LRE’s Guide to Scalloping

October brings colder weather, pumpkins, but most importantly, fresh bay scallops. Family scalloping season started on October 1st and runs through the end of March 2022. Recreational scallopers can harvest from Wednesday through Sunday. To participate in the fall fun, you must have a license, which you can get at the Nantucket Public Safety building at 4 Fairgrounds Road. Licenses are $35 for residents, free for people over 60. Non-residents can participate for $125 and get a week pass for $50.

What Equipment Do You Need?

For scalloping, you would need: belted waders or a wetsuit, a push rake, a clam basket tied to an inner tube to keep it afloat!, waterproof gloves, and warm clothes! You can find everything you need and more at one of the many local marine stores on the island.

How To Do It?

Step one is to watch the tide and then head out to the harbor. Everyone has their favorite spots, and some years, some places are better than others. The most popular destinations are Madaket Harbor and near the Monomoy Creeks. We have a month's head start before the commercial boats get in the harbor, so get out there and bring home some dinner! Whether you’re snorkeling for them or wading through the water, there are different styles for everyone. Bay scallops come in all sizes, but you have to make sure that you keep the scallops with a well-defined raised annual growth line on the shell.

The Nantucket Bay Scallop is one of our favorite things to eat — whether you sauté them with butter, wrap them in bacon, or just eat them raw! You can check out the Nantucket Bay Scallop website for more information.

Happy Scalloping, Nantucket!