Captain’s Corner: Bill Hardman

The Tampa Bay Times

Scallop season is in full-swing and this year seems to be a banner year.  will need a comfortable mask that fits your face well and a snorkel that is also comfortable for you to use.  If you’ve never used a snorkel before, it would be a good idea to get used to using and clearing the snorkel of water in a pool or other body of water that allows you to stand up until you get used to the gear.  Fins make it easier to swim over the scallop grounds.  Some people scallop without the aid of fins, but it will limit your ability to cover more ground and eventually get more scallops.  Lastly, a mesh bag to hold the collected scallops while you search for more.  Scallops are usually found in large populations.  Look for shallow depths in 4 to 7 feet of water.  Dense grass bottom areas are a must.  The scallops live and hide at the base of the grass beds. Crystal River is one of the most popular areas.  Also top on the list are area around Homosassa, Port St. Joe and Keaton Beach, Florida.  Going snorkeling for scallops is easy to arrange and to experience.  Hiring a local guide can make or break your scalloping trip. Hiring a guide is one of the best ways to go scalloping. Scallop guides are easily found on web searches.

Capt. Bill Hardman teaches classes and runs trips for Scuba, Spearfishing, Technical & Freediving courses at Aquatic Obsessions, 6193 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL  33710.  You can reach Capt. Hardman at (727) 344-3483 (DIVE) or CaptainBillHardman@gmail.com