I've had a few people request more information on surf clamming. Since the tides do not look favorable for a seminar at this time, I thought that I would post a little advice. There are a few people that will clam during Friday's -0.7 tide, but I prefer -1.0 or lower. It is always important to call the Shell Fish Closure Hotline at (1-800-232-4733) to determine if the flats are open. Or check the Shell Fish Hot Line Web Site.

Stage One:
Here's a little advice. Surf clams role on to the beach during storms. Waves in the Atlantic Ocean run in a clockwise direction around the Sea of Saragossa. The sea is the center of the clock and the arms are the waves. As waves hit the shore in Saco Bay, the clams are pushed in a North to Northeast direction towards the beach and flats.

Stage Two:
As clams are ripped from the Bay's floor and moved to the beach, they begin to roll in the surf. Hence the term "Surf Clams"! They continue to roll in the surf and be ripped from the Bay's floor as the storm progresses. This rolling and ripping are directly related to the length/severity of the storm and the tides height. The longer the storm and the lower the tide, the more clams are ripped from the Bay's floor and are rolling around.

Stage Three:
The Storm subsides, and if it was a strong long one, some clams roll on to the beach for you to retrieve without digging. But the clam wants to be in the sand and as soon as its foot (tongue) gets a hold, it begins a pulsing action that buries itself. Once buried, the clams back is in a somewhat upward dirction.

Stage Four:
You want to go clamming. The tides are -1.0 or lower and the flats are exposed. Look for areas that would create an undertow if you were swimming and the tide was higher. You want to search on the southerly side of these humps. Walk backwards along the area where the waves lip at the beach probing all the while. If you feel something hard, back up 6 inches and try to dig it.

That all there is to it!

Marc

PS If no other clammers are around, you are plobably on the beach at the wrong time or in the wrong area. Look for other clammers the same way a fisherman looks for other boats!

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