Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Determine if you need a clam license. According to the Maine Department of Marine Resources, you don't need a state license if you harvest less than 1/2 bushel per day. However, you must also check with the county and town where your clamming to make sure a local license is not required. Contact the local town hall for more information.
Determine when low tide occurs. Shellfish such as clams and scallops are best harvested at low tide when the ocean floor has been exposed. Check the local tide chart and determine when low tide occurs in your area.
Look for areas where you see air holes or bubbling from beneath the sand. These air holes are good indicators that clams are underneath the sand.
Rake the sand with your clam hoe and make a small hole. Clams are not too deep below the surface. Dig small holes between 4 and 10 inches deep. If you don't find any clams, start digging a new hole. Once you find your first clam, others are likely not too far behind. You may come across other shellfish such as scallops, however, they are not as plentiful as clams.
Place the clams and other shellfish in a bucket with salt water inside. Keeping them in salt water keeps them alive until they are ready to cook.