Full Day Scalloping Homosassa Mason Creek

Full Day Scalloping Trip in Homosassa, Florida

There's nothing quite like spending a full day on the crystal-clear waters of Homosassa, hunting for bay scallops in some of Florida's most productive shallow flats. This seven-hour scalloping adventure with Mason Creek Outfitters gives you plenty of time to master the art of scallop hunting while soaking up the natural beauty of Florida's Nature Coast. Starting bright and early at 7:00 AM from our dock at 6296 W Carter Rd, you'll climb aboard our spacious 24-foot Tremblay boat designed specifically for shallow water work. With room for up to four guests, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough hands to help spot scallops and maintaining that intimate, personalized experience that makes for lasting memories.

What to Expect on the Water

Your full-day scalloping adventure begins before the sun gets too high, which is exactly when you want to be out there. The early morning light creates perfect visibility through the shallow grass beds where scallops love to hide. Our 24-foot Tremblay is built for this kind of work – shallow draft, stable platform, and plenty of deck space for everyone to move around comfortably. We'll cruise out to the prime scalloping grounds where the water stays nice and shallow, typically 3 to 8 feet deep, making it easy for everyone to participate regardless of swimming ability. The relaxed pace means no rushing from spot to spot – we'll anchor up in productive areas and let you take your time learning the ropes. You'll quickly discover that scalloping is part treasure hunt, part snorkeling adventure, and completely addictive once you start filling up your mesh bags with these tasty little gems.

Scalloping Techniques & Gear

Scalloping is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it, but there are definitely some local tricks that'll help you fill your limit faster. We provide all the essential gear – masks, snorkels, mesh bags, and measuring tools to make sure your scallops are legal size. The key is learning to spot those telltale dark shells nestled in the grass beds and sandy patches. Scallops are masters of camouflage, but once your eyes adjust, you'll start seeing them everywhere. They're quick little buggers too – when they sense movement, they'll clap their shells and jet away in a zigzag pattern that's pretty entertaining to watch. The best technique is a slow, methodical approach, scanning the bottom as you float along. We'll show you how to read the water and identify the most productive areas. The shallow grass flats around Homosassa are absolutely perfect for this – clear water, healthy grass beds, and plenty of scallops when the season's good. Most of the time you're working in water shallow enough to stand up in, which makes it comfortable for the whole family.

Target Species Breakdown

Bay scallops are the stars of this show, and Homosassa's waters produce some beauties during the season. These bivalves are fascinating creatures – they've got dozens of tiny blue eyes around the edge of their shells that can detect shadows and movement. When threatened, they clap their shells together and propel themselves through the water in short bursts, which is both their escape mechanism and part of what makes collecting them so engaging. Florida bay scallops typically measure about 2 to 3 inches across when they're legal size, and the meat inside is incredibly sweet and tender. What makes scalloping season so special is that it's relatively short – usually running from July through September – and the scallops are at their peak size and flavor. They prefer the shallow seagrass beds where they can filter-feed on plankton and algae, which gives their meat that distinctive sweet taste that's completely different from the larger sea scallops you might find in restaurants. The daily bag limit keeps things sustainable, and there's something deeply satisfying about harvesting your own dinner from these pristine waters. Plus, watching a scallop "swim" away when you get too close never gets old – it's like nature's own little magic trick that keeps everyone entertained throughout the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day scalloping trip offers something you just can't get on shorter outings – the luxury of time. Seven hours on the water means you're not watching the clock, you're not rushing to fill your limit, and you've got plenty of opportunities to explore different areas as conditions change throughout the day. The early start time puts you on the prime spots before they get crowded, and our local knowledge means we're always heading to the areas that are producing the best. Whether you're introducing kids to the joys of marine life or looking for a unique way to spend time with friends, this top-rated scalloping experience delivers memories and a cooler full of the sweetest scallops you've ever tasted. The combination of Mason Creek Outfitters' expertise, our well-equipped boat, and Homosassa's world-class scalloping grounds makes this a customer favorite year after year. Don't wait too long to secure your spot – scalloping season is short, and the best dates fill up fast once word gets out about how good the scalloping is each year.