Clamming Advice?

[fisherofmen]

I have clammed before...soft and hard....here in southern maryland i have noticed siphon holes approx. 1 half inch in diameter off my pier....tried digging one out but the layer of clay was tough....the clam was probably 2 ft down...never got it...Im aware of Geo(gooey) ducts in california but not here....its gotta be a large clam....is it a steamer...they have had to have been here a long time. any ideas?:huh:

[surfstix1963]

Steamer/**** clam you can use a pitchfork to dig them.

[CharlieTuna]

What surfstix said. They are most likely steamers.
They could be razor clams as well.



Razor Clams


Learn How to Prevent Wastage (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/wastage.html)
You must keep the first 15 razor clams dug, regardless of size or condition


Clam Digging Gear Allowed
It is lawful to use hand or hand operated shovel and to employ a cylindrical can or tube. Each digger must have a separate container, but may share a digging device. Openings of cylindrical cans or tubes for razor clam digging must be either circular or elliptical. If circular, minimum dimensions: is four inches, if elliptical 4" long by 3" wide - outside diameter.


http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_clmsho.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/clmshow4.jpg)


How to Dig Razor Clams

First look for a "clam show". What is a clam show? That's where a clam has withdrawn its neck or started to dig leaving a hole or dimple in the sand. There are three major kind of "shows" to look for:

dimple: a depression in the sand
doughnut: which has raised sides
keyhole: which is usually in drier sand areas and is shaped like an "hour-glass" or is a hole with very distinct sides.


Always look for the larger sized hole shown here next to a quarter. This is a good indication that the clam will be larger, but not always. Clams will also show at the edge of the surf line when you pound the beach with a shovel handle or your foot. They may squirt sand and water out of the hole where they are located. You need to be quick when digging in the surf as razor clams dig quite fast in the soft fluid sand.
Proper digging improves your efficiency, minimizes the breaking of clams and cut fingers.
How to Dig With a Clam Shovel

1. Place the shovel blade 4 to 6 inches seaward of the clam show. The handle of the shovel should be pointed toward the sand dunes.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_shove1.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/shovel1.jpg)
2. Use your body weight to push the shovel blade straight into the sand while you drop to one knee. In hard sand, gently rock the shovel handle from side to side for ease of entry. It is very important to keep the blade as vertical as possible to keep from breaking the clam shell.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_shove2.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/shovel2.jpg)http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_dig1pi.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/dig1pic.jpg)
3. Pull the handle back just enough to break the suction in the sand, still keeping the blade as straight as possible. The sand will crack as shown.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_dig2pi.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/dig2pic.jpg)
4. Remove sand by lifting the shovel upward and forward. Repeat this 2 to 3 times.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_shove3.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/shovel3.jpg)http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_dig3pi.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/dig3pic.jpg)
5. Succeeding scoops of sand expose the clam enough to reach down with your hand and grasp its shell. Razor clams move rapidly downward but not horizontally. Make sure you keep the first 15 clams and avoid wasting any (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/wastage.html).
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_shove4.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/shovel4.jpg)http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_dig4pi.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/dig4pic.jpg)




How to Use the "Clam Tube"


http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/tube2.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/tube2.jpg)
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_tube1.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/tube1.jpg)
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_tube3.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/tube3.jpg)
http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/t_tube4.jpg (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/graphics/tube4.jpg)


1. Facing the ocean, check impression of tube in sand, then center the tube over the" clam show."
2. Slant the top of the tube slightly toward the sand dunes. Work the tube in carefully with a rocking or twisting motion.
3. Work the tube down 6" to 10" below the surface. Place thumb over air vent, pull up using your leg muscles (keeping your back straight will avoid muscle strain!). Do this one to three times.
4. Check each core that you bring up. The clam may be concealed within. If the clam does not come up with the tube, reach into the hole for it. Remember to keep the first 15 clams and avoid wasting any.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/howto_dig.html

[CharlieTuna]

clam digging and raking west coast style



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9NXn4K05Tc

[CharlieTuna]

They definitely have a tough life. I wouldn't do it not worth the $$ to me.


Nor would I. Thought this video was pretty interesting though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyT-6wrhhGc

[albiealert]

"why do you do it if it's so hard?"
"because I love it"

Very informative thanks for posting. Some clips from the 1970's.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmFpARSpR1s

[hookset]

Nice piece on Navesink clamming done by nj 101.5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2L9K7o2LxE