Clams

The Clam Whisperer

Our family tradition centered around a gathering at Christmas that included a ham I had smoked and clam chowder. My brother in law would provide the clams for the chowder. Life events changed our family gatherings at Christmas and I was left with the possibility of no clam chowder. Determined to overcome the obstacle I had to learn how to harvest and clean clams. Enter the brother in law, whom I now call the clam whisperer. Taught by his grandfather, a wonderful man, the clam whisperer is amazing on the beach. Armed with only a clam shovel and bag, he tap tap taps and dig dig digs. Fifteen minutes tops he limits and leaves. We have done many trips together. I gave him a set of chest waders one year and a pretty cool head lamp. Then, he and I at night, crossed over to a sandbar in chest high water to dig clams. Beginners should have mentors or at least a brother in law that is plain awesome.

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For night digs a head lamp is a must. Rechargeable and really bright helps too. This is the one we use. Amazon carries it.  If not search Amazon for a 10,000 lumen (or better) rechargeable headlamp. Not a real fan of the clam shovel but Amazon also carries them too. My brother in law swears by the shovel. I call him the clam whisperer. The original True Temper Clam shovel is the one most coveted by seasoned clam diggers for its shape and durability. I would roll with the stainless steel short spade shovel.

The ClamHawg Clam Gun is our prefered digging tool.  We like to call it the clam Howitzer. Dennis Company in Montesano might have them. Here is the  map location.

The next item that is really useful is a collection container, or clam net. Amazon or Dennis Company, maybe even the Chevron in Montesano carries them.   The most common is called a "Danielson Clam Net" Searching Walmart and Amazon will produce the item.

Seasoned (experienced) diggers may opt for a propane gas lantern again available at Walmart or Amazon.

For beach walking we always prefer the TEVA.  If you buy them oversized a set of Neoprene Chest waders will fit in them.

In warmer weather we wear Teva's and shorts.  As the winter months roll in we use neoprene chest waders and Teva's.  Hip waders work as do rubber work boots.  The colder it gets the more layers.  Sweats, Thermals, Wool Socks .

At night the beach is pitch black.  After walking around in the surf finding the vehicle can be a challenge. To make it easier some place flashing beacon led lights on the dash of the vehicle.

The purpose of the 550 chord and stainless steel carabiners is to tie the equipment to you. A stainless steel clam gun does not like to be pounded on the beach. I use a #1 golf club for that. With the golf club you can both poke the sand with the handle holding the head or pound the beach with the head of the club. Either way I tie the club with a lanyard to myself so I can drop it and not loose it when I'm digging a clam with the clam gun. With the same chord I tie the clam bag over my shoulder.

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