The 2023 Scallop season is here! Discover the perfect family activity during St. Joseph Bay Scallop Season from August 16th to September 24th. Dive for your dinner and enjoy scalloping in St Joseph Bay, Port St Joe, FL. Here are some essential steps for a successful and enjoyable experience with your loved ones.
- Acquiring a Saltwater Fishing license is essential for scallop harvesting in St. Joseph Bay. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website at https://myfwc.com/license/ to purchase.
- Know the bag limits. Daily Bag limit: Per person: 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1 pint of bay scallop meat. Per vessel: Maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in shell or 1/2-gallon bay scallop meat. For details on all the rules and bag limits, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website.
- Harvest Area: St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County includes all state waters from the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County to the westernmost point of St. Vincent Island in Franklin County. NOTE: The area marked with FWC buoys south of Black’s Island is a Bay Scallop Restoration Area and no scalloping or anchoring is allowed there.
- Safety First! Be sure to deploy your diver down flag to notify fellow boaters of your underwater presence.
- Show consideration for our seagrasses by maintaining a gentle pace and elevating your motor to prevent any marks on the Bay's ecosystem.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles by taking all your belongings and any litter you discover while snorkeling in the bay.
- Be weather aware. We have occasional summer showers pop up, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out.
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