Scallop Reports

[Ron Wilson]

Kids want to go this weekend. hope their there.

[Tidedancer]

I ain't digin' around in the weeds and waitin' for a Bull Shark to crawl up my butt. Y'all enjoy, I'll stay on the hill.

[lonesouth]

Went out on Saturday. Found them in deeper water this time, ~8'. The flotilla was about 1/4 mile west of the rock garden. We looked a couple of places in less than 5', but didn't find many there. If you saw a boat drift past, dragging the anchor, with the captain swimming like mad for 1/2 mile to catch it, that was me. Glad I didn't drift into anyone or anything. First SHT with this boat. In the end, we had ~5 gallons for the boat. One of our party only managed 7 scallops, but we all had a good time, and had plenty to eat.

[Long_Stroke]

Is west of the Rock Garden also west of the Channel? Or still East of the channel?

Thanks!!

[Hit-n-Miss]

Is west of the Rock Garden also west of the Channel? Or still East of the channel?

Thanks!!

East of the channel.

[Bullet]

Prior to scallop season, I noticed several posts regarding sharks & shark sightings in the areas where the scalloping is going on. Just out of curiousity, has anyone encountered any gray suits while out there this year?

[TheWhaler15]

Went out on Saturday. Found them in deeper water this time, ~8'. The flotilla was about 1/4 mile west of the rock garden. We looked a couple of places in less than 5', but didn't find many there. If you saw a boat drift past, dragging the anchor, with the captain swimming like mad for 1/2 mile to catch it, that was me. Glad I didn't drift into anyone or anything. First SHT with this boat. In the end, we had ~5 gallons for the boat. One of our party only managed 7 scallops, but we all had a good time, and had plenty to eat.

We were out in about 4-5ft of water just near the Rock Garden like everyone else. Where did you find the 8' of water? Just further out from the main flotilla?

[lonesouth]

Yep, we pushed out a little ways from the rock garden. Seems like we were about 400 yards west of the RG and perhaps 200 yards south. That's a guess from what I remember seeing on my chartplotter. There were plenty of boats that deep though.

[Gumbo]

Went yesterday for a quick morning trip, plenty of scallops out there but we never found many in the same place. Had to keep moving, picking up some here, some there, all just west / south of the RG. Got plenty enough for a couple of meals, size is pretty good for this time of the year.

[Long_Stroke]

Has everyone been putting in at Saint Marks or the lighthouse?

Thanks!

[lonesouth]

We put in at the lighthouse. Normally when we cruise the wakulla, we will put in at Newport or the Fort, but when heading out on the flats, the lighthouse is the way to go. Much less time driving in the channel, don't have to deal with monster wakes or slow toons. $15 for an annual pass is money well spent.

On a side note, did anyone else see a bunch of frisbee sized jellyfish out there last weekend?

[DEMON]

Yes, jellyfish have been thick this year. Seem to be thicker around the sandbar. Didn't see many around the RG until late in the afternoon last weekend. Lighthouse is where I go also. Need to get there early though or parking can be a problem. They only let so many boats in per day. Much less boat traffic to deal with. Also shorter ride in when the rain catches you.

[Carlabear]

Found plenty in deep water 7-9 feet, used a crab net to pick them up in the water snorkling. The best way to clean them is to put ice on them and they will open up slightly then scoop them out. Only have to tap on a few that way. We clean them on the boat with a light breeze and no no see ums! Made some chowder last night. Problably are in deeper water at St Marks too. There were none in close to econfina