Scallop season has finally rolled around and for most Nature Coast anglers this can only mean one thing. "Dinner will be Good Tonight!!" During most days in July we have been spending our mornings chasing around Redfish, Trout, Sharks, Tarpon, and Grouper, but when that summer sun begins to cook, my clients and I have been taking advantage of some of the best scalloping Florida has to offer. Our local area flats are home to some of the clearest waters in the state and it's within these crystal clear flats that we target the "World Famous" bay scallop. Bay scallops are a little smaller than the traditional Sea Scallop, however what they lack in size, they definitely make up for it with their succulent taste. There are 100's of great recipes for scallops but it's hard to beat them on the half shell.
Scalloping is fun for the whole family. Men, women, and children from all over come to our area to enjoy our scalloping and if you have never tried it you don't know what you're missing. Scalloping requires little effort and gives an angler the opportunity to hit the water to see a different aspect with in the fishing world. No rods and reels are necessary for this awesome outdoor activity, all that's needed is a mask, snorkel, a set of fins and a mesh bag, the rest is left up to the scalloper.
Scallop season runs from July 1- September 10. Bag limits include 2 gallons, whole per person, per day, with a maximum boat limit of 10 gallons. 10 gallons of scallops is a lot and if you couple that with some freshly caught fish you have all the makings for a great dinner.
Scallop Recipe
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds bay scallops
1 tablespoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions
1. Turn broiler on.
2. Rinse scallop and place in a shallow baking pan. Sprinkle with garlic salt, melted butter or margarine and lemon juice.
3. Broil 6 to 8 minutes or until scallops start to turn golden. Remove from oven and serve with extra melted butter or margarine on the side for dipping.
So if you may be interested in visiting the Nature Coast for some of its "World Famous" fishing, scalloping, or snorkeling give Red Hot Fishing Charters a call today.
Capt. Kyle Messier
(352) 634-4002
kylemessier@yahoo.com
WWW.REDHOTFISHINGCHARTERS.COM
