“Clambo”

        

Ah yes, the WDFW has opened up the coastal beaches today through Saturday for Razor Clam digging. Excellent…The Pacific razor clam is a tasty treat that is dug by thousands of people around these parts. It is an enjoyable outdoor activity that the whole family can participate in.                                                                             

       

Digging these little morsels is relatively simple. First, you’ll need the gear:

1. Clam shovel or clam tube: I’ve used both and don’t really have a preference. Aluminum tubes are easier to “work into” the sand than PVC ones. Also, tubes usually prevent you from getting down on all fours and digging in the surf with your hands. However, that’s part of the fun! Clam shovels or “guns” are the original method and you basically HAVE to dig with your hands, which I like.

2. Rubber boots, rain gear or waders: I highly recommend neoprene waders! Rubber boots will work but be prepared to get wet! The pacific is cold!

3. Lantern or flashlight: I don’t recommend a lantern unless you have someone to hold it for you. I wear a “fat” mag light around my neck and it works like a champ. Those “head lamps” work well too. 

4. Shellfish license, a container to put your clams in (I use a mesh net attached around my waist) and a couple of libations! You’re ready to go! 

Since it doesn’t take long to get a limit of 15 razor clams I usually start digging about an hour before low tide. Razor clams will show at the edge of the surf line and if you stomp or pound the surf they will show easier. When you find a “show” start digging! They’re usually 12-18 inches down. The trick is to NOT break the shell, which is why I prefer using my hands to “gently” ease them out. If you break the shell the clam will siphon in a bunch of sand which gets “stuck” in the meat. It also makes them tougher to clean.

Razor clams average 3-4 inches in size but 5-7 inch ones (mossy-backs) do occasionally show up. The last two years have provided some monsters and very easy digging.

Cleaning them is a different story but I’ve cleaned hundreds of them and gotten pretty quick at it. Therefore, I always end up cleaning the whole catch for the group (ain’t that right, fellow clam partners)! Don’t forget to keep those necks for your steelhead bait!

There are plenty of recipes for razor clams. From chowder to clam dip to fritters there are plenty of ways to serve them. I’ll usually make a large chowder but I prefer them straight-up with butter, salt and pepper. Simply delicious…

Good luck and as the famous Ivar Haglund said: “Keep Clam!”