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Scallop season has opened in Gulf of Mexico

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published June 30, 2013

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