Dipping and Dredging for Succulent Scallops
With commercial season underway in Edgartown, draggers headed into Cape Pogue Bay.
With commercial season underway in Edgartown, draggers headed into Cape Pogue Bay.
Sherry Countryman plied the shallows of Sengekontacket.
Sherry Countryman plied the shallows of Sengekontacket.
All eyes on the bottom of the pond for John McKeown.
All eyes on the bottom of the pond for John McKeown.
Afternoon sunlight hopefully illuminates the elusive bay scallop.
Afternoon sunlight hopefully illuminates the elusive bay scallop.
Day breaks and finds commercial scallopers out in force.
Day breaks and finds commercial scallopers out in force.
Sun is slow to rise some morning when the tide is at its best.
Sun is slow to rise some morning when the tide is at its best.
Scallopers have been known to slurp down a few raw.
Scallopers have been known to slurp down a few raw.
Just when you think you're done, another hour of shucking awaits.
Just when you think you're done, another hour of shucking awaits.
For many Island fishermen bay scalloping is backbone of off-season economy.
For many Island fishermen bay scalloping is backbone of off-season economy.
Bay scallops are enjoyed by all!
Bay scallops are enjoyed by all!
Nothing says small and sweet like bay scallop season. Recreational scalloping is in full swing in all towns and commercial season is following close behind. Bay scallops have become almost unique to Vineyard waters — Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are two of the last places with a thriving commercial season, and Islanders are taking advantage, wading into the water in fog or sun, morning or afternoon and ebbing or rising tides.