Plying the Ponds for the Succulent Scallop
Steve Gentle tows his bushel behind while peering through his peep sight.
Steve Gentle tows his bushel behind while peering through his peep sight.
Draggers head out in the Lagoon on a frosty morning.
Draggers head out in the Lagoon on a frosty morning.
Scallopers greet the rising sun with high hopes.
Scallopers greet the rising sun with high hopes.
Vineyard Haven dip netters ply the waters off the drawbridge.
Vineyard Haven dip netters ply the waters off the drawbridge.
Sometimes much traffic through the Lagoon waterway.
Sometimes much traffic through the Lagoon waterway.
Taking advantage of low tide off Martha's Vineyard Marina.
Taking advantage of low tide off Martha's Vineyard Marina.
Makeshift gear is part of the scalloping experience.
Makeshift gear is part of the scalloping experience.
Serching off Trapp's Pond in Sengekontacket.
Serching off Trapp's Pond in Sengekontacket.
Gulls also hunt for the juicy morsels for a snack.
Gulls also hunt for the juicy morsels for a snack.
Scalloping season is underway for both recreational and commercial shellfishermen and the ponds can be busy as the tide ebbs. Draggers work the center of ponds, hauling in loads of seaweed and larger bay scallops. It all gets dumped on the culling board and sorted. Meanwhile recreational scallopers clad in waders, dip net in hand, have a clear view of the teeming life below. Nestled in dark clumps of eelgrass are whelks, periwinkles, horseshoe crabs and of course the dip netter's prize – ready for the plucking.
Not far away, gulls search below the surface. Their heads pop up amid the waves and then dive through the water on their quest for snacks.