Our Expertise Scalloping in Steinhatchee, Florida: A Journey T…

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I can’t say scalloping in Florida was ever on our bucket listing, 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 folks 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 selecting.

We by no means even knew you possibly can do that till we did a North Florida highway journey one summer time and handed by way of Steinhatchee, and it was advisable as a factor to do there. Regardless that, we had no thought what it entailed – we’re all the time up for any form of journey!

family in snorkel masks on boat
Able to go scalloping!

Not solely did it assist inform the story of the Florida Gulf Coast area we had been visiting, which is wealthy in maritime historical past, but it surely additionally pushed us out of our consolation zone to study a brand new talent, and have a blast whereas doing it.

The ladies had been nervous about going out into the ocean to do that as they’d by no means free dived earlier than. There was quite a lot of 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 probably the most enjoyable ever!” they cried when our Florida scalloping journey was lastly over.

If you happen to’re questioning what a scalloping journey to Steinhatchee can be like, here’s what went down once we tried it…

Steinhatchee River

aerial view of Steinhatchee river
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 form of place I felt I might 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 lodge warned “Sluggish motion. Manatees round!

How cool to be sitting within the lodge riverside backyard space and see one in all Florida’s favourite wildlife species swim on by. If you happen to’re fortunate you might even see an alligator or two!

Our Expertise on the Steinhatchee Scalloping Tour

father and daughter on scallop boat
Enjoyable with Captain Mike

Round eight:00 am, we met Captain Mike down at Sea Hag Marina.

Mike is a non-public constitution captain who takes folks out on scalloping excursions on the Gulf Of Mexico within the Steinhatchee River.

He gave us a quick intro to the world and scalloping and made certain we had been ready with our gear earlier than we left:

  • Solar safety
  • Consuming water
  • Snorkel gear for the children
  • 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 best way to the marina. (The youngsters will find it irresistible when you do too!)

We began with a delicate 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 methods to catch the scallops, making certain 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!

woman in ocean with snorkel on holding wild scallop
My first discover after solely 30 seconds!

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 may 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 by way of the water. I journey for these moments of awe.

close up of a seashell

I beloved the nearer connection our scalloping journey gave us to nature. You could have a a lot deeper appreciation for the place meals comes from whenever you go to the hassle 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. It is a observe indigenous cultures have around the globe – taking time to bless and honor every animal that gave its life so we could eat.

two girls snorkeling together

The scallops are protected, and whereas in a lot abundance on this space there are limits on what number of scallops every particular person can catch. We didn’t even come near that, ensuring we solely caught as a lot as we might eat.

man holding bag of scallops
A part of our catch
people snorkeling
The ladies having a great deal of enjoyable on the sand bar

Over the 4 hours we went to 2 completely different snorkeling spots with loads of scallops to catch. Different boats had been round, however we had loads of area to ourselves.

It took us a while to tug our ladies out of the water.

Captain Mike was a unbelievable information with a simple going, pleasant nature.

He added in another cease on our approach dwelling: a sand bar in waist deep water the place we might swim and hunt although the sand for sand .

man holding up  sand dollar in water
Sand !

Fortunately, he was capable of finding a pair and we obtained a better take a look at these fantastically designed animals.

Easy methods to eat your scallop catch?

In case you are on trip and staying at a lodge, it’s possible you’ll be wandering what you are able to do along 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 may wait and watch or prepare for it to satisfy you again at your lodge.

Our lodge, Fiddler’s Resort and Restaurant, then cooked them for us for a small payment.

We had them grilled in garlic butter and had three accompanying sauces.

We loved them with a chilly drink and dwell music on the newly constructed deck overlooking the river.

That is undoubtedly the most effective issues to do in Florida with children!

Scalloping Excursions in Florida

You could have a wide range of choices for scalloping excursions in Florida. You’ll want to examine if licenses are included in addition to snorkel gear and scallop cleansing when you want that.

Incessantly Requested Questions on Scalloping in Florida

girl walking on pier of fiddlers resort  on river
Fiddler’s Resort

The place to Keep in Steinhatchee?

Fiddler’s Restaurant and Resort

exterior units at Fiddlers resort steinhatchee river
Frequent space out entrance of lodge rooms

Because of its small measurement and undeveloped nature, lodging in Steinhatchee is restricted. Contemplating Fiddler’s Resort is fairly superior, then it doesn’t actually matter.

Homeowners, Sunny and Andy Latimer, opened the doorways of Fiddler’s after in depth reworking in 2019 earlier than Covid, however, they put their heads all the way down to work exhausting and innovate and develop regardless of the challenges.

They’re retaining the custom of fine instances and music that has been current at this lodge on the river since 1934.

The resort is laid-back and blends in lovely with the gorgeous pure setting of its Steinhatchee River location.

Makepeace family ytravel blog
Liked our journey in Steinhatchee. View from the deck

We totally 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 full of big Jenga, corn gap, swinging chairs and fireplace pits.

What we beloved most was the pleasant environment, and the large newly constructed exterior deck. Each night they’ve dwell music and scrumptious southern consolation fashion seafood.

Even when you don’t keep at this Steinhatchee lodge, you possibly can dine in and benefit from the music.

Each artists we noticed had been unimaginable and the right method to finish a wonderful 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 fashionable Ray’s restaurant close to the river mouth for sundown. Sadly, it turned overcast and we felt the meals had been overpriced. We a lot most well-liked the meals and music and environment at Fiddler’s Resort.

Employees are pleasant and accommodating and have a number of insights on the encompassing space.

We beloved that Fiddler’s Resort was an expertise slightly than only a mattress to sleep in!

Video: Wild Scalloping, Florida Gulf Coast

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