Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 90F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..
Thunderstorms this evening, then skies turning partly cloudy after midnight. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
Busy hands work on cleaning scallops last July at the Fort Island Trail Park in Crystal River. The 2022 season opens July 1.
July 1, marks the opening day of scallop season along the Citrus, Levy and Hernando counties. Thousands of boaters will descend upon the Gulf of Mexico in search of the tasty mollusk. Above, boaters head toward the Gulf on the Crystal River in this 2021 opening day photograph.
Busy hands work on cleaning scallops last July at the Fort Island Trail Park in Crystal River. The 2022 season opens July 1.
July 1, marks the opening day of scallop season along the Citrus, Levy and Hernando counties. Thousands of boaters will descend upon the Gulf of Mexico in search of the tasty mollusk. Above, boaters head toward the Gulf on the Crystal River in this 2021 opening day photograph.
Scalloping off Citrus County’s coastline is a summer pastime beloved by both locals and tourists alike.
To ensure everyone is able to safely enjoy scallop season, which starts July 1 and ends Sept. 24, here are some things to consider:
Anyone over the age of 16 must have a saltwater fishing license in order to go scalloping, unless exempt. One can also use a free shoreline fishing license instead, but must only wade from shore to collect scallops, meaning their feet cannot leave the bottom at any point.
For all boating excursions, life jackets or other personal floatation devices are required by law to have available for every person on a vessel. Ensure these devices properly fit each passenger.
All children under 6 are required to wear a life jacket at all times.
Make sure the boat is stocked with all gear required by the U.S. Coast Guard. Be sure to pack first aid kits, snacks, sunscreen and plenty of water as well.
It’s also recommended to bring bright or fluorescent clothing when planning on diving, just to ensure divers are visible to any oncoming boaters.
Here are some helpful links for the scalloping season:
To purchase a saltwater fishing license online, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrx2kbe4.
For more info on boating regulations and divers-down flags: https://myfwc.com/boating/regulations/
To find launch places for your boat, visit https://tinyurl.com/33xnpdtc.
For additional scalloping regulation information, visit https://tinyurl.com/5cwbwdhu.
It’s always a good idea to check weather forecasts in advance before heading out. Weather radios are useful to keep onboard as well in the event any sudden changes occur.
In addition, leave plans stating where and when one’s boat will launch and return with someone ashore.
Alcohol can be brought on boats in open containers, but be sure to have a designated captain; drinking while boating is not only against the law, but dangerous. The designated captain needs to be alert and attentive at all times to avoid any accidents.
According to FWC boating statistics, half of all boating accidents in 2021 were due to collisions, with forty-five percent of those collisions being the result of operator inattention or improper lookout.
To report any dangerous boat drivers, call 888-404-FWCC (3922) or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
Scalloping involves diving underwater, and to safely alert other boaters of when divers are near it is important to purchase a divers-down marker.
Divers-down warning devices come in two primary forms: flag and buoy. Divers-down flags must be displayed at the highest point of one’s boat. The flag’s symbol must be a minimum of 20 inches by 24 inches in scale, with a wire stiffener in the flag to ensure it is always visible and unfurled.
Buoys need to be at least 12 inches by 12 inches in scope, with three or four of its flat sides displaying the divers-down symbol.
Divers must actively try to stay within 100 feet of the flag or buoy in rivers or other inlets; in open water, within 300 feet. Boaters approaching inside these areas must idle.
FWC public information specialist Emily Abellera said it’s also important to only keep these warning items out at the proper times.
“When divers are out of the water,” Abellera stated, “don’t forget to take it down.”
One person should be aboard a vessel at all times to keep track of divers and general water conditions.
So current and future generations can continue to scallop in coming years, be sure to follow FWC bag and vessel limits.
Individuals can catch a maximum of 2 gallons of scallops in shell or 1 pint of scallop meat; vessels can carry a maximum of 10 gallons of whole scallops or a half gallon of meat.
Scallops can only be caught using a landing or dip net, or by hand.
The commercial harvest of bay scallops in Florida is strictly prohibited.
To keep waters safe, don’t throw shucked scallop shells into inshore waters like the Crystal River or Homosassa River.
Not only does doing so potentially harm swimmers, it also damages the seagrass habitat.
Instead, shells can be thrown out in trash receptacles, or in larger water bodies where they can effectively disperse.
Standard boat trash should also be secured so as to not pollute the waters.
With more informed boaters, FWC officials believe scallop hunters can have a fun and safe time this season and in the coming years.
"During scallop season, we want everyone to have a fun and safe time on the water and we want to protect our scallops and other marine habitats for successful future scallop seasons," Abellera stated.
Contact Chronicle reporter Aidan Bush at 352-270-1823 or via e-mail at aidan.bush@chronicleonline.com.