Big Bend Shellfish Trail, Bay Scallop, and Stone Crab Kiosks
Steinhatchee Boat Ramp1st Street East29.6729810, -83.3923730Calling all seafood lovers! The Big Bend Shellfish Trail is a gastronomical exploration of dock-to-table destinations along the Big Bend coast. By following the longest shellfish trail in the U.S. and first in Florida, you can eat your fill of clams, crabs, scallops, shrimp, and oysters and learn about their fisheries. Here in Steinhatchee and Jena, you will visit educational kiosks and other points of interest that shine a light on the hidden world of local shellfish. How are they caught? What are the boats and gear types used? Where can I get some of that delicious bounty? This is the first stop on the driving tour.Bay ScallopsThe next kiosk at this location represents bay scallops. From this boat ramp, you can look out over the Steinhatchee River, which leads to the second-largest continuous area of seagrasses in the eastern Gulf, making it one of the most pristine places in the Big Bend region of Florida. In the town of Steinhatchee, bay scallops used to support a commercial fishery but now are only harvested recreationally, where healthy seagrass beds still support abundant scallops. Bring your own boat or hire a local charter for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and catching scallops. Nearby the park, you can find several locations to grab a cold drink and even stations for cleaning your scallops. Read the kiosk panel for more information about this popular recreational fishery.Stone CrabsThe final kiosk at this location describes the Stone Crabs which represents an important Fishery in Steinhatchee. Stone crabs are one of Florida's most unique commodities. Only the claws are harvested, and stone crab claws are only available at certain times of the year. Read the kiosk for more in-depth information about the stone crab and traps used for harvest. Then, keep your eyes peeled around the area for stacks of wooden or plastic traps. Fishers stack the traps in the sun to combat fouling organisms such as barnacles and sea squirts that grow on the outside of the traps.Continue your journey to the village of Jena, to learn more about Bay Scallops, Stone Crabs, and Blue Crabs.
Steinhatchee River Chamber of Commerce
No Physical Locationhttps://steinhatcheechamber.com/(352) 356-8185Call the Chamber of Commerce to get more information about local shellfish. The helpful staff have the most up-to-date information about restaurants serving local shellfish options and vendors where you can buy your own. If the Chamber does not answer your call, leave a message, and they will get back to you shortly. Continue to seek out your own shellfish!
Stone and Blue Crab Kiosks
Jena Boat Ramp 7142 SW Hwy 358 29.6699935, -83.3890340This stop is across the river at the Jena boat ramp. During scallop season in the summer, this area is busy and parking is limited. Kiosks highlight the important crab commercial fisheries here. Stone crabs are one of Florida's most unique commodities. Only the claws are harvested, and stone crab claws are only available at certain times of the year. Blue crabs, in contrast, are found throughout the eastern US and Gulf of Mexico. They are highly abundant in Florida and open for harvest year-round. Read the panels for more in-depth information about each crab and trap type. Then, keep your eyes peeled around the area for stacks of crab traps at local processing plants. Fishers stack the traps in the sun to combat fouling organisms such as barnacles and sea squirts that grow on the outside of the traps.
Bay Scallop Kiosk
Rocky Creek Boat Ramp743 SW 459th Avenue 29.5963586, -83.3898877Park your car and walk out on the dock to catch a glimpse of Rocky Creek. This creek leads to the second-largest continuous area of seagrasses in the eastern Gulf, making it one of the most pristine places in the Big Bend region of Florida. In the small village of Jena, bay scallops used to support a commercial fishery but now are only harvested recreationally, where healthy seagrass beds still support abundant scallops. Bring your own boat or hire a local charter for a fun-filled day of snorkeling and catching scallops. Read the kiosk panel for more information about this popular recreational fishery.
