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I can’t say scalloping in Florida was ever on our bucket checklist, but it surely seems, Steinhatchee is among the finest locations in Florida to go for it.
Thousands and thousands of scallops naturally develop right here and other people can free dive for scallops within the grassy shallows. The most effective time of 12 months for scalloping is from June to September, when scallops are ripe for the choosing.
We by no means even knew you may do that till we did a North Florida street journey one summer season and handed via Steinhatchee, and it was really useful as a factor to do there. Regardless that, we had no thought what it entailed – we’re at all times up for any type of journey!
Not solely did it assist inform the story of the Florida Gulf Coast area we have been visiting, which is wealthy in maritime historical past, but it surely additionally pushed us out of our consolation zone to be taught a brand new talent, and have a blast whereas doing it.
The ladies have been nervous about going out into the ocean to do that as that they had by no means free dived earlier than. There was numerous grumbling (which occurs typically earlier than any journey), and a little bit of coaxing was wanted to get them within the water…
However as soon as they went in, we couldn’t get them out!
“That is essentially the most enjoyable ever!” they cried when our Florida scalloping journey was lastly over.
Should you’re questioning what a scalloping journey to Steinhatchee can be like, here’s what went down once we tried it…
Steinhatchee River
We arrived in Steinhatchee River and found a pleasant area centered on this quick, undeveloped black river within the Massive Bend area of Florida.
It’s the type of place I felt I may keep for a number of days having fun with the sluggish tempo and the leisure actions on the river.
Indicators out the entrance of our resort warned “Gradual motion. Manatees round!“
How cool to be sitting within the resort riverside backyard space and see one in every of Florida’s favourite wildlife species swim on by. Should you’re fortunate you may even see an alligator or two!
Our Expertise on the Steinhatchee Scalloping Tour
Round 8:00 am, we met Captain Mike down at Sea Hag Marina.
Mike is a non-public constitution captain who takes individuals out on scalloping excursions on the Gulf Of Mexico within the Steinhatchee River.
He gave us a short intro to the realm and scalloping and made certain we have been ready with our gear earlier than we left:
- Solar safety
- Consuming water
- Snorkel gear for the youngsters
- Supplied grownup snorkel gear from Mike
- And a six pack of heat cinnamon donuts we picked up from close by McDavid’s Café on the way in which to the marina. (The children will like it in case you do too!)
We began with a mild cruise down the river to the mouth of the Gulf earlier than zipping up the shoreline to an space Mike thought can be ripe with scallops.
Mike pulled as much as a area removed from the shoreline that was surprisingly shallow. He gave us a fast lesson on the way to catch the scallops, guaranteeing us it might get simpler the longer we did it.
I used to be not anticipating to catch a scallop solely 30 seconds after leaping in!
We spent 4 hours snorkeling among the many turtle grass, spying the scallops camouflaged and grabbing them with our palms.
Fairly quickly you get the cling of it and might spy their mouths opening and shutting and the way straightforward it’s to identify them if the sunshine hits the water excellent.
I used to be AMAZED at watching a scallop use the opening and shutting of its mouth to propel itself up via the water. I journey for these moments of awe.
I cherished the nearer connection our scalloping journey gave us to nature. You’ve a a lot deeper appreciation for the place meals comes from whenever you go to the trouble of catching it your self.
It additionally gave me a deeper sense of gratitude and honor for the scallop that gave me one thing to eat. This can be a follow indigenous cultures have world wide – taking time to bless and honor every animal that gave its life so we might eat.
The scallops are protected, and whereas in a lot abundance on this space there are limits on what number of scallops every individual can catch. We didn’t even come near that, ensuring we solely caught as a lot as we may eat.
Over the 4 hours we went to 2 totally different snorkeling spots with loads of scallops to catch. Different boats have been round, however we had loads of house to ourselves.
It took us a while to tug our women out of the water.
Captain Mike was a improbable information with a straightforward going, pleasant nature.
He added in yet one more cease on our means dwelling: a sand bar in waist deep water the place we may swim and hunt although the sand for sand {dollars}.
Fortunately, he was capable of finding a pair and we acquired a better have a look at these superbly designed animals.
Find out how to eat your scallop catch?
In case you are on trip and staying at a resort, chances are you’ll be wandering what you are able to do together with your catch!
I do know the very last thing you wish to take into consideration is cleansing them!
As a part of our tour, Captain Mike organized for our sea scallop bootie to be shucked again on the marina. You’ll be able to wait and watch or prepare for it to satisfy you again at your resort.
Our resort, Fiddler’s Resort and Restaurant, then cooked them for us for a small charge.
We had them grilled in garlic butter and had three accompanying sauces.
We loved them with a chilly drink and stay music on the newly constructed deck overlooking the river.
That is positively among the finest issues to do in Florida with children!
Scalloping Excursions in Florida
You’ve a wide range of choices for scalloping excursions in Florida. You should definitely verify if licenses are included in addition to snorkel gear and scallop cleansing in case you want that.
Often Requested Questions on Scalloping in Florida
The place to Keep in Steinhatchee?
Fiddler’s Restaurant and Resort
As a consequence of its small dimension and undeveloped nature, lodging in Steinhatchee is proscribed. Contemplating Fiddler’s Resort is fairly superior, then it doesn’t actually matter.
House owners, Sunny and Andy Latimer, opened the doorways of Fiddler’s after intensive transforming in 2019 earlier than Covid, however, they put their heads all the way down to work laborious and innovate and develop regardless of the challenges.
They’re conserving the custom of excellent occasions and music that has been current at this resort on the river since 1934.
The resort is laid-back and blends in lovely with the beautiful pure setting of its Steinhatchee River location.
We completely loved our two evening keep in our cozy 2 bed room room with river views.
Rooms have a screened in porch and grassed sections exterior crammed with big Jenga, corn gap, swinging chairs and fireplace pits.
What we cherished most was the pleasant ambiance, and the massive newly constructed exterior deck. Each night they’ve stay music and scrumptious southern consolation type seafood.
Even in case you don’t keep at this Steinhatchee resort, you possibly can dine in and benefit from the music.
Each artists we noticed have been unbelievable and the proper solution to finish an excellent day in North Florida having fun with the sunshine and pure magnificence
We remorse leaving Fiddler’s on our second evening to take a look at extremely well-liked Ray’s restaurant close to the river mouth for sundown. Sadly, it turned overcast and we felt the meals have been overpriced. We a lot most well-liked the meals and music and ambiance at Fiddler’s Resort.
Employees are pleasant and accommodating and have plenty of insights on the encompassing space.
We cherished that Fiddler’s Resort was an expertise reasonably than only a mattress to sleep in!