For the past several years, my extended family has been gathering in [Steinhatchee, FL] during the first weekend of August to partake in our annual [Argopecten irradians concentricus] hunt. Getting the Tober mob all in one location at the same time during a regular holiday is impossible so our scalloping trip is an oportunity to catch up and spend some quality vacation time with everybody.
What does it take to hunt the wily [Argopecten irradians concentricus], a.k.a the Atlantic Bay Scallop you ask? Surprisingly not much. Snorkel gear, a boat, at least one working arm/hand and something to put your captured scallops in while you swim around looking down on endless acres of eel-grass. Gulf bay scallops can be found in water up to ~10ft deep but with snorkel gear, the best depth is 3-4ft. All it takes is a bend in your waist to drop you low enough to grab the scallop and you aren’t constantly brushing the grass with your body. Anything deeper and it becomes more of a diving expedition rather than snorkeling.