SCALLOPS

[CAPTAIN CHARLIE]

I have family coming to town this weekend. They want to go wading for scallops. Without the use of a boat, where can I take them where they can wade out and look for scallops? Also, what are the rules for needing a dive flag if you are not snorkeling out of a boat? Any advise?

Thanks,


Charlie

[RedMann]

I'm not sure about other areas but St. Joe Bay has at least two places where you can access without a boat and wade. However, I don't know how well those areas are producing this year. On the dive flag, I believe you have to have one when you're snorkeling even if it's not from a boat. Not positive about that though.

[bass3769]

http://www.dema.org/news/177694/New-Law ... -Buoys.htm


http://www.explosivepowersports.com/sea ... gQod3j4AQA

[CAPTAIN CHARLIE]

Well, what it looks like if you're swimming in 4' of water you don't need a buoy or a flag. But if you put on a mask you do.

[zload]

Don't forget the fishing license.

[silverking]

Not positive if a dive flag is required, but for safety sake you should always use one to alert boaters of your presence. I had a close call with a guy scalloping from shore in Lanark one time when I couldn't even see him. He was dark-haired with dark swim trunks and fortunately I spotted him in time before I got too close. But why chance it? Dive flags are cheap compared to the tragedy of an avoidable accident.