All about clam digging

Digging for clams is a common means of harvesting clams from below the surface of the earth in which the clam survives. Usually living under mud flats clams have been being harvested for both recreation and for a traditional source of food as well as commercially as a source of income. The technical term for harvesting clams for commercial purposes is known as colloquially or clamming. The persons doing the clamming are commonly referred to as a clammer.

Different methods of digging clams:

For the amateur clam digger the common tool of the trade is a straight long- handled spading fork. In some regions where clam digging is very popular such as Nova Scotia a clam hack is used. A clam hack is just a forked type tool with its handle bent perpendicular away from the fork head. The digger then holds the head with the prongs in one hand and the handle in the other, pushing both ends into the sand or mud pulling up and out. The purpose of this technique is to pull away the soil exposing the clam. In regions of New England clam digging is done with a “Clam Hoe” which is a pitchfork with its handle sawed off. Commercially clams are collected using an off shore mechanical dredging system and sometimes from a boat using a clam rake that has a telescopic handle. The head of these rakes have long tines or forks and attached are baskets in which the clams are collected.* If you love the ocean and love clams another method of collecting clams which is fun and exciting is using your feet. Here clammers simply scour the sandy bottom with their feet.

What size clam and how many clams can be collected:

Certain species of clams have to be a certain length size by law to collect and only a certain amount can be collected, notably the Razor clam. In Nova Scotia for example the length of harvest-able razor clams is 44mm and only 9liters can be collected, which is measured and weighed in buckets. On the New England coast clams measuring 18in in length are legally able to be harvested. In most all razor clam digging locations for the average Joe only fifteen clams can be harvested per day per individual. And in most cases there are rules and regulations every clammer must follow and they are as follows:

1. 15 clams per day harvested (Razor Clams)

2. No clam shall be discarded even if the shell is broken “You collect it, you keep it.”

3. Size matters (Be aware of the size standards per location)

*These rules and regulations are strictly enforced per individual species of clam and region of clamming. In some cases the fines can be very high if not followed properly.

Great places to go clamming:

Clam digging can be a great family event and scheduling a weekend vacation to a destination where clamming can be done by anybody is a fun and exciting adventure.

The Pacific Razor clam can be found across the ocean shores of California and Alaska. Commonly the adult clam can be found living right up on the shore to about one half mile out. They are most commonly dug when tides are low and it is at this point the clams home (holes) are visible to the eye. There are two very fine digging areas which are North Cove and Grayland. Razor clams are particularly fun to dig and during the open season in these two areas people travel far and wide to harvest these delectable meaty treats. (Only 15 razor clams per individual are allowed to be collected per day so plan on staying for a weekend) Razor clams are very large compared to other species and fifteen good sized razor clams will make for a large feast.

Another great clam digging location is Maine, the clams here are known as steamer clams and are much smaller than the razor clam. Steamer clams have been described as very salty and you need to collect alot to make for a fine dinner. Anywhere along the coastline in Maine is prime digging ground. One of the most notable areas in Maine to enjoy this particular pastime is Portland, Maine. In order to dig for clams here you must apply for a license which is fairly easy. Once you have your license you’re ready to go clamming. Finding steamer clams is very easy; just walk up and down this beautiful states coastline looking for clam holes. Steamer clams are very abundant and the main goal is to find and collect as many of these little beauties before the tide returns. When clamming for steamers you must be extra gentle due to the fact steamer clam shells are a bit softer and are easily broken.

My family prefers the steamer clam over the larger species of clam like the razor. Another great species of clam that can commonly be clammed or bought by the bushel are the Maine Mahogany clams. A great way to cook up and enjoy both of these species is cooked directly over an open fire. Simply place a grate over top of your fire pit and place clams on top once they pop open exposing their meaty insides remove dip into warm melted butter and eat from the shell. Another enjoyable way to enjoy freshly clammed steamers or mahogany's is by way of a clambake. There are several methods of clam baking however only one is preferred by my family. Our clambake usually consists of cooking clams, corn on the cob and salt potatoes in an underground fire pit.