Clamming
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Soft-Shell and Bar Clams
When residents of Clare discovered the wealth of soft-shell and bar clams along the shore, everyone got out their hoes, spades, and pitchforks. This might sound like rash behavior to some, but actually it is with these tools that clams are unearthed.
You would think that digging clams would be a very simple task, just get to the shore and dig right? That's somewhat true, but there is a proven method to the madness of clamming.
First you must decide on which type of clam you want to go after, as knowing this will help you select the paper tools and clothing.
If you decide on the soft-shell clams, you will need:
A small hoe
A bucket or pail
Rubber boots and rubber work gloves
The gloves are optional but a good idea as they help protect your hands from the coldness of the water. Hip waders are not a bad idea either in case you decide you would like to sit down in the wet sand and rocks.
Soft-shell clams are roughly the size of a child's fist, and their shells are a grayish white.
If you are going after bar clams, you will need:
Everything mentioned above plus a pitchfork.
Bar clams are roughly the size of an adult's fist and their shells are of a yellowish brown color.
As for other clothing, you should always wear a warm jacket, as the salty winds can be quite chilly at the water's edge. There are always seagulls flying overhead, so to avoid being used for target practice, a hat is also advised.
Before gearing up and going to the shore, check the local tide table to find out when low tide will be as it would be difficult to dig clams at high tide in thirty foot deep waters.
You should also consult the local Department of Fisheries and Oceans for details on the clamming season, which you should observe since you can become very ill eating out-of-season clams.
The DFO will also tell you where you are permitted to dig, inform you of some good clamming locations, and limits on the amount of clams you are permitted per day.
O.K., the season is right, the tide is low, you're all geared up… to the shore! Rocky areas are always better for soft-shell clams. Begin by tapping the rocks firmly with your small hoe.
As you tap the rocks, watch for any small holes that may appear in the sand around the rocks or a small stream of water to spurt out from the ground.
Once you see these clues, begin digging with the small hoe at the site of the holes or water spurt. You may have to move the rock and dig quite a bit to find the clam.
Remember there may be more than one clam at a certain spot so try to widen the hole as you dig and be careful while digging as not to break any of the clamshells.
Once the clam has been found, or you have given up on this particular spot, continue searching by tapping other rocks.
Finding bar clams is a bit different. Sandy stretches prove to be good areas for digging. As you walk along the wet sand, watch for small holes in the ground.
When you have spotted one, poke the pitchfork into the hole. If water spurts out, start digging with the small hoe and retrieve the clam. Repeat this process until you have attained your desired amount of clams while observing the daily limit regulations.
Good luck and happy clamming!
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