Clamming at Seaside

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2002, 03:08 PM

Is hoppin!
Lots of people, 40 minute limit.
Lots of little ones, judge those shows carefully!
Keep what you get!!!
I took home some small ones, but those are the breaks!

I got ten nice big ones and the rest smaller.

My back aches! They are deep! The bigs ones were way down!

Don't bother going down to the tide line, I didn't! I just stayed right by the truck and dug them high up on the beach.

Have fun out there! Beautiful weather, and lots of clams!

Jen

King Fisher · 06-13-2002, 03:17 PM

How, what, where to go for a first time clammer. Where do I go, what do I use, what to look for. I need help and want to go with the family for clamming on fathers day. :whazzup:

DRUNK COWBOY · 06-13-2002, 03:33 PM

King Fisher,

Go to Gearhart. I do not know the actual street number, but it is the road that leads you over Necoxy lake (spelling?? :whazzup: ) Get out on the at least one hour before low tide. Get a couple clam guns or clam diggers and walk out with the surf. I like to walk backwards and look for the neaky little *****.There is a ton of people and most of them will help you if you ask them. I took my 7 month old baby boy and put him in a backpack, we had a great time. There is a lot of mom and dads out having fun with their little ones. GO DOWN THERE!

King Fisher · 06-13-2002, 04:01 PM

What's the cost of the digging tools, wheresthe cheapest place to buy,and can each family member limit out. The kids are pretty young, but love to dig.

DRUNK COWBOY · 06-13-2002, 04:17 PM

I do not know the price of the clam guns. I got mine many years ago. I would gess around $10 each. I know fishermans and GI Joes has them. The kids can get their limit also, but I think they must dig them. Check the regs.

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2002, 04:17 PM

Clam guns in town here are 22.00. Ours are made out of powder coated steel instead of pvc plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel, you are lookin at 100.00 or so. Yikes!
I really like ours. Just rinse them very well, and air dry them.
Go to Gearhart, yes, that is where we went. Just used to saying Seaside.
Everyone is very friendly. When I first started I needed TONS of help.
It's helpful to take a shovel to pound sand to make the "shows" show up better.
Look for little holes in the sand. Sometimes they look different, indents, sometimes they squirt liquid, and SOMETIMES their little necks wag out of the sand. That's fun!
Dig down, fast, plugging the little hole in the shovel with your finger, and then bring the sand out, release the hole, and quickly work through the sand to look for the clam.
If you didn't get it, go for a second or even third pull in the sand.
If you get a little clam, you MUST keep it.
Bummer, but they are all tasty! :smile:
Look for the BIG holes, and you don't need to be right down to the water. It's tougher to work in the upper sand, but I do really well there.
I also get in the waves, and put my back to the ocean, but it's not a good idea. Those sneaker waves do happen in the summer.
It's just a blast!
Jen

Jennie@ifish · 06-13-2002, 04:23 PM

I thought that Bob over at piscatorialpursuits.com had some clamming information, but I can't find it. Can anyone help?
Jen

bigshark · 06-13-2002, 04:41 PM

King Fisher
You can assist your youngsters. Help them push the shovel or pull up etc. As long as you are clearly helping in a teaching manor the guy in blue will watch but leave you alone. If you dig for them and you are doing all the work...ticket time! I suggest you find a guy who is having success and ask him if you may watch. Look for what he chooses for a "show " to dig. It's easy, it's safe, it's fun and the table fair is outstanding. If you wish, check out the PP board as it has instuctions on cleaning and cooking as well as how to dig. This is such a great service Jennie provides, there aren't many places where you can find
a membership as good as this one. When your out there having all that fun with your family.
a whispered "thank you Jen" might be a good idea.

[ 06-13-2002, 05:49 PM: Message edited by: bigshark ]

brshooter · 06-13-2002, 04:42 PM

Here is some info from WDFW. Lots of info. How to dig. How to clean.

razor clams

Have fun and keep the first 15 you dig.

[ 06-13-2002, 05:43 PM: Message edited by: brshooter ]

Fishplay · 06-13-2002, 05:09 PM

Jennie,
At risk of sounding like someone else. I must make a plea. Please don't advertise the clams any more.

And if you feel you have to please promote dig and release. :shocked:

Yes the digging is great and yes it's the best in decades. However; our Oregon beaches lack management. For years I have driven to Copalis and Oceanshores for clamming, as I did last November, because there is actually a managed resource there. I't would be great if I no longer had to make this trek.
Oregon is passing up the opportunity to have a sustainable resource this year by allowing over harvest. They should close the beaches down and begin managing the beds as Washington does.
Anyone who digs and keeps a clam on an Oregon beach has no concerne for the resource or his fellow diggers!

Seriously though I wish ODFW would seize the opportunity. :grin:

bigshark · 06-13-2002, 05:17 PM

King Fisher
A couple of "afterthoughts" that really should be said. First, warn the young ones to be careful about the edge of the shells of the clam. They got their name razor for good reason. They just need to be a little careful. Second, you need to keep in mind that on that 16 or so miles of beach, the man in blue often
is in plain cloths. I am not suggesting you might do something wrong on purpose, but the laws sometimes don't make sense to a new clammer. You must keep all clams regardless of condition etc. Sometimes the urge to put a little one back that is unharmed can get one a ticket etc. Have a great time!

Pete · 06-13-2002, 05:29 PM

Fishplay, I think ODFW is paying attention. Yes, they only have one biologist for shellfish, but consider the press release after the Commission meeting last week:

Commission Stays the Course on Outstanding Razor Clam Season

The razor clam season for 2002 has led to an estimated sport harvest of 1.3 million clams during a record 150,000 clamming trips, the Commission heard Friday. This season is estimated to be worth $3.75 million to local coastal economies.

ODFW shellfish biologist Matt Hunter said the population of clams this year is healthy and largely dependent on environmental conditions such as weather and ocean productivity. Based on the biological assessment, the Commission chose not to take action on a petition submitted to encourage an early closure of the season. Thus, the Clatsop County clam beaches will remain open until the normal summer closure of July 15 to Sept. 30.

The average harvest by each digger through May 31 is estimated to be 13.3 clams, with an allowed bag limit of the first 15 clams. Lt. Dave Cleary of the Oregon State Police said the compliance rate by diggers is about 77 percent, with the bulk of the violations by people harvesting more than the allowed limit.

poshie · 06-13-2002, 06:05 PM

[img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] for free :grin: Just suggestions :smile:
Big Shark and I are big campaigners for taking
care of our Oregon clams as most members
know.
I have seen the clams disappear from Long
Beach so I know it is possible.
*It is very easy to crack and mangle. Those go in your bucket. They will also die first before cleaning.
*They are ticketing for taking more than your
share. Don't hide extra clams..don't even think about it if you want your kids to grow up and be able to clam.
*Enforcement can be behind binoculars and
incognito. Don't drive on the clam beds.
*A clam with a 3 1/2 inch shell is about 2 years old.
*A 7 inch is 5 years old or older.
*The season was going to be closed June 1st
but they allowed it to go July15th because they
(ODFW) know

we are all mature diggers and will use our good sense to protect.
*It is common to find one clam in a restaurant
for $7.95 and 3 for about $15.
That is why I appreciate the fact that I am going to love my dig.
*We can't always clean immediately. We go as long as 2 1/2 days. The clam should pull it neck in when you pick it up. Store in
saltwater that you aireate (sp?)by hand from time to time. (Pour water from one bucket into another. ) Keep the water cold with packaged ice so you don't lose the salt water.
*We freeze in those new Glad or Ziplock containers covered by water. They are cheap and stack well in the freezer.
*Cook quickly by drying thorougly. dipping in mixed egg/milk and then into CRACKER crumbs
(not bread) or Pankow (my 2nd choice) and fry
in hot oil quickly. If you have a gas burner on
your BBQ, that gets hotter than the stove and keeps your house smelling great. I also, if cooking 15 clams, change the oil twice. They are great in a deep fryer as well.
Most of all, if you get skunked, have fun and
just know that each time you get more experience, YOU WILL RETURN!

Fishplay · 06-13-2002, 06:12 PM

Pete
I stand by the petition. The reason the season remains open is $$$$$. As with the hatchery closure the ODFW is cutting off their nose to spite their face. Political presures influenced this decission no doubt. The influx of dollars to the local communities is great and could be an anual thing rather than a one time gold strike.
I agree that this years productivity is related to environmental conditions. It certainly is not owed to management. This is a gift from nature we could build on. Hopefully this great season will recruit new people to the sport who demand better resource management.
It's hard to argue against the productivity levels of beaches just a few miles away. The only reason Long Beach isn't as productive as the Oceanshores area is it's proximitey to Oregon. It sees more pressure.
Those of you who dig......enjoy your outing and the delicious bounty. [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]
Greg

bigshark · 06-13-2002, 06:56 PM

Fishplay, don't be shy about saying what you said here at one of the ODFW meetings. They are not nearly as unconcerned or dumb as some would suggest. The real overharvest may not be the sportsdigger. We have 240+
commercial diggers on that one beach. More than 200 of them dig to sell these clams (estimated at approx. 300,000) for BAIT.

The chairman of the commission did not know that until Mr. Hunters report. The bait of choice for the commercial crabbers is a razor clam.
Come on into the water.....tell the commission,
Jen doesn't make the rules. I'm sure glad
you have some strong feelings about one of the most undermanaged, undervalued and truly precious resouces in our state. Can you find a friend or two to help as well?

poshie · 06-13-2002, 07:31 PM

Fishplay...you are kidding right?
Just in case
"GO DIG AND RELEASE"

That is illegal and you most surely will have a ticket and deservedly so!

As of last Friday, The ODFW commission is very informed on concerns about the future of clamming in Oregon. You can also send an email to Zane Smith a commissioner, zanegreysmith@msn.com or any other of your favorite ones and
Matthew.V.Hunter@state.or.us (the biologist)
and I felt that he didn't want to hear too much
outside information or ideas.
The following incident happened a short time ago on a North Beach. This was shared with us by the enforcement officer involved
There was a group of people who illegally dug as fast and furiously as they could and scattered hundreds of clams all over the beach when a woman in their party laid on the
horn of a pickup truck when she recognized the
officer. That is not a new problem.
One thing I would not like to see done as WA
has done and that is to open the period for
one day, close it the next, and then open it the
third day. Unfortunately we don't have a place at the coast. So we would have to pay an extra night for nothing.
Take a count on Oregon licence plates the
next time you clam at Long Beach...very few. :smile:

King Fisher · 06-13-2002, 08:38 PM

More :whazzup: , I do not want to take more than we will eat, but if I do, do the clams freeze well. I have a foodsaver, or are ziplocs good.

Fishplay · 06-13-2002, 08:48 PM

I don't have to be present at a meeting for ODFW to hear what I have to say. I'm wading in deep water regularly.
As for wether or not I'm kidding. I think only the thickest of persons wouldn't recognize my light heartedness and the sarcassim of the post. But for the record and to assure there are no misunderstandings .......
I do not promote the digging and releasing of razor clams .
That was just a needless carry over from the Kenia river closure post and I appologize for it and any misunderstanding it caused.

There are no longer the high number of Oregon diggers at Longbeach because the digging there is only fractionally better than on the Oregon side. There was a time when there was a steady stream of cars crossing the Megler bridge prior to a low tide. And there were plenty of Oregon plates visualized at Oceanshores last fall.
My point is... if the resource was better managed in Oregon the presure on the beaches would be more evenly dispersed and better harvests would be enjoyed at closer proximity by all.
Please read posts completely then consider it's entirety so as to understand the point being made. I see other peoples posts also being disected by hobby editors much too often lately. [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img]
Posh I too dislike the the odd days only seasons of Washington. They do that for the Spot Shrimp season now also.
But if thats what it takes to maintain the resource at havestable levels then thats what you need to do.
All this clam talk has got my mouth watering. I plan to sit down to a mess of prviously frozen Washington Mossy Back this weekend. :tongue:

brshooter · 06-13-2002, 09:07 PM

King Fisher,
Razors freeze just fine. We usually package them about 6-8 per ziplock, put in a 1/2 cup milk and a 1/2 cup water into each bag with the clams. Partially seal the zip lock bag and then submerse the bag in a bowl of water to force the air out. Then seal.
I also have a foodsaver, but this method works great and is less hassle than trying to vacuum seal clams with all the moisture.

Fishplay · 06-13-2002, 09:40 PM

BrShooter I use the same method as you except for the milk. What is the purpose of it. I've never had a complaint with the frozen product I get without it but if I'm missing something I sure am open to a new thing.

bigshark · 06-13-2002, 10:24 PM

Fishplay, Sorry I am unable to read your humorous remarks in the fashion you wish to be understood. If having a different perspective or point of view than your own is considered hobby editing in your mind, let's let it be. I'm glad to hear your in deep water everyday. It must be fulfilling indeed. The commute from Willamina to the deep water stuff must be strenuous. As for attending a meeting, well, telling the members of the board requires much less effort that's for sure.
Jerry Dove knows what it's like to stand almost alone recently. Some hope, including myself, that will not happen often. Those imbued with their self importance and flawless opinions did a nice job of letting him down.
Enjoy your clams.

[ 06-13-2002, 11:29 PM: Message edited by: bigshark ]

poshie · 06-13-2002, 10:41 PM

I apologize to you now Jen!
I post on here to either receive information or to hopefully give information which I hope will
save someone a lot of trouble and make their
efforts easier and more enjoyable. I don't expect there to be personal, unflattering comments about my posts unless the information is not truthful. There are a lot of people out there doing a dig and release, so it's not so funny.
I went clamming in Long Beach long before there was a bridge. And if you haven't lived through the before and after of Long Beach clamming, then you have no idea what I am talking about.
As for calling someone thick headed when you are not a friend but a stranger.... I reflect on that and hope that you are not in a management position where you make a difference on the future of your charges.
If I am a hobby editor, then so be it. Maybe you should have reread your own post then such editing would not have been required.

Jennie@ifish · 06-14-2002, 04:58 PM

I'm really tired.
Why don't I understand this?
I said what? ...and please don't advertise clamming?
Hey! I'm going to! CLAM CLAM CLAM!!! Get off your rear ends and get out there!
There!
I will advocate that people clam, fish, get out of their houses with their families and do outdoors stuff like this for the rest of my life!
I will also advocate for legal clamming.
I got really tired pulling the last couple, and really wanted Bill to help. I'm getting my disabled permit for clamming for just this purpose, and one for Andrew too. We are not supposed to lift over 20 pounds, and although I do that almost every day, it got tough for me at the end.
Maybe I'm getting old? NAH!
Anyway, CLAM PEOPLE! CLAM!
I'd much rather see kids and families out clamming and fishing then a lot of other places!

:smile:
Jen

Fishplay · 06-15-2002, 05:17 AM

You go for it girl!!! I guess I'm stuck with my unpopular opinion and my tongue in cheek sense of humor that nobody understands.
I did find that there are some strong feelings held on this subject. I try not take anything so seriously that I can't smile while I'm making a point.
BigShark and Posh II please except my apology it seems you feel offended.
I would like to point out that you both addressed me personaly in what I felt was a condescending manner. Ones tone is not always clear in the short posts we make here.
As Posh II said we don't know each other personally, so the level of my involvement with ODFW and our political representation is not known.
Now then....seems this is the second apology I have made in this thread I'll be moving on.
Jennie;
CLAM CLAM CLAM!!!! LOL!!!! :grin:

King Fisher · 06-15-2002, 07:33 PM

Now that sounds better, lets get back to the original post. Jennie, thank you for the clammimg post, I've talked to a few other people about the post and they too are going to spend a day clamming on father's day. I originally had plans to go to the races, but clamming with the family and friends is a much better alternative on fathers day. Maybe I'll see some of ya out there. Now go Clam!!

Small Fry · 06-15-2002, 07:58 PM

What the best beer to go with clams?

crabbait · 06-15-2002, 08:15 PM

Somthing fairly light..........a pilsner perhaps.

Re-read all the posts on this thread. None of you meant any harm.

Assume a good intent...............it is impossible to read "voice inflection".

Like I said, something light, maybe an India Pale Ale.

Small Fry · 06-15-2002, 08:24 PM

Can you do a beer bater on clams? Would you stiil go with the pale or the pilsner.

bigshark · 06-16-2002, 08:39 PM

Fishplay
Just got back from the beach or would have posted earlier. I was up too late the other night and was cranky. I do appreciate your stand on clamming. I hope they don't vanish again and the powers that be will see to it they don't. Today the clams showed well and were shallow. After our dig we watched a whale that would show it's tail on the dive every 4 0r 5 blows. It was really close to shore.
We took a picture of a Bald Eagle sitting on top the three mile pole at Sunset Beach....................Life is good!

Fishplay · 06-17-2002, 09:58 PM

Sounds like you had an excellent outdoor experience Bigshark. This truly is an awsome Pacific Northwest! If I didn't have clam meat in the freezer I think the temptation would be too much!

poshie · 06-17-2002, 11:51 PM

[img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]
Hey Fishplay...those hearts are for you :smile: :smile:

A new tip for those that REALLY SHOULDN"T
eat all the egg batter on the clams....like BIG SHARK. Or maybe you've tried it!

We had the best clams tonight...I used egg substitute and thinned it a little as usual...and the batter really stayed on. The coating fried
really nice with a golden color.
It actually was the Nulaid brand..fat free/
cholestero free.l
Try it, you'll like it!
:smile: :smile:

Phish_on · 06-18-2002, 07:42 AM

Anchor Steam