Scalloping Season
2026: Your Guide
to the Nature Coast
Every summer, the Gulf coast transforms into one of Florida's most unique playgrounds — not for fishing or paddleboarding, but for scalloping. If you live in Hudson Beach, Florida, or anywhere along the Nature Coast, you already know the feeling: the water clears up, the seagrass beds come alive, and families wade into waist-deep Gulf water with masks, snorkels, and mesh bags. The 2026 bay scallop season is almost here, and if you have not made plans yet, now is the time.
When Does Scalloping Season Open?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sets scallop season by zone. For the Pasco County zone — which includes the waters off Hudson Beach, Florida and the surrounding Pasco County coastline — the 2026 recreational bay scallop season runs July 10 through August 18.
The neighboring Hernando County zone, which includes Hernando Beach and the Weeki Wachee area, opens a bit earlier on July 1 through September 24. If you are willing to make a short drive south, you can start scalloping as early as the Fourth of July weekend.
July 10 – August 18, 2026
Includes Hudson, New Port Richey, and the entire Pasco County Gulf coast.
July 1 – September 24, 2026
Includes Hernando Beach, Weeki Wachee, and Crystal River areas.
Bag Limits and Rules
Florida's scalloping rules are straightforward but important to know before you go. Per person per day, you are allowed:
- 2 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or
- 1 pint of shucked scallop meat
- Vessel limit: 10 gallons of whole scallops or ½ gallon (4 pints) of shucked meat
You will need a Florida saltwater fishing license unless you are on a licensed charter boat. And your vessel must display a dive flag while anyone is in the water harvesting scallops. These rules are enforced, and the FWC officers patrol actively during scallop season.
Where to Scallop Near Hudson Beach
The best scalloping along the Pasco County coast is found in the shallow seagrass beds that line the Gulf between Hudson Beach and the Anclote River area. Scallops cling to seagrass blades in water that is typically two to six feet deep, which makes this a wade-in activity in many spots — no boat required.
- Hudson Beach / Strickland Park Area
Wade out from the shore near Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park and work the seagrass beds in the shallows. Best at low tide when the water is clear and the scallops are easier to spot. You do not need a boat for this one.
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Boat access only, but worth the trip. The shallow grass flats around the barrier island are some of the most productive scalloping grounds in the area. Crystal-clear water and almost no crowds on weekdays.
- Hernando County (Short Drive South)
The grass flats near Hernando Beach and the Weeki Wachee River mouth offer excellent scalloping with a longer season. Several local charter services run guided scallop trips from the Hernando Beach marina.
What to Bring
- Mask and snorkel (a good-fitting mask makes all the difference)
- Mesh bag for collecting scallops
- Florida saltwater fishing license
- Dive flag (required by law when in the water)
- Fins (makes wading through seagrass much easier)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Waterproof bag for your phone and keys
- Cooler with ice for your scallops
Tips From a Local
- Go at low tide. The water is clearer, the seagrass beds are shallower, and scallops are easier to spot. Check the tide chart before you head out.
- Look for the eyes. Scallops have tiny blue eyes along the edge of their shell that reflect light. Once you know what to look for, you will start seeing them everywhere.
- Wear water shoes. The Gulf bottom near Hudson Beach has oyster shells and occasional sea urchins. Protect your feet.
- Bring a cooler. Scallops spoil quickly in the Florida heat. Get them on ice within an hour of harvesting.
- Go on a weekday. The seagrass beds near Strickland Park get crowded on summer weekends. Tuesday through Thursday is the sweet spot for fewer people and more scallops.
What to Do With Your Scallops
The best part of scalloping is the meal at the end of the day. Fresh bay scallops are sweet, tender, and miles beyond anything you will find at a seafood counter. Here are the preparations that locals in Hudson Beach, Florida swear by:
- Seared with butter and garlic. The classic. Pat the scallops dry, sear in a hot cast-iron pan with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon. Two minutes per side, no more.
- Scallop ceviche. Dice the raw scallops, toss with lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, red onion, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Perfect for a hot summer evening.
- Pasta with scallops. Toss seared scallops into linguine with white wine, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. A Hudson Beach summer dinner that costs almost nothing and tastes like a hundred dollars.
Scalloping Charters and Guided Trips
If you do not have a boat or want a guided experience, several charter services in the Hudson and Hernando Beach area offer scallop trips during the season. These are great for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants a local captain to show them the best grounds. Most charters provide gear and handle the cleaning.
Book early — the best captains in Pasco County fill up fast once scallop season opens. Weekday trips are easier to get and often produce better results, just like fishing charters during peak season.
After You Scallop: A Perfect Day in Hudson Beach
The beauty of scalloping near Hudson Beach is that it fits perfectly into a full day on the Gulf coast. Here is the ideal summer scalloping day:
Morning: Head out early to the seagrass flats. The water is calmest and clearest before 10 AM. Spend two to three hours wading, snorkeling, and filling your bag. By the time the afternoon thunderstorms start building, you are back on shore with a cooler full of scallops.
Afternoon: Clean your scallops (or let a local market do it for you), take a nap, or wait out the storm. Then head to one of the waterfront restaurants along Clark Street for a sunset dinner.
Evening: Cook your fresh scallops at home. Open a bottle of wine. Sit on the porch and listen to the water. This is what summer in Hudson Beach, Florida is all about.
The Bottom Line: Scalloping season on the Nature Coast is one of those experiences that makes you understand why people move to Hudson Beach and never leave. It is family-friendly, affordable, and uniquely Florida. The 2026 Pasco County season opens July 10 — mark your calendar, grab your mask, and get ready for one of the best days you will have on the Gulf coast all year.
Whether you are a long-time Hudson local or visiting Pasco County for the first time, scalloping is a must-do summer activity on the Gulf coast. The water is warm, the scallops are waiting, and the seagrass beds off Hudson Beach, Florida are some of the most accessible scalloping grounds in the state. See you out there.