Need Help with Hernando Beach Scalloping

[Capn Mark]

Guys I am taking the family to go scalloping out of Hernando beach for the first time.  Trying to make sure the wife and two boys 5 and 9 have a blast so that we can do it again one day.  Any local info on the area would be appreciated.  We are staying at the Hernando beach motel so insight on restaurants, things to do, cool places, places to avoid, and of course secret spots would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.....

[Circle Hooked]

Me and Fernando were just talking about this, i'm sure he will be along soon to help, he's been doing real well around there lately.

[Blue Agave]

As far as things to do off the boat I'm afraid I'd be of no help. I do launch from Hernando county, not Hernando beach, and the scallops have been plentiful. Typically I'll just look for clean water with plush turtle/eel grass and deploy a scout to check the area, I've been having luck in 6 ft plus.  This method allows me to stay away from the large crowds.  Don't be afraid to move around until you find a good location with a large concentration of scallops.  If you are having trouble finding a good location you can always resort to looking for the parking lot of boats.  Head north towards Homosassa and you will run into the flotilla.  Don't forget your dive flag and make sure that you inform everyone not to stray to far from the boat, there are a lot of idiots out there.  Good luck and be safe.

[seabob4]

Mark,
I live about 15 minutes from Hernando Beach, Fernando has his boat at my house for the season.  He's been launching out of Bayport.

Not a whole lot to see or do around here.  Weeki Wachee Springs is about it from a "to do" standpoint.  Very quiet.  As far as resturants go, I'd stick with the small local joints on Shoal Line Blvd. out in the town itself.  Nothing to write home about over here on 19.

In other words, come up for the scalloping and the piece and quiet...

[akbridge]

I will be going tomorrow out of Chassahowitka.  Try saying that three times fast!   It's a little north of hernando beach.  But very similar water.  Find clean water with mostly eel grass and some sandy mixed bottom in the 6-8 ft range and you will find them.  If you are out there tomorrow call me and I will give gps coords of where we are.  I will PM you my number.

[seabob4]

I will be going tomorrow out of Chassahowitka.  Try saying that three times fast!   It's a little north of hernando beach.  But very similar water.  Find clean water with mostly eel grass and some sandy mixed bottom in the 6-8 ft range and you will find them.  If you are out there tomorrow call me and I will give gps coords of where we are.  I will PM you my number.

Just call it Chas...

[wingtime]

I was planning on heading out tomorrow but plans have changed for several of my buddies so I'm hoping the weather will hold out Sunday morning.

[seabob4]

Mark,
Just an update on resturants...and Weeki Wachee Springs.  There is an excellent authentic Mexican joint on 19 just south of the park, W side of the road, La Loca Iguana, excellent food, excellent prices.  At the corner of 19 and 50 is Nellie's (in the Winn Dixie plaza), traditional Mom and Pop fare, great for breakfast.  If you want to do the Carrabas/Texas Roadhouse/Panera Bread deal, just go a few miles W on 50 until you get to Mariner Blvd., just about anything you could want in the plazas there.  That's about 2 miles from our house...

Just got back home, today Weeki Wachee Springs was over-flowing, can't remember it being that busy.  They must have had something "special" going on.  Usually on the weekends the lot gets about 1/2 full.  Fernando will be by in a bit with his buddy Andy to go grab some scallops.  I'm sure he'll give a report this evening...

[Blue Agave]

Change of plans Bob, there will be no report today.

[seabob4]

Change of plans Bob, there will be no report today.

Kinda figured that...3:00 and no Fern.

Goddam hot out there today!!

[Blue Agave]

Just got back home, today Weeki Wachee Springs was over-flowing, can't remember it being that busy. They must have had something "special" going on. Usually on the weekends the lot gets about 1/2 full. Fernando will be by in a bit with his buddy Andy to go grab some scallops. I'm sure he'll give a report this evening...

I believe the marquee read, "65th Annual Mermaid Reunion".

[seabob4]

Just got back home, today Weeki Wachee Springs was over-flowing, can't remember it being that busy. They must have had something "special" going on. Usually on the weekends the lot gets about 1/2 full. Fernando will be by in a bit with his buddy Andy to go grab some scallops. I'm sure he'll give a report this evening...

I believe the marquee read, "65th Annual Mermaid Reunion".

That could be ugly...80 year old mermaids out there...  

[akbridge]

No thanks on the antique mermaids!  Yuck.  

We got our limit of scallops in a couple hours today.  Most were found at low tide in six feet of water.  We were north of Hernando by about 10 miles or so.  So conditions should be similar.  Boats were out in force around Hernando beach and Bayport.  Good luck with the crowds.

[seabob4]

No thanks on the antique mermaids!  Yuck.  

We got our limit of scallops in a couple hours today.  Most were found at low tide in six feet of water.  We were north of Hernando by about 10 miles or so.  So conditions should be similar.  Boats were out in force around Hernando beach and Bayport.  Good luck with the crowds.

Yepper!  Nice day today, although the storm that just went through...

[gran398]

This scallop chat makes some of us (me)  get the Joneses. Something you want/need...but can't get.

Bob, Fern....can you guys recommend a trusted monger that can ship local harvest fresh/frozen stuff to your cousins?

Thank you.