Scalloping from Cape San Blas Florida

Scalloping from Cape San Blas Florida

 Scalloping in St Joseph Bay on Cape San Blas Florida is an activity all family members can enjoy.  The St Joseph Bay is very calm, clean, and the depths are very uniform.  You do not require a boat or any special equipment.  Children as young as 3 and their great grandparents can enjoy the day scalloping and playing in the crystal clear waters of the bay.  Season normally opens about the first of July and ends about middle of September.  The technique for gathering scallops is very simple.  Put on your snorkel and mask then go down and collect them.  Some areas will have higher concentrations than others.  Look in areas that are not so accessible by boat or may be deeper than your height.  These are probably areas that have not been scalloped yet.  

Requirements for Scalloping

1. Florida Saltwater fishing license for all persons over 16
2. Sunscreen
3. Several spoons
4. A dive flag displayed on your boat or floatation close by
5. A pint container
6. Carry something to drink and eat 
7. Net bag, fins, snorkel and mask

How to clean your scallops

 After you have your scallops the best time to clean them is while you are still on the water.  Divide up the scallops with everyone and pass out the spoons.  Stick the end of the spoon into the slightly opened scallops.  Use the edge of the spoon to scrape one side of the shell from the inside.  Now lever the shell open.  Place the edge of the spoon to the crux of the muscle from the hinge side of the scallop.  Pinch the soft part of the scallop using your thumb then pull this membrane off the still attached muscle part like taking a shirt over the head of a child.  Now you can scrape the muscle from the remaining shell.  

How to cook your scallops

Remember that scallops can be eaten raw like oysters.  This will help you understand preparation principles of a hot pan and short cooking times.   I like to prepare my side dishes first.  My first choice is sauteed vegetables using olive oil.  When finished I use the same pan for sauntering the scallops.  Season the scallops to taste with season salt, pepper or cajun spices.  Place the scallops in the hot pan.  If you hear them sizzle the temperature is good.  The scallops should sear and slightly brown then turn them over and allow another 30 seconds before removing and draining.  All that is left is to enjoy your scallops with everyone.  Bon appetite