Scalloping: Dekle vs Keaton ?

[ReelFun]

Never been to either one. 23ft Proline CC, 200 johnson. Which one is more compatable with this boat(not a bay boat), given I don't know the area ? Pulling the boat from st marks. Where to put in(or not), places to try for scallops, tide will be low @ midday ??? Scallopped a lot @ PSJ(not in this boat)..... any help/advise greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tom

[red_yakker]

The area in front of and in-between Dekle and Keaton Beach is great for scalloping. You'll want to put in at Keaton for 2 reasons.
1. Low-tide/offshore boat. The canal at Dekle is alright, but not for an offshore boat at low-tide.
2. The ramp at Dekle is private; you're not supposed to use it unless you're a member.

From the water, it's just a stone's throw from Keaton to Dekle, so if you're in front of one, you're pretty much in front of the other.

[ReelFun]

Thanks Red....... Where ( directions) do I put in at Keaton ? and scallop ? I've mapquest to Keaton Beach to Pine Isle Dr.
BTW: I've been around a long time (site sponser) had to change my ID slightly(computer illiterate).

[LJR]

once you get to perry take 19 south to 361 take right on 361 for about 18 miles and you will run right in to the keaton beach public boat ramp!!

[Reel Cowboy]

Look for all parking lot in the middle of the bay and dive in.

[ReelFun]

Thanks guys....... Is the channel well marked ? Being low tide, I'm a little/lot concerned in unfamiliar waters. Any bouys/markers to look for ? How far out from the landing should I expect to go..... I don't want to..." Looking like a Fool with your boat on the ground". Thanks again...............

[MudDucker]

The channel at Keaton is very well marked. To be safe, run the last marker and then turn up north toward Deckle. You will see the scalloping armada. If you don't find them there, run south to Pine Point and try there. Again, you will see the scalloping armada.

Good luck and be sure to get a proper sized diver down flag and display it!

[ReelFun]

Thanks again. Hey MD....I'm the one that rented your place at CSB a few years back......to go scallopping. Hopefully the weather will work out this weekend. Good luck to all

[red_yakker]

Actually, school started back this week and most of the scalloping armada has moved back into town for the winter. The scallops are a bit slim this year, and it seems as though most people have had their fill of it. I was planning on going myself one or two more times this year before the season goes out to see if they have re-grouped any since the armada left.

I had the best luck almost straight out from the Dekle Beach canal in varying depths of water the first few weeks of the season. The Dekle canal is marked on both sides with white poles (no red or green) and is on the south side of the Dekle community. I made the mistake earlier this year of positioning my boat without my glasses on. When we got our limit, and I put my glasses back on to go, I realized that I was anchored up right in the end of the canal (woops!). We found plenty of scallops there, but I would reccomend moving north or south to one side of the canal to avoid traffic

There are really no rocks or oysters to worry about, as long as you don't go way too far north of Dekle and as long as you stay in at least 3 feet or so of water.

[redbelly7]

At Keaton, you can also use the lift at Keaton Marina (stay straight on 361 and you can't help but see it). Go to bouy 4 and 5, take a left for about 50 yards and when you see a few scallops from the boat, anchor up and jump in. That's where I had my best luck. Please give me a report as I would like to go down one more time. Thanks in advance.

[MudDucker]

Thanks again. Hey MD....I'm the one that rented your place at CSB a few years back......to go scallopping. Hopefully the weather will work out this weekend. Good luck to all

Yea, they say they are starting to find a few in the Bay, but I think Keaton would be a better choice this year. Be safe!

[ReelFun]

DANG............RAIN...RAIN...RAIN all weekend doesn't look good AT ALL........

[MudDucker]

You are going to get wet whether it rains or not.