Fresh Scallops

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by JamesJet

I double checked, Scallops are legal - special regs though- to take with a chatham rec permit.

Back to my question- anyone know if its better to leave them in shell or shuck right away? How long they keep either way?

There like clams and will live out of the water for some time if you keep them cool and damp. So if you can't put the meats on ice right away you may be better off waiting to shuck them.

[Mr. Sandman]

Rec scalloping is allowed as part of the "shellfish permit" in many towns (check, your mileage may vary) but the limits are almost always different than clams.

I shuck mine right away and eat some that night, some raw while shuck and I vacuum pack in dinner size portions for my family and freeze.

They freeze OK but you should eat them as fast as you can. Usually that is not a problem, one of my favorite foods.

[spence]

The best scallops are enjoyed raw or nearly raw. You know you're at a good fish market when they flip you one from the cooler.

-spence