TAMPA, Fla. — It’s July and that means the start of scallop season.

Scallopers were out in force Saturday in Pasco County for the annual hunt some called ‘Christmas in July.’ Others said it’s ‘an underwater Easter egg hunt.’

Long time scallop hunter Noah Ullmer calls it good eating.

“I like them in the half shell with a little bit of parmesan, grill them up,” he said. “Can’t beat it there.”

For the last 10 years, he and his family have taken to the water every scallop season.

“I’d say we got about a little over two dozen (scallops), three dozen, maybe. Close to that,” Ullmer said.

This year, the season has been expanded from 10 days to 37. That’s a welcomed extension for people like Ullmer.

“With how many that are out there right now, it should be good. It’ll give everybody an opportunity to go out have fun,” he said.

But knowing which scallops to keep and which ones to throw back can be tricky. That’s why Windsong Charters & Boat Rentals owner Captain Wendy Longman is offering a helpful device to tell the difference, thanks to researchers at the University of Florida.

“Basically, if your scallop can fit through the hole, it’s too small,” she said. “If you take them too small, they won’t have time to spawn, hence we don’t get a season next year.”

Longman is spreading the word and the awareness around all her charter boats in hopes of preserving not only the scarlet population, but also her business.

“If it’s too small to fit through this hole, chuck it, don’t shuck it, because size does matter,” she said.

Scallop season runs until August 6th.