Bluewater Outriggers Fishing Report 8-22-2026
There are no two ways about it; many visitors to our area of Florida are disappointed to learn that the scallop season has been cancelled this year. I've witnessed the heartbreak and denial first-hand as I worked the salesfloor of Bluewater Outriggers this morning. And folks, I get it, you've spent countless hours planning the perfect trip. You've had the boat and trailer serviced to make sure it can make the journey, you've pulled your kids out of school during their first month back; you've basically moved mountains to make this trip happen only to be told, "no." So now the question is, "what are you going to do about it?"
You can sit there and sulk, or you can make the best of the situation at hand. Let's really think about what you're missing out on because I'd bet good money your day would look something like this: You wake up at 5:30 AM still exhausted from the previous day's travel. You begin to give the boat a once over and start loading all the equipment in its proper spot. Though the suns not yet up, you notice you're dripping sweat from the sweltering heat and realize you're going to have to bake in the sun for at least 9 more hours. Once you're satisfied the boat is in good working order and it's time to get the show on the road, you realize your wife and kids are far from being ready despite you telling them countless times when you needed to leave. Your blood pressure will start to rise and hover in what doctors would call the danger zone for your age as you wait for them to finish breakfast and grab their things. When you finally make it to the boat ramp, you realize the line is so backed up that there are actual police officers there directing traffic and pointing towards the over-flow parking lot a mile away. After 45 minutes of waiting in line, you single-handedly back the boat up, unload it and tie it off to the dock resenting the fact that your son was useless in the whole process because he chose not to follow in your footsteps and would quite frankly be happier stuck in a room with a TV and a game console. Now, the family that made you so late to begin with, is sitting on the boat while you drive a mile away to park the trailer and walk all the way back sweating bullets in the god-forsaken heat. Making it back to your boat, you're dumbfounded to see that your teen daughter has practically de-robed and is live-streaming images of herself in what she calls a new "bathing suit." Despite your better judgement, you make an offhand remark about her attire that is immediately answered with an ominous glare from your wife whose good mood is now ruined and will remain so the rest of the day (and night). Despite all this, you make it back to your place after 10 long, exhausting hours, and you get to spend another three hours cleaning your boat and your small little scallops. When you're finally finished cooking the scallops, it will be going on 10:00 at night. The kids will have a piss-poor attitude because they are starving. You and your angry family will shovel those little fried morsels (that you probably over-cooked) in your mouth, and they will be gone in all of two-minutes. Your kids will give you a forced, "thank you," and rush up to their rooms to be on their phones and zone out. Your wife is already in bed, and because of your earlier comment, that my friend, ain't happening. Sitting at the table alone, exhausted, and still hungry, you gaze over a kitchen that looks as if a bomb exploded in it and will need a good hour of cleaning. With every ounce of being you can muster, you will try and convince yourself those were the best scallops you've ever eaten, and well worth the seven grand you dropped to make this trip possible.
The best laid plans often go awry. Even though there are some disheartened travelers, I've seen plenty of them switching it up and making the most of the situation. Many are taking advantage of the blue crabs. (They're just as much of a pain to clean as the scallops and also provide a tiny morsel of tasty food.) Many have been buying pole spears to try their luck at snorkeling and spearing flounder. The fishing is good both inshore and offshore. David Payne and Gary Dunn (above left) were at it again catching a limit of Red Grouper. You can see Gary (above right) with a nice 26" Gag he added to the mix (released). Fishing in the bay is picking up as well. Captain Chris Lantz, of Gettin' Reel Sportfishing, sent in the center photo of a happy client with a giant speckled trout.
No matter how you want to spend this last vacation before getting back to the grind, Bluewater Outriggers has everything you need from crab traps and nets, to spear poles and gigs. Did you know we also have beach lounging equipment as well? If you're a tired parent like myself, try putting the activities aside. Get yourself a nice beach chair, set it where the water meets the sand, and do nothing. Now THAT sounds good!
-Jeremiah Beasley