Clamming Seminar Equals Clams for Bait and Clams For Eats

I will be conducting a Surf Clamming Seminar on Saturday, November 4th, at 2:15. As of this morning, the fishery was open to the harvest surf clams in Saco Bay. We will be meeting at the "Bay View" Parking Lot in Saco, Maine. A Google map is posted at the end of this article.

I will review techniques and gear as well how to dig for them. Whether people are able to harvest clams is always dependent on the Department of Marine Resources. The Department monitors water quality to determine if the flats should be closed due to flooding or red tide. That is why it is always important to call the Shell Fish Closure Hotline (1-800-232-4733) to determine if the flats are open. Or check the Shell Fish Hot Line Web Site. This is really important stuff, because as noted in a previous post, the flats are often closed due to Red Tide and pollution!

Here is some of the gear you should use when harvesting surf clams.
First, I always recommend a good pair of boots. They can range from my wife’s pink pair

To hip waders

To chest waders

Some fishermen go into the surf to harvest, but I harvest mine from the beach, so I usually use hip waders.

Gloves are good too! They should be waterproof, this way you can pick up clams and place them in your bucket without getting your hands wet.

Another item you will need is a good fork. I’ve seen people use large forks and small forks.

I lean toward the middle of thge road and use a long handled six pronged fork.

You should also bring a bucket to load your clams into. I’ve used a plastic bag at times, but they can rip open. Large onions bags also work well, but you usually have buy large bags, fifty plus pounds, to get them. If you know a professional chef, he/she may be able to help you obtain one.

Other items to consider are types of clothing (i.e. hats, pants, coats). If the weather is cold and windy, you will want to bundle up. But it you live in Maine, you already know that.

See you there. I'll be driving a black GMC crew cab truck and will meet you at Bay View Parking Lot at the intersection of the Bay View Road. See you at 2:15.

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