitement, perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to enjoy the charm of Florida’s coastal life. So grab your nets, secure your licenses, and get ready for a summer of scalloping adventures!