St. Joseph Bay Scallop Season runs from August 16th through September 24th. This blog gives you some great tips to ensure your scalloping trip is fun, safe, and successful! Scalloping is the perfect activity to do with the whole family. Be a Local By Association, and help us protect our seagrasses, waterways, and scallop population! 

  1. The City of Port St. Joe has a new route and fee to use Frank Pate Park Boat Ramp. (See photo below)
  2. You MUST have a saltwater fishing license to harvest scallops. You can purchase those here
  3. Be weather aware and prepared. We still have summer storms popping up most afternoons.
  4. Mind the seagrasses! Scallops are primarily found in shallow areas. So, make sure to go slow and trim up your motor. Scars hurt, especially scars in St. Joseph Bay.
  5. Bag Limits: 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 (1/2 gallon = 4 pints). Make sure you reference Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission for all rules and bag limits.
  6. Use REEF SAFE sunscreen. This will lessen the damage to our seagrasses.
  7. Leave No Trace- remove any trash you bring or find while snorkeling in our bay! 
  8. Be Kind and Respectful. There are many boats and people in St. Joseph Bay during Scallop Season, so make sure you are aware of your surroundings.
  9. Make sure to deploy your diver down flag!
  10. HAVE FUN!

Now, we have a ton of other creatures you can see in our bay, and don't worry, we've got a quick reference to some friendly creatures you may be able to see! If you don't know what to do and need an expert? Check out our charters that would be happy to take you or our local restaurants that offer to cook your catch

 

2022 Frant Pate Boat Launch Traffic Route

Scallop Season Route - Frank Pate Boat Ramp