PAGE 12 - July 3, 2013
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Scallop Season Underway in Citrus,
Levy Counties for 2013!
Time to get out your snorkels and masks…Scallop Season is in full swing in Citrus
County. For a family summer activity unlike any other, there’s nothing like bagging the
adventure of scalloping in Citrus County, one of the state’s most beloved scalloping destina-
tions. The recreational season, which starts July 1 and closed annually on September 11, will
now endSeptember 24.
Citrus County s bay scallops sit in seagrass beds under five or six feet of water on
the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. Scalloping requires a boat, a snorkel and a desire for a
seafood dinner. Professional licensed guides are also available for hire, for those visitors
without their own boat.
The Visitors & Convention Bureau reminds visitors that bay scallops are also
known to be larger at the end of the summer so for guests preferring bigger scallops and
fewer people, the extended season should be a perfect fit. Guests are encouraged to come
midweek during July and August when accommodations are less likely to be filled.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking for all
people participating in scalloping this season to complete an online survey to help FWC’s
scallop researchers at http://svy.mk/bayscallops. Harvesters can indicate where they harvest
scallops, how many they collect and how long it takes to harvest them. Participants can
emailBayScallops@MyFWC.com to ask questions or send additional information.
State regulations allow each person to collect 2 gallons of whole bay scallops or
1 pint of meat, with no more than 10 gallons of whole scallops on any vessel at any time.
This week's featured photo is of Mike Tuck of Crystal River with a large Sea Trout . Mike
Scallops may only be taken by hand or with a landing or dip net. Scallopers over the age of
caught this trout despite the wind and rains last Sunday on a Gulp Shrimp.
16 also need a Florida fishing license. Be sure to stay within 300 feet of properly displayed
Released female panther gives birth
divers-down flag when scalloping in open water and within 100 feet of a properly displayed
divers-down flag if on a river, inlet or navigational channel.
The FWC has discovered that a female
For more information on Scallop Season, call 1-800-587-6667. You can also visit
Florida panther rescued as an orphaned kitten and
the fishing page at: www.thenewscaster.com.
raised in captivity has given birth just a few months
BUDDY & FRED’S HARDWARE
after her release back into the wild. Biologists
found an approximately 1-month-old female kitten
1983 - 30th Year - 2013
Saturday in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State
Food Ranch Plaza • 44 Hwy. 19 N. • Inglis, Florida
Park in southwest Florida near where they released
352-447-2600 • BuddyAndFredsHardware.com
the young adult panther on Jan. 31.
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm • Sun. 9am-3pm
Captains Cove Outfitters
Hardware • Tools • Plants • Seeds • Gardening • BBQ • RV
39 W. Hwy. 40 • Inglis, FL • (352) 447-5610
Kitchen • Gifts Items • Dock and Boat Accessories & More!
Open M-Sa 5:45-6pm Sun. 5:45-5pm
426 ITEMS REDUCED IN PRICE
More Than A Bait Store
203 OF THEM MADE IN U.S.A.
NOW, THAT’S A SALE
Even though we have a great bait selection!
(P S. - THAT’S ONLY 1/2 THE STORE)
.
It's Grouper Season .......
If it has to do with grouper fishing
we have it!
Also, Any CASE KNIFE with Red,
SHIMANO Top Shelf Dealer
White or Blue Coloring - 10% Off
Costa 580 P Dealer
All Our Staff are Fishermen
Any TEC -X KNIFE - 20% Off
Local Guides Available
Yeti
We have a Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
Top Quality rods & reels for beginners
Have A Safe & Happy 4th!
Coolers
to experts. Large selection of Saltwater Tackle
Lisa VanDeBoe
Broker/Owner
Call 352-634-0129
Email: plantationlisa@yahoo.com
See all the Citrus County listings on our Website:
www.plantationrealtylistings.com
SHORT SALE! 5BR/2BA on over 10 acres,
close to Progress Energy. Steal at $119,900!