Florida’s scallop season is here: Get hooked on this exhilarating activity in New Port Richey
Skimming the surface of the water, outfitted in a mask, snorkel and fins and gripping a mesh bag, I’m intensely scanning the sandy floor of the Gulf waters in New Port Richey on the southern coast of Pasco County. I’m not totally sure what I’m searching for in the wispy seagrass beds. But soon my guide expertly points out a scallop shell slyly nestled in the seagrass, only distinguishable by its glowing blue eyes, and quickly dives down and scoops up the white shell.
As we continue navigating the shallow waters, my eyes finally adjust and I’m able spot the tell-tale glimmering eyes. Drawing a breath, I dip beneath the water and rush toward the tiny scallop. I grab the scallop as it snaps closed, carefully tossing it into my mesh bag. Swimming back up to the surface, I excitedly show off my catch as if I’ve scooped up a piece of gold treasure. “Good job,” exclaims my guide, giving me a wet high-five, and adding, “It’s addictive, isn’t it?” as I duck my head back into the water.
For the next two hours, I continue the exhilarating hunt. The bivalves are worthy opponents: they can swim, opening and snapping shut their shells to propel themselves through the water to make an escape. They can also pinch your fingers when snatching them up and it stings. While there were a few lucky ones that got away, by the end of the day, I’ve completely filled my bag with fresh-caught scallops. And I’m officially obsessed with the adventurous sport that even kids can do. (I saw many families in the water together.)
The real work begins back at the dock to shuck and clean the scallops. After a few frustrating tries with the knife, I left the remainder of the work to the knowledgeable crew. My job became taste-testing, popping the sweet scallops into my mouth.
How to go scalloping in New Port Richey, Florida
Located northwest of Tampa and more than five hours from Miami, New Port Richey is part of what’s known as “Florida’s Sports Coast.” It’s an incredible place for water activities and scalloping, though they have a shorter scalloping season, which runs from July 10 to Aug. 18 this year.
While you can rent a boat and scallop hunt on your own — as long as you have the required saltwater fishing license and know the current regulations on harvest limits and size restrictions — I’d strongly suggest a charter with local companies like Florida Backwater Charters, Captain Mark Dillingham, Windsong and Island Paradise Charters. They know the area waters and the best spots for scalloping. Charters also provide all the needed gear and can help do all the work. Trust me, once you’ve caught the scallops, cleaning and shucking them is tedious labor.
Catch them and cook them
You’ve caught them, now it’s time to feast on them. Scallops can be eaten raw (at your own risk), grilled, blackened and even fried (though, in my humble opinion, frying them steals the sweet flavor). At Whiskey River, they’ll cook scallops to your preference and it costs $12 a person for a plate of scallops and two sides like sweet potatoes fries and homemade mac and cheese. Soak up their prime location along the Cotee River, and there’s live music almost every weekend. Get Hooked Bar & Grill is another spot where they’ll cook your catch, and the restaurant is also known for their fresh seafood dishes.
A scenic stay for your scalloping adventure
When it comes to where to stay in New Port Richey, The Hacienda is a historic boutique hotel that reopened in 2021 after being closed for two decades. You’ll feel as if you’ve step back in time as you enter the famously pink-hued hotel that once attracted 1920s starlets like Shirley Temple and Gloria Swanson, who had homes in the area, and even hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Babe Ruth.
The newly renovated hotel still features its original chandeliers, lobby fireplace and fountain in its courtyard that have been lovingly restored (check out the historic photo in the lobby that shows what the hotel looked like when it opened in 1927). This is not a cookie-cutter stay: Uniquely, all of the rooms are different and range in size as they would have originally.
Make reservations for Sunday brunch at on-site Sasha’s On The Park, which is also the perfect spot to sip on a craft cocktail. The Hacienda is located within walking distance to Downtown New Port Richey and sits along the Cotee River, making it a convenient place to launch a kayak or embark on a boat tour from Sims Park. Many of these tours float along the scenic river and venture to the Gulf, where you’ll spot the area’s remaining stilt houses, or go to Anclote Key Preserve State Park. One block from the hotel, you’ll find Richie Suncoast Theatre, built in 1925, which hosts community productions, musical performances, comedians, movie nights and live-band karaoke.
Now that you know what a scalloping adventure holds, check out other places to scallop in Florida.
This story was originally published June 26, 2024 at 4:48 PM.
