At Steinhatchee, there s a range of lodging. At the budget end, make a reservation at one of the Se

There s no doubt that the best recreational scalloping is along Natural North Florida s Big Bend shoreline.  Shallow grass flats, combined with clean salty water, are the perfect mix for bay scallops, and this year s crop will likely be one of the best ever at places like Horseshoe Beach, Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach and St. Marks.
It s never too early to start planning your scalloping adventure, as lodging and boat rentals can become hard to find when the season starts on July 1.  This year, the season runs from then until September 10.
At Horseshoe Beach, rent a condo from Jimmy Butler (352-498-2400) and make the short run north to the waters just off Pepperfish Keys.  That s a good, and relatively uncrowded, spot to get in the water and wade for scallops.
At Steinhatchee, there s a range of lodging.  At the budget end, make a reservation at one of the Sea Hag Marina s cottages and rent one of their fleet of 24-foot Carolina Skiffs for $199 a day.  At Steinhatchee, you don t really need to have special directions to the scallops just follow the fleet .  River Haven Marina also has nice motel rooms for rent, as well as rental boats.  If you re in a deluxe frame of mind, stay in one of the rental homes at Steinhatchee Landing .  There, you can relax, take a dunk in the pool and live the high life .  Finally, if you tow an RV, check out Nature s Coast RV Resort .  Owners Anthony and Yvonne Tocco have created a great place for campers to stay.
At Keaton Beach, it s a bit less crowded than at Steinhatchee, but the scallops are just as easy to reach. cheapest car rental rates Keaton Beach Marina and Motel is a good place to start if you re looking for rooms, RV space, or marine supplies.  Or, if you re looking for condo rentals, contact Beach Realty at (850) 578-2039.
St. Marks, in Wakulla County, is located at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers.  You can launch your boat upriver (in fresh water!) and make the scenic run to the Gulf or you can launch at the Lighthouse Ramp at the Gulf.  In either case, you re not far to the scalloping grounds.  There s a wide range of lodging available here.  For a taste of Old Florida, stay at Shell Island Fish Camp (850-925-6226).  Or, there s an excellent Best Western or The Inn at Wildwood , just up US19/98.  For marine supplies and snorkeling gear,  you can t go wrong at Shields Marina , in downtown St. Marks or at Jerry s Bait and Tackle , just up the Woodville Highway cheapest car rental rates towards Crawfordville.