If you're looking for a great way to spend time with your family without breaking the vacation budget, why not try your hand at "catching" your supper!
Those fortunate enough to live year-round in Florida have come to appreciate the natural resources found on the coastal shores and partake in the hobbies of scalloping, crabbing, spearfishing or lobster trapping in a fun and relaxed atmosphere - the beach! During your next visit to Florida, ask around at the local docks for fishing "hot spots".
Please note that most fishing requires a saltwater license, which can be obtained locally for a minimal charge.

Scalloping
For a unique activity that is fun for the entire family, is relatively simple and requires minimal resources - go scalloping.
From July 1 through Sept. 10, visitors can spend a warm summer's day searching out scallops, and may enjoy the fruits of their labor that evening for dinner.
Although there are only a few spots along Florida's Gulf coast to enjoy this sport, many boat charters are more than happy to assist you in finding these local hideaways.

Become an underwater hunter

Taylor County is one of the few places in the Sunshine State where visitors can harvest their own scallops. Along the coastline, including Keaton Beach, Hagen's Cove and Steinhatchee, the beds are found in shallow water hidden among manatee and turtle grass. For information on scalloping expeditions in Taylor County, call (850) 584-5366 or visit www.taylorflorida.com.
Crystal River's Nature Coast boasts one of the most popular scallop harvesting destinations in all of Florida. For information or to reserve a tour, call toll free 1-800-587-6667 or visit www.visitcitrus.com.
The only materials needed to participate in this fun sport are a snorkel mask, fins (or water shoes) and a mesh bag to hold your precious catches.
The limit for scalloping in Florida is two gallons of whole scallops or one pint of meat per person; 10 gallons of whole or half-pint of meat per boat.
Tip: You might have thought it was easy enough to get them out of the water, but it's not so simple getting them out of their shell. To achieve this, you'll need a flat knife, a spoon to scoop out the scallop and a container to hold the meat. Should you wish to take the easy way out, there are usually locals hanging around the docks who are willing to do it for you, for a small fee.

Spearfishing
The Fish and Wildlife Commission defines spearing as: "the catching or taking of a fish by bowhunting, gigging, spearfishing or any device used to capture a fish by piercing its body."
When it comes to spearfishing in Florida, the big game hunt found in this southern state is the hogfish, grouper, snapper, jack and sometimes cobia.
Spearfishing in one of the Florida Keys’ most popular marine activities, with some of the most passionate and loyal enthusiasts of any sport. Underwater hunters are deeply committed to both the sport itself, and the marine environment as a whole.
If you are interested in receiving more information on spearfishing or for a list of spearfishing expeditions, visit The Florida Keys and Key West Visitor and Convention Bureau Web site at www.fla-keys.com.

Lobster Hunting
According to Scubadiving.com, in the grasp of lobster fever, divers who are normally content to breathe deep, swim slow and look at pretty fishes suddenly desire the competitive thrill of the hunt and the sweet taste of victory-grilled or boiled, and served with butter.
Beginning on Aug. 6 and continuing through March 31, lobstering takes over as one of Florida's most popular underwater recreations.
The Florida spiny lobster has two sharp horns protecting the eyes and many pointed spines along the forward part of its shell, and can be found almost everywhere underwater: along grass edges, rubble, low profile reef, ships wreckage, etc.
Harvesters are required to possess a license and spears; hooks and wire snares are not permitted.
Florida lobster season opens with a two-day recreational mini-season (last Wednesday and Thursday of July), giving visitors a chance to catch the biggest tails before commercial fishermen set their traps. The competitive advantage is minimized by the fact that as many as 50,000 other divers invade the state's reefs during this intense 48 hours, and the hunt takes on the fevered pitch of a gold rush. Another 62,000 or so will join the hunt starting on Aug. 6, the start of the regular season, which runs until March 31.
For information on lobster harvesting in the Florida Keys and Key West, visit www.key-west.com.