June 30 , 2007

The Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) just days ago completed their 2007 scallop survey report. Every June, before the season opens, the FMRI samples 20 stations (each is 600 square meters) in each of nine areas to record adult scallop population sizes before the season starts. This year's report for the Steinhatchee area far surpassed the 2006 predictions and was even better than 2005, a record-breaking year here at the Sea Hag.

Pre-season sightings by local anglers and guides were good for scallops at Big Grass Island , the Bird Rack off Keaton Beach and the deep flats off Pepperfish Keys.

July 1, 2007

Dockside reports from July 1, opening day, at the Sea Hag were impressive. Miss Annie and her crew of scallop shuckers (They charge $7 to clean a pint of scallops, approx. one 'limit'.) were busy at 10:30AM! According to the 'Hags', the scallops are bigger (some as big as 3" across!) to the south of the river on the deep flats off Rocky Creek, but are more plentiful to the north. Start looking in three to five feet of water. Folks also had success scalloping just off the end of the river channel, to the north and south, on the deep flats. If you don't want to venture too far, this is the place to be. As always, run slowly and look for scallops. When you spot one (the water's pretty clear now), put a diver overboard and let him look around. When you decide there are enough scallops to make anchoring worthwhile, stop and get the crew into the water.

July 5, 2007

They're EVERYWHERE! We've all been holding our breath about the quality of this year's scallop crop, and now it seems there's no shortage. Not only are they plentiful, but, according to Miss Annie, they're huge. Deeper water seems to be holding more scallops and very few have been seen inside three feet to the south of the river. There have even been reports of waders getting their limits near Hagen's Cove, north of Steinhatchee.

The only thing that's slowed down the 'take' is weather. We've had lots of thunderstorm and rain activity during the last week, but with the passing of the latest low pressure system today, chances for better weather are improving. Just to be safe, check out the weather radar in the Sea Hag's Ships' Store before you leave the dock, and keep your boat's VHF radio tuned to Channel 9 for updates during the day.

July 14, 2007

Well, they just keep coming--just like the peasants storming the Bastille! We've had some storms during the last week, but generally there's been at least a half day of safe weather each day. The 'best bet' still seems to be the area around the 'Bird Rack' to the north (N29 40.403 W83 29.858) that's about 2.4 NM from the #1 marker at 295 degrees (T). If that's confusing to you, just look for the concentration of anchored boats with dive flags flying!

Actually, the scallops are all over the bottom from Pepperfish Keys all the way to Grass Island. They'll be grouped up in 'patches' and once your find a few, you're likely to get your limit quickly. This next week's afternoon falling tides should make it easier for folks to catch them in shallower water. While there have been plenty in 6 to 8 feet, it's sometimes difficult for kids to handle those depths. Snorkeling is 3 to 4 feet is lots more fun, but take care to put sunscreen on your back!

July 21, 2007

I sort of expected the scallop 'crop' to have been picked over by this, the third week of the season. So much for theories!! I went out with the Norwoods on the 18th to do some photos and we found them in three feet on our first stop near the Bird Rack off Dallus Creek. Charlie (Yes...he actually left the Sea Hag for almost 3 hours!) and Danielle did most of the work, but Chaelie and Chase had a blast. Starfish are sometimes as much fun for kids as the scallops!

August 1 , 2007

Another week has passed, and despite the rains clouding the water a bit, the harvest is still holding up. It seems that even though there are scallops to the south near Pepperfish Keys in about 5 feet of water, the water's cloudy and you have to work a bit harder to get your limit. The best areas of clear, easy-to-scallop water are still near Big Grass Island and near the big sand bars to the north of the river. There are also reports of great scalloping up north off of Dark Island, however, that's a long run from the river.

Here are some photos from the dock taken on Saturday, July 28 by Rick Davidson:

It's always great to see all those buckets of scallops lined up waiting to be cleaned, and this weekend was no exception! The best scalloping still seems to be to the north of the river just west of the 'Bird Rack' off Fisherman's Rest. Try these GPS coordinates: N29 43.438 W83 34.373, but if you look for the boats you'll be in the right spot. Also, there have been good catches farther to the north off of Piney Point in about 3 feet of water.

August 10-16, 2007

This was a great scalloping week, but ---Man, was it HOT! Daytime temperatures were up near 100 and not much breeze all week long made that 85-degree water felt pretty good. The best spots still seem to be up north of the river off of Hagens Cove, Sponge Point and Piney Point in about 6 feet of water. Look for thick flat-bladed turtle grass mixed with round 'manatee' grass. The scallops are hiding in the grass, so you'll have to get down deep to see them.

Also, don't forget about fishing, too. You'll likely find your limit of scallops in a few hours and that leaves plenty of time for trout and redfish. There are lots of nice fish in 4 to 6 feet of water. Live shrimp are pretty scarce this time of year, so you'll need to use D.O.A. or GULP! shrimp under corks or free-lined on light tackle.

August 24, 2007

Well, there are just a few weeks left in the '07 Scallop season, and the little critters are still holding their own. We've seen buckets and buckets come into the marina, and Tim and Tanya have been really busy until the wee hours getting them cleaned.

If you've got a big group, consider having a 'scallop outing' at Steinhatchee and the Sea Hag. Many social groups, like the Gainesville Offshore Fishing Club, hold annual 'Scallopfests'. There's nothing more fun that everyone going out to the scallop grounds, rafting up, gathering scallops and then returning to the Sea Hag for a cookout. This year's GOFC get-together was big success with over ten boats and families attending. Everyone got their limit of scallops and ate their fill at the picnic that followed.

September 2 , 2007

With one more scalloping weekend left there seem to be more scallops to the south of the river. The deep flats off Rocky Creek are finally being productive. Yesterday, I counted over 50 boats there, and many reported quick limits. We also had a big morning storm blow up and there was the usual confusion at the boat ramp and big crowds in the channel with everyone trying to get back to port. Everyone did the right thing by heading home for a few hours. Remember to watch the weather and keep your VHF radio tuned to Channel 9. The 'Hags' at the Sea Hag are great about giving out timely weather reports and warnings.

Even if you do have to come in to beat the storms, remember that we've got plenty of shelter at the Sea Hag, as well as lots of 'cold beverages' for your enjoyment in the Ship's Store or at the Tiki Bar.

Remember the rules for scallops and scalloping. From the FWC website:

"Recreational harvesters are limited to two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or one pint of bay scallop meat, per day during the open season. In addition, recreational scallopers may possess no more than 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell, or ½ gallon of bay scallop meat, aboard any vessel at any time. Bay scallops may be harvested only by hand or with a landing or dip net."

Also, divers must display a 'diver down' flag. The specific regulations are available at the Sea Hag Ship's Store, as are flags and lots of great dive gear and mesh bags for your catch.

For information on catching and cleaning your own scallops, take a look at the Sea Hag's Scalloping Page.