Get that butter melting, bay scallop season is open in the Gulf of Mexico from the Pasco-Hernando county line north to the Mexico Beach Canal in Bay County. A last-minute appeal by Gov. Rick Scott opened the season on Saturday to include the weekend. The season runs through Sept. 24 and the state's prime scallop grounds — Homosassa, Crystal River and Steinhatchee — have the perfect combination of fresh and saltwater, fishing guides say. It's fairly easy to do, like a shallow-water Easter egg hunt. The site scallophunter.com is a good source for guides around the area, which run about $65-$75 per person and provide mask, snorkel, fins and scalloping bags. Visit myfwc.com for regulations. —Sharon Kennedy Wynne