Scalloping in Homosassa

DESTINATION:

HOMOSASSA

calloping is underway in Homosassa! Harvesting bay scallops is an exciting recreation for all ages. Many of our Captains offer various scalloping trips with affordable rates. Now is the time to book your trip and let our experienced captains be your guide to some of the best scalloping and fabled fishing grounds in the world. Homosassa, located in the heart of the Florida Nature Coast, an old-fashioned corner of Florida where all the tall fishing tales are true, and your cares slip away like the slack in your line. The beauty and abundant wildlife of this river is stunning. Hire a professional fishing guide to make your visit enjoyable and rewarding! Scalloping season runs from June 28th until September 24th. Visit us at homosassaguidesassociation.com

MEET THE CAPTAINS OF THE HOMOSASSA GUIDES ASSOCIATION

CAPTAIN WILLIAM TONEY Pres. of the Homosassa Guides Association. A 4th generation full time guide from Homosassa. His boat is a custom built Tremblay powered by Mercury Outboards. It has a very shallow draft that can bring you deep into the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge or can handle the chop of Homosassa nearshore reefs and rockpiles. He also offers cooked shorelunches and scallop trips. 352-621-9284 or 352-422-4141 captwilliamtoney@bontheweb.net homosassainshorefishing.com

CAPTAIN DON CHANCEY VP of the Homosassa Guides Association. Don guides inshore from his restored 24 Carolina skiff to handle inshore trout and redfish parties. A fifth generation Floridian. Whether this is your first experience fishing or you are a seasoned angler, Don is a great guide for you. Available for half day or all day trips. All bait, tackle, fishing licenses and fish cleaning included for a one price trip. 352-303-9399 flatschance.com

CAPTAIN DUANE TIBBETTS A native of Citrus County, and a long standing member of the Homosassa Guides Association. I specialize in Redfish, Trout and Scallop trips, also Site Seeing Manatee Tours are available. 34 years of guiding experience and Captain a 24 Carolina Skiff. You need nothing but food and drinks for a fun day of fishing. 352-628-5878 352-302-5727 captduane@homosassafishing.com homosassafishing.com

CAPTAIN MARK ZORN A wildlife biologist. Capt. “Z” will flatter you with his knowledge of the fishes and birds. A 8th generation native Floridian and has lived and fished in Citrus County for the past 31 years. Guides from a 24-foot Carolina skiff, and has a bow mount trolling motor for stealth approach. Reds and Trout are his specialties. Fishes up to four anglers and will give his clients a day they will remember. 352-489-5168 or 352-400-1925 MZORN1@TAMPABAY.RR.COM captainmarkzorn.com

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CAPTAIN CLAY SHIDLER I am a 20 year native of Crystal River and I specialize in fishing the waters from Crystal River to Cedar Key. I fish out of a custom rigged 24ft Carolina skiff which gives me the ability to fish skinny water yet it still is a very stable platform to fish out of. The tackle I supply for my clients is top quality Shimano gear. My passion in life is being on the water and I enjoy doing what it takes to give my clients an enjoyable day on the water. 352-586-2748 clayshidler@yahoo.com fishingcharterscrystalriver.com

CAPTAIN JIM FARRIOR U.S.C.G. Certified Charter Captain. Fly fishing and light tackle specialist. Fishing charters: tarpon, redfish, grouper, trout, cobia, snook, or anything with fins, great scalloping guide. Home port is Homosassa, FL. Fishes West Coast, from Crystal River to Key West. Captain Jim is also a fish and wildlife artist, check out his photo gallery on facebook. 352-422-1992 captjimfarrior@gmail.com

CAPTAIN DAN CLYMER Secretary and Treasurer of the Homosassa Guides Association. Born and raised on the Crystal River. He fishes the Gulf of Mexico and all of Citrus County’s rivers. Clymer is king of catching big grouper up to 30-pound by either casting plugs, trolling or bottom fishing. His GPS book is full of hot spots. He guides from a custom 22-foot Bay Pro-Line he designed. His engine is sponsored from Mercury with a 225 Optimax. 352-418-2160 or 352-382-1313 captaindan@racinmulletcharters.com crystalriver-fishing.com

CAPTAIN MIKE BAIZE Capt. Mike’s personality will keep you entertained throughout your fishing adventure. For 15 years he has been fishing the local Gulf flats from Crystal River to Chassahowitzka. He guides from a 21-foot Carolina Skiff that will accommodate up to 4 anglers. His specialty is Redfish, Trout, and Great Times. He also offers sightseeing tours and scallop trips in season. His boat is Coastguard Certified. 352-503-7458 or 352-697-1811

CAPTAIN AARON SHIELDS This part of Florida is truly unique, we have spring fed rivers that flow year around toward the gulf, miles of untouched and unseen waterways. Tarpon fishing is famous the world over, world records have been set here. Redfish and trout fishing is also second to none. Grouper fishing here can be done within sight off land. All fishing charters are customized. My custom rigged 22 ft Panga can comfortably fish up to 4 people and all trips are offered on spinning or fly tackle. Scallop excursions are available. 352-302-1831

CAPTAIN ZACH HOFFMAN A Florida Native and has been fishing the Homosassa and Crystal River areas since he was 8 years old. Specializes in Offshore fishing for Groupers and Snappers but is equally as good at finding Inshore species such as Red Fish,Trout, and Snook. A student at the University of Florida as well as guiding full time in Homosassa. He fishes a 33 foot World Cat. 352-220-1184 zhoffman@sunshineac.com homosassaoffshorecharters.com

SCALLOP SEASON JUNE 28 - SEPT 24

ABOUT

The Homosassa Guides Association (HGA) has helped visitors and locals alike enjoy the area’s acclaimed angling for over half a century. Some of our members are fourth-generation guides, with a love of this business literally in their blood. All are proven professionals, accomplished angling experts with the know-how to navigate these rock-filled waters to celebrated fishing spots. Each member of the HGA operates independently, enjoying his own specialties and owning his own boat and equipment. Every guide must pass a comprehensive test before becoming one of us, proving a profound knowledge of these waters. All of our captains are also USCG certified and provide saltwater fishing licenses for up to 4 fishers. When you embark on your Homosassa fishing adventure, you’ll enjoy the comfort that our classic skiffs provide-as well as the bait, tackle, ice and use of rods and reels that we provide at no additional charge. One to three anglers are preferred to ensure plenty of room, but some of our guides’ boats can comfortably accommodate four. Beginning or advanced angler, light-tackle buff, fly-fishing fan or deep-sea diehard, half or full day, you’re guaranteed a great time on the water with us. From business trips to family reunions, we can meet your group excursion needs. We can tailor a trip to hook the specific fish of your fancy-trout, redfish, cobia, grouper, giant tarpon or many other saltwater species. Some guides even provide a shore dinner service that features the fresh catch of the day and all the trimmings.

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EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Swim mask

Swim Fins Snorkel Small Mesh BagDivers-down flag (req. by law)

Boat-Great reason to choose a guide if you don’t own one.

THE FLORIDA BAY SCALLOP

is a bivalve mollusk that lives in seagrass beds in relatively shallow water, usually 4 to 10 feet deep. At one time scallops were reported from as far east as West Palm Beach and as far west as Pensacola. Today, healthy populations can only be found in selected locations along Florida’s west coast—principally St. Joseph Bay, the Steinhatchee area of the Big Bend, and the areas near the Crystal and Homosassa rivers.

CAPTAIN CHRIS WILKINS Capt Chris Wilkins has 35 years of fishing experience from the Atlantic to the Gulf. He was born in Key West to a fishing family so it’s safe to say it’s in his blood. Capt Chris has multiple boats including an 18’ flats boat, a 23’ near shore/offshore boat and a 36’ . You can set up a charter to catch a wide variety of fish including trout, redfish, sheepshead, grouper, cobia and kingfish to name a few. 352-302-0715 cwilkins1@tampabay.rr.com

CAPTAIN JODY JOHNSON Jody was born and raised in Old Homosassa and has been around fishing since he was big enough to hold a rod. The last several years he has spent an enormous amount of time fishing for huge trophy snook. He also enjoys fishing for reds and trout. Jody fishes from a 21-foot Carolina skiff powered by a 115 H.P. Mercury Outboard. 352-247-0475

CAPTAIN JOHN BAZO A Native Florida guide who specializes in fly fishing & light spin tackle, “Big John” knows what his clients want–To catch the BIG ONE! John fishes in shallow water for grouper, redfish, and tarpon on the fly. Also, he ties his own flies and is an instructor for fly fishing beginners. He can accommodate 2 people in his Key West Stealth or up to four anglers in his Classic 81 Pro-Line Boat. captjohn@hightidecharters.com hightidecharters.com 352-503-3813 or 352-895-7811

Scallops live about one year before either dying off naturally or being eaten by humans, crabs, octopuses, or a variety of shellcrushing fish. They spawn primarily in the fall. After about a two-week period as plankton, larvae develop a small shell and settle onto seagrass blades. They continue to grow while attached to the grass blades by a mass of silk-like filaments called a byssus. They later fall from the grass blades and become free swimmers. Unlike oysters and clams, scallops are active swimmers. They click their shells together, forcing expelled water to propel the rapidly. Scallops are simultaneous hermaphrodites, able to spawn as either males or females, and are very fertile. A single scallop can produce more than one million eggs per spawn.

CAPTAIN ERIC TONEY Is a life long native of Old Homosassa. He guides from a 20-foot Tremblay skiff powered by a 90 H.P. Mercury Outboard. This spacious skiff will accommodate up to 4 people and has a bimini top for the warm summer months. His experience includes all local waters and likes to tell his clients about the history of Homosassa. He also offers cooked shore lunches and scallop trips. 352-628-4405 or 352-302-8627

CAPTAIN CEPHAS CHRISTIAN Owner of Seven C’s Fishing Co., has been fishing the waters of the Gulf of Mexico for 35+ years. Specializing in offshore species such as grouper, snapper, kingfish, cobia, amberjacks, and more. Since a child growing up in St.Pete Beach, Cephas learned to fish with his father and many commercial fisherman. His boat is a 35ft Hydrofoil TwinVee Catamaran on the Homosassa River. 352-601-0626 c4phus83@yahoo.com

CAPTAIN RICK SPRATT A 4th generation native to the Gulf waters off Citrus County, specializes in slow trolling for grouper, drifting the flats for trout, or chumming on a rock pile for species such as cobia and mackerel and good times! Fishes from a 24-foot Ken Kraft Bay Rider powered by a 150 HP 4-stroke Yamaha with plenty of room and power to safely and comfortably fish up to 4 anglers or 6 scallop divers. 352-302-1606 captainrickspratt@yahoo.com captainrickspratt.com

For more information about scallops, research and recreational harvesting visit flseagrant.org.

CAPTAIN JIM LONG Is a 3rd generation guide from Homosassa and is a full time guide. He is on Mercury Outboards Pro Team and is a Orvis endorsed guide He guides out of a classic 24-foot Pro Line Boat and a 16-foot Silver King flats skiff, both fully and custom rigged with 2009 Mercury Opti-Max Outboards, modern GPS electronics and depth finders. Jim specializes in all inshore species along the Nature Coast. 352-422-1303 or 352-628-0383 cjl@homosassaoutfitters.com homosassaoutfitters.com

CAPTAIN GARY G.T. COX Loves guiding from his 24-foot Carolina skiff that will accommodate up to 4 anglers. The skiff is equipped with a 36 volt bow mount trolling motor, a bimini top for hot summer weather and comfortable deck chairs. Like all HGA guides his boat is equipped with a cell phone or VHF radio. Sponsored by Nature Coast Marine. 352-634-3679 or 352-628-5419 captjroc@tampabay.rr.com slapstikcharters.com

CAPTAIN JONATHAN HAMILTON USCG Licensed and insured in-shore fishing guide. I’ve had the privilege of growing up fishing the Nature Coast. Even before I had a drivers license I was running a custom aluminum boat in the back country of Ozello and Chassahowitzka chasing Red Fish and Trout. I have a strong passion for the outdoors and sharing it with others. 813-997-0126 captainjhamilton.com

CAPTAIN FRED LYLES A native fisherman who has fished most of his life on the Homosassa River. This second generation guide is equipped with a spacious 24 ft. Carolina skiff with a 90 H.P. Yamaha that will accommodate up to 4 anglers very easy. Fred is a fun guy to fish with and knows the back country like the back of his hand. Fred likes to do shore dinners with the fresh catch of the day. 352-464-1487 Capt.FredLyles@netzero.com

•IN MEMORY OF • CAPTAIN MARVIN WILLIAMS Second generation old-timer, one of four brothers who guided like their father, he limited out on trout more than not on most days. He guided from a custom rigged 24’ Bay Rider boat with a newly fitted 4 stroke outboard motor, you rode out in comfort with one of the most skilled trout fisherman ever. One of Homossasa’s Greatest Guides ever. He will be greatly missed.

CAPTAIN TONY MATTHEWS A native Floridian, he’s fished the gulf coast his entire life, and citrus county since his early teens. A career Mariner by trade. Favorite tactics are sightcasting trout, reds and snook from a 17’ Go Devil, and a 22’ Sundance Skiff fully rigged with 115 mercury for up to 4 people including bimini for scalloping, also fishes the shallow rocks and reefs for grouper, snapper, sheeps head and black drum. Does boat rigging at Skiff Works of Homosassa. 727-224-8140

COLLECTING

Scallops may be spotted on or near the bottom of seagrass beds, usually lying on their ventral shells. Often, they are easiest to find in borderline areas where the sand/mud bottom meets the edge of the grasses. Scallops have many neon-blue eyes and may try to swim away when they see you, but they do not swim fast or far. Keep collecting scallops in a mesh bag, rather than in a pocket or in your swimsuit. They can pinch!

CARE AND HANDLING

When brought to the boat, scallops should be immediately placed on ice in a cooler for the trip to shore unless you decided to clean the scallops while on the water. Scallops are quite sensitive to temperature and will quickly die if they are not kept cold. Even if kept cold, scallops will usually die shortly after being placed on ice, especially if fresh water gets into their shells. Placing them on ice, however, makes them easier to open, because the muscle holding the shells together relaxes. A scallop, clam or oyster knife, or even a teaspoon, can be used to open the shells and cut the white muscle free, discarding the shells and unwanted soft parts.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

In Florida, commercial harvest of bay scallops is banned. Recreational scallopers between the ages of 16 and 65 must have a current Florida saltwater fishing license to collect scallops. All non-residents over the age of 16 are required to buy a license unless they are fishing (scalloping) from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid license. Harvesting is allowed from the west bank of the Mexico Beach Canal (in Bay County) to the Pasco- Hernando County line (near Aripeka). The bag limit is 2 gal. of whole scallops (in the shell), or 1 pt. of a scallop meat per person per day. Maximum 10 gal. of whole scallops per boat, per day. For more details go to myfwc.com.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to the Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau, visitcitrus.com for permission to reprint information about Florida Bay Scallops. visitcitrus.com - info@visitcitrus.com 1-800-587-6667