guns or shovels for clams?

Wally02 · 01-15-2004, 06:19 PM

What do you clammers prefer PVC clam guns or shovels. I am intending purchasing some shovels to clam the old fashioned way I just wondered if those guns work well.
thanks

high_arc · 01-15-2004, 06:25 PM

I like the guns, I could never get the hang of a shovel.

ifish4fun · 01-15-2004, 06:25 PM

I use the shovels for hard shell clams(butters, etc.) and prefer a clam gun for the soft shell(razors) If you get a gun, I recommend the metal ones, I have tried the pvc and they break after a few trips. FMS or GI Joes have them for about $20.

IF4F

Wood N' Fish · 01-15-2004, 06:39 PM

Draglines!!!!!! :grin:

sandi · 01-15-2004, 07:01 PM

I grew up using only shovels. It had been a long time since my brothers and sistes had teamed up to go clamming. When we got together two seasons ago we all scoffed at the "gunners" since we felt the only sporting way to dig a clam was the old fastion way. I'm not as young as I used to be. Duh!! My back hurts from just bending over to pluck a weed from the garden. My brother-in-laws were gunnin' clams like nothing else. I still didn't cave. We all came home with limits but there was a distinct difference in our gait. I have since purchased a gun. Haven't used it yet but it's only a matter of time.

mtpar · 01-15-2004, 07:05 PM

I have used both, Ive found with the PVC Gun , keep the leading edge sharp and its much quicker and easier to use.

Good Clam, Bad Dog :grin:

mtpar

Bait O' Eggs · 01-15-2004, 07:15 PM

I have never seen a commercial digger use a gun, they might but every one I have seen uses a shovel.

I will take a shovel any day, the only time a shovel isnt the best is if you are in deep rough surf and you dont want to get wet

TonTo · 01-16-2004, 12:31 AM

I carry a shovel,and probably always will,mainly just for the ground pounding that has to be done sometimes,but on occasion if I find a good showing and nobody's looking I'll swipe the kid's gun and take the easy route.No it just depends on the conditions if they're showing well I'll use a gun, it dose make things easier sometimes.But it is hard to leave the old shovel behind in the truck,it's like an old friend of mine and we have been together a long time.After all there are those times that a good pounding stick works wonders and it's nice to be able flip it and dig with the other end.But on the other hand not having to get on my knees and jam my arm down in the hole has it's plusses too.

UNDECIDED

danger · 01-16-2004, 08:43 AM

Well I prefer a shovel mainly because it seems like the more sporting way to go, but on the other hand this last Oct my wife refused to use either and dug a limit with her bare hands. :shocked: No joke, it was quite a spectacle and she would have put any dog to shame digging with both hands down on her knees. Should have seen the sand fly!!!

Dan(ger)

RodRoss · 01-16-2004, 02:32 PM

I'm a shovel guy, but that's what I grew up digging with. My buddy just got me a new stainless blade for my birthday so I can't see changing any time soon. Then again, clam guns go quite well with little kids.

ORoutdoorsman · 01-16-2004, 03:08 PM

Well, I know that shovel works pretty good, but I have a feeling clams wouldnt argue with a .357 [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

freespool · 01-16-2004, 03:23 PM

My grandfather was a commerical clam digger so if I used anything but a shovel he'd roll over in his grave. Gramps said clam guns are for flat landers. I like having my pounder and digging tool the same. Also for surf digging you can't beat a shovel.

salmon hugger

Wally02 · 01-16-2004, 04:27 PM

thanks for all of the help. Any suggestions or reasons why you would purchase different size shovels? I see the sporting good store offers either a 9" or 11" blade

DiveR · 01-16-2004, 10:47 PM

For Razors
Shovels Good
Guns Good - Metal beats Plastic
Still find with guns that often the clam is
in the hole and if you just dive in with your
hand and dig, being a little careful to not get
cut on the edges, you often come out with a
nice big clam.
Great Fun

Walleyed · 01-17-2004, 05:27 AM

I was just asked and really don't know!
Do you need a fishing license
to get a shellfish license

And how much are the new shellfish licenses?

Thx Walleyed

[ 01-17-2004, 06:29 AM: Message edited by: Walleyed ]

Jooky · 01-17-2004, 01:37 PM

you guys need to stop shooting everything that moves with your darn guns!

lol

but seriously, I find it less sporty to use a gun, i like the harder but more sporting shovel...gives the clam a fair chance to get away.

letsfish · 01-17-2004, 03:51 PM

When giving gifts it is important to think of society. Ask yourself," Is my gift going to contribute to society at large?" Clams aren't very social, very non communicative(they always clam up) and I therefore find them highly suspicious. They avoid society except when a well meaning digger tries to engage them -what do they do? Well, you know all to well those razors will cut you!
You ask "guns or shovels for clams?" if you give a slasher a gun next thing you know he will be slashing and shooting! The little monsters!
Give the clam a shovel,keep the peace, at least he will wont shoot you.
On a more serious note, The shovel handle should be long handled-your back will thank you.

[ 01-17-2004, 04:53 PM: Message edited by: letsfish ]

Surething · 01-17-2004, 07:30 PM

shovel is the only way

crittergitter · 01-17-2004, 08:30 PM

I got lucjy when I lived on the Wash. coast and a tribal commercial digger friend showed me how. I wouldn't use a gun again on a bet. Breaks to many shells. The trick with a shovel is get one with a fairly long blade like the true temper. Make one or two shovel fulls out of the hole and then get in there and get the clam before he gets away. With a little practise it is fairly easy.And easier on the back I think.