scallop grounds - boundary issue

[Mr. P]

Southernmost boundary for Gulf of Mexico scallops is around Aripeka. I launch my boat from Hudson, south of the scallop boundary. Can I drive the boat north into scallop waters, collect scallops within legal limit, and then return south to port in Hudson? I can easily envision getting in hot water for this, even with a chart plotter to "show" where I was.

Or do I need to trailer the boat to Aripeka and go from there?

Thank you in advance.

[Jack Hexter]

No you cannot boat from Hudson to scallop. Law states that scallops must be landed within the area where it is legal to take them. If FWC would stop you between Hernando County Line and Hudson, the officer would have no way to determine where the scallops were collected. I usually day trip it up to Homosassa from NPR several times a year

[Mr. P]

Thanks Jack. That's what I thought. I appreciate the reply.

[Jim311]

Well that sucks. Maybe you could stash them on shore and come back for them

[Jack Hexter]

That, in fact would be legal. Take them to shore = landing them. Then return via land to retrieve them = legal