How to Harvest Clams

Look up the local parks and recreation website (see the resources section of this article) where you will be collecting the clams. They will provide information on low and high tides, as well as any information and tips about local clams as well as any warnings concerning the shellfish, such as those contaminated by red tides. Local parks and recreation officials as well as offices and locations found on the website can be great sources of information concerning where to find and when to gather the clams.

Walk along a beach at low tide. Look for an area that is known for large quantities of clams as well as permitted for clamming by the particular state you are in.

Examine the sand for holes that occasionally spew bubbles. These are caused by clams underneath the sand.

Dig at the sand where there is a bubbling hole using the stick. Between one to two feet under the surface a clam resides. Lever it out using the stick.

Rinse the clam in fresh saltwater. Examine the clam you have picked up -- if it is broken, gaping or discolored throughout its shell, discard it. Retain only the clams with perfect, closed shells and a faint smell of the ocean.

Place the clam in the bucket gingerly -- although the shells appear tough, they are actually quite fragile and prone to breaking.

Store the bucket of clams in the fridge for one to two days before consuming. If you're planning on freezing the clams, rinse with cold, freshwater to clean the clams before inserting them in to the freezer. They will keep up to six months.