Homosassa Scalloping

Homosassa Scalloping!!!

Homosassa continues to be the “Scallop Capital of the World”, with limits being bought back to the docks on most charters. Not only are the scallops plentiful but they are the largest anyone can remember! As everything is magnified under the water some of the scallops look the size of basketballs as you’re swimming towards them. It’s not uncommon to get four or five scallops in one breath! We’ve had many days on a low tide where we’re in 2 ½ to 3 feet of water just reaching down and grabbing the “dollops of goodness” without even putting your head underwater. Through Saturday, July 28th, I have done a record 27 scallop charters the first 28 days of the season and honestly don’t believe that anyone has taken more scallops out of these waters the last few years as I have on my charters.

Since the Olympics have started, I’m the only one that has been in the water more than Michael Phelps! These facts have gained me the crown as the “Undisputed Scallop King of Homosassa”!! If you’re a good swimmer and know how to snorkel getting your limit of scallops has not been a problem. The limit is two gallons (in the shell), per person per day and up to ten gallons per boat, per day. That’s a ton of scallops, the FWC estimates there are 80 scallops per gallon, and the beginning of a delicious feast. Check the Recipe Page on our web-site, www.HomosassaRedfish.com, for some delicious ways to prepare your catch. We are doing two scallop charters per day, the morning charters are from 7 to 11AM, and the afternoon charters are from Noon until 4PM. If you can come during the week it’s best as on the weekends, the flotilla of boats scalloping looks like a floating city! For you lobster divers, it’s kind of like mini-lobster season in the Keys, every weekend! We’ve recently added lots of new pictures from this scallop season to the Photo Gallery on our web-site. As we’ve been running as many as four boats on some days, (for larger parties), we do still have some openings left in August and September. The Scallop Season has been extended, after determining that two years of season extensions did not significantly impact the bay scallop population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) decided June 28 to permanently extend the recreational season by adding two weeks to the end. The decision was made at the Commission meeting in West Palm Beach. The recreational season, which starts July 1 and closed annually on Sept. 11, will now close Sept. 25th. Call 352-382-3939, to reserve your charter today. This is a great way to cool off from the summertime heat and an awesome family activity for all ages that will create memories that will last a lifetime. Join the excitement and start a new family tradition!! It’s like an “Underwater Easter Egg Hunt”!!!

Finally, by popular demand and almost by public outcry, see below for
“Cynthia’s World Famous Watermelon Margarita Recipe”.
Ingredients
1 Cup of fresh lime juice (strained)
1 Cup of orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Combier or Boles Triple Sec)
1 Cup plus a Splash of premium tequila
¼ Cup of Watermelon Puree (see Cook’s Notes)
Juice of one fresh orange (strained)
Coarse salt
Lime Wedges

Directions
Chill margarita glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place the coarse salt in a shallow dish or saucer. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the salt, coating the top edge.
Combine the liquid ingredients above into a glass measuring bowl/cup, except the watermelon puree. Fill a cocktail shaker almost to the top with ice then fill ¾ full with liquid ingredients, then fill to the top with watermelon puree. Shake until frothy and well chilled, at least a minute. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cook’s Note: To make the watermelon puree, remove seeds from fresh watermelon and cut into large chunks. Place in a blender and process until smooth and well pureed.

We’d like to thank Teresa, Wayne and Sheldon from Jim’s Dive Shop, 9385C Bay Pines Blvd., St Petersburg, 33708, 727-393-3483 for all their help and referrals. Mama T, my new HD mask and snorkel are the best, I’ve ever had! We’re looking forward to your group trip on Sunday, September 9th; as space is limited, contact them for more details if you’d like to be part of their “St. Pete Party”. Before heading out on your scallop adventure, be sure to stop by the dive shop for all your scalloping needs such as: scallop bags, masks, fins, snorkels, rash guards and dive flags.

Come join us for three days of fishing at the “1st Annual Reel Animals Fishing Show Sailfish Tournament” at the Zancudo Lodge, www.zancudolodge.com, in Costa Rica, February 23, 2013 through February 27, 2013. The three day tournament, Sunday, 2/24, Monday, 2/25 and Tuesday, 2/26 is being held during peak Sailfish time and will be filmed for broadcast nationwide on the Reel Animals Fishing Show. Space is limited to the first 20 anglers to register. Once at the lodge the all-inclusive cost is $3195.00 per person when fishing with two people per boat, it’s less if you have three anglers per boat. The only other expense would be your airfare to and from Costa Rica and tips for the staff at the lodge. Most of us will be flying on JetBlue out of Orlando on Saturday, 2/23, for $450.00 roundtrip. Contact Greg Mufson at Zancudo Lodge, 650-255-7815, for more details or to reserve your adventure. The Zancudo Lodge, where over 70, I.G.F.A. records have been set, is Costa Rica’s premier fishing resort – world renowned for both its inshore and offshore fishing. Voted as the #1 fishing lodge in Costa Rica, and surrounded by the beauty of Costa Rican wildlife, idyllic foliage, and private beaches, The Zancudo Lodge offers guests a variety of activities accompanied by luxuriously appointed rooms and the finest and freshest of our regional organic cuisine. Get away from winter and come join Captain Michael Anderson, Captain Billy Nobles and Cynthia and I for what’s sure to be an exciting Central America adventure!

Young Boat, www.Young-Boats.com, update, the building of “Red-Eddie or Knot” has begun, I’ve been getting progress pictures almost daily and my new boat is still scheduled to be delivered mid-September. It’s getting closer every day! Who’s going to be the first to charter the new boat???

Upcoming Events
August 6 – Florida Spiny Lobster Season Opens
August 31 – Full Moon
September 15 – Homosassa’s 30th Annual River Raft Race
September 25 – Scallop Season Closes