How To Use A Clam Gun

How to Dig for Razor Clams

Are you new to the world of razor clams?

Want to get in on the action just accept no thought what y'all're doing? Hither's what you need to know.

What to bring:

Shellfish/seaweed, combination, or Fish WA fishing license: required for all diggers 15 years and older. Must be on your person when you are digging.
A clam gun or clam shovel: Usually a clam gun is easiest for beginners.
Gloves: to avoid cutting your easily. They're called razor clams for a reason!
Mesh purse or bucket: mesh bags are peachy because they allow water to escape and they won't float away with the surf.
Hip or full waders: to keep yourself warm and dry on the beach

Run across more maps on our website at wdfw.wa.gov.

1. Choice a beach. Razor clams are generally found along the southwestern declension of WA on Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis Beach, Mocrocks, and Kalaloch. Though the drive is long for many that visit these beaches, razor clam digging is great family activeness! Make sure you lot bring your family and friends along with you lot.

You'll want to check the WDFW website for the dates that beaches volition exist open for razor clam digs. You can find that information here: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams#beachmaps

2. Find a clam. You'll desire to know how to place where a mollusk is beneath the sand. A "clam testify" is an indicator — usually a hole or dimple — that a clam creates when its withdrawing its cervix or digging. If you're having a hard fourth dimension locating clams, try pounding on the sand with your shovel or human foot — they'll often squirt h2o out of the whole where they're located!

3. Dig, dig dig! Razor clams are notoriously fast diggers, and then you'll want to be ready. The technique you use differs depending on what tool you are using to harvest.

#TeamClamShovel

If you're digging with a mollusk shovel, you'll want to place the blade about 6" away from the clam bear witness on the side closest to the water with the handle pointed towards the shore. Push the blade deep into the sand, careful to go along the blade vertical so you don't intermission the mollusk's beat. It's normally easiest if yous drop to 1 knee at this point, since you lot'll desire to start scooping out sand until you lot tin find the clam's shell with your hand.

Technique is everything when it comes to shoveling!

#TeamClamGun

If you've decided to use a clam gun (tube) to harvest your razor clam, the process is a little simpler. Place the open stop of the tube over the clam evidence and angle tube then that the handle is closer to y'all and the lesser is slightly towards the water. Then, button the clam gun into the sand, twisting and wiggling if you need. Identify your thumb over the air vent at the meridian of the tube (the small hole) and pull straight upward using your legs, not your back. Release all sand onto the embankment, sift through to observe your clam, and voila!

Here'southward a helpful video that demonstrates each of these methods!