|
|
Who is the Scallop?
|
| Scallops are found in oceans across the world, comprising a group of several hundred species. The scallops you usually eat at a seafood restaurant are the large northern kinds. These are fished commercially for the large single muscle, which is excellent for eating.
 The main type of scallops found in the Southeastern US are the Atlantic Bay Scallop and the Calico Scallop. The Calico Scallop, used in shell jewelry, is abundant offshore in south Florida. The Atlantic Bay Scallop, which is also abundant, is a popular seafood.
 Scallops move by snapping their shells together and 'spitting' water out! They propel themselves rapidly in a zigzag direction. Most kinds have a series of brightly colored eyes along the edge of the mantle. These are sensitive to minor changes in light intensity, as might be caused by a passing fish. What appears to be the top and bottom valves of the scallop are actually left and right valves.
|
|
|
How can we catch him?
|
 Scallops are very easy to catch! The only equipment you need is a mask, snorkel, fins, and a mesh bag to hold the scallops. Scalloping reminds me of an Easter egg hunt, only it's in a grassy bay, instead of a grassy field. Last time I went scalloping was with my sister and some buddies down to Steinhatchee, Florida. We rented a boat and went about a half mile into the bay. We all got out of the boat, and were only in about 5-6 feet of water. Every time someone would find a scallop, they would pop their head out of the water and yell 'found one'!
 The only trick to catching scallops is finding them. Where I go, they are usually hiding in or around bladed sea grass. Because of the coloration of the shells, they blend in easy in the surrounding area. If you're in a boat, put on a pair of polarized sunglasses and scan the water with the boat slowly moving. When you get into an area of bladed grass, go out into the water to take a closer look. If you find a one, you'll usually find a lot more!
|
|
|
When can we catch him?
|
| Summertime is the best time to catch scallops, but they can be found year round. You should check your local state laws to see if they have a season or particular time for scalloping.
 In Florida, scallop season is open from July 1 to September 10. You can only catch scallops in the Gulf of Mexico from the West Bank of the Mexico Beach Canal to Pasco-Hernando County line. You will also need to buy a saltwater fishing license to catch scallops. Just one license per boat won't do; everyone on board needs to have one (they do patrol)!
|
|
|
Where can we catch him?
|
| The only place that I've been scalloping is in Steinhatchee, Florida, but check your local laws, and talk to the locals to find out where to go. Other good starting places would be to check with local marinas and bait shops.
|
|
|
What is his catch limit?
|
| In Florida, one person has a limit of 2 gallons of whole scallops per day. If you are on a boat, the crew as has a limit of 10 gallons of whole scallops.
If you decide to clean your scallops on the boat, the limit is 1 pint of scallop meat for one person, per day. If you have a crew, the limit is 1/2 gallon of scallop meat.
|
|
|
How do we cook him?
|
| There are a ton of ways to cook scallops! You can batter and deep fry them, you can broil them, you can put them in spagetti sauce and serve them over pasta, or as I've seen a few brave souls, you can eat them raw (I don't recommend it, though)!
Before you eat them though, you will need to remove them from their shell and clean them. I found an excellent online guide to this titled:
An Illustrated Guide to Cleaning A Scallop by Charlie Courtney.
Good Luck and Happy Scalloping!
|
|
