Big Bend Area Gulf Waters Open, Scallop Season Begins July 1
Equal parts snorkeling, hunting for hidden treasure and saltwater fishing, scalloping is a can't-miss summer event in Florida's Big Bend. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill has left the Steinhatchee area unaffected thus far and Steinhatchee Landing Resort, a family-style, riverfront vacation retreat, welcomes scallop seekers for a busy 2010 scallop season, July 1 through September 10. One- to four-bedroom individual cottages start from just $212* per night, allowing multiple families and multiple generations to share accommodations and travel together for a budget-friendly summer vacation. And located just three miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico and along the Steinhatchee River, Steinhatchee Landing is just minutes from Dead Man's Bay, a unique ecosystem and breeding ground for some of the best bay scalloping in the United States.
"The Gulf waters surrounding the Steinhatchee area are currently open to fishing and scalloping for the summer season," said Dean Fowler, developer of Steinhatchee Landing Resort. "Our local guides are experiencing some of the best near shore fishing with Trout and Reds in recent months and the same goes for offshore angling for Grouper. We haven't seen any oil along our shorelines from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and aren't expected to in the coming weeks."
A popular activity for families, scalloping best resembles snorkeling, but with the simple addition of a mesh bag for storing the harvest. Most scallops can be found in the shallow, grass flats of the Gulf of Mexico that range anywhere from three to six feet deep. Only two to three inches in length and located inside a fan-shaped shell, the scallops can be easy to spot with their 30-40 bright blue eyes, but provide a good chase as these eyes help them detect predators.
Steinhatchee Landing Resort provides several boat slips for a nominal fee and will also arrange guided trips with local charter Captains who can guarantee a daily limit of the bay bivalves. Several locals are available at the marina docks to shuck scallops for a small fee as well and the Landing's cottages provide full kitchens for cooking up a fresh day's harvest.
After a full day of wading and scooping scallops, guests of the resort can rest, relax and enjoy the Landing's extensive amenities, including the 55-foot swimming pool and pavilion area with playground, table tennis, fitness center, an indoor swim spa and three-person sauna. The resort also offers canoe and kayak rentals, croquet, tennis and archery.
A peaceful drive from any direction, Steinhatchee Landing Resort is just 75 miles west of Gainesville, and a two-and-a-half hour drive from Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa Bay. To book your stay, call toll-free (800) 584-1709 or (352) 498-3513 or visit www.SteinhatcheeLanding.com
*Rates based on availability and minimum stay requirements may apply. 10% resort and state taxes not included. If the Gulf of Mexico becomes closed to fishing or scalloping in the Steinhatchee area as designated by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) due to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill anytime from July 1-September 10, Steinhatchee Landing Resort will return advanced deposits on stays scheduled during those closed dates for the summer season.
Media Contact:
Gentry Baumline-Robinson
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
(386) 677-7000
gentry@hayworthcreative.com-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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