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How to Dig & Store Clams

Digging for clams is a popular pastime around the United States, especially on the East Coast and in the Pacific Northwest. Very little equipment is needed. Just like other forms of fishing, recreational clam-digging is regulated for protection of humans and the clams. Check on the safe dates for the shellfish season in your area, purchase licenses or permits if needed and learn the daily limits, if required, before you begin.

Things You'll Need

Clam shovel
Bucket
Colander
Bowl
Paper towels

Instructions

- 1
  Look for a hole in the sand where a clam has been. You may see a depression in the sand, a "doughnut" hole with raised sides, or an hourglass-shaped hole in drier sand areas.
- 2
  Use your clam shovel to dig for the clam. Place the blade of your shovel on the sea-side of the clam. Point the handle of your shovel to the sand-side of the clam.
- 3
  Push the shovel blade into the sand as you drop to one knee. Keep the blade vertical so you don't break the clam shell.
- 4
  Pull the handle back towards you. Keep the blade straight, cracking the sand.
- 5
  Lift the shovel up and forward two to three times, removing sand.
- 6
  Keep removing sand until you expose the clam.
- 7
  Remove the clam with your hand and place in your bucket.
- 8
  When you get your clams home, check to see if they are fresh by tapping them on the kitchen counter. If they don't close up, throw them away.
- 9
  Place the clams in a colander.
- 10
  Place the colander on top of a bowl so that the water can drain out.
- 11
  Use cold water to wet some paper towels. Wring out the towels so they are damp and not dripping.
- 12
  Place the damp paper towels on top of the colander.
- 13
  Put your bowl and colander into the refrigerator.

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