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How to Get Razor Clams on a High Tide

Pacific razor clams are meaty shellfish that range from Alaska to California. These clams are typically found on surf-pounded ocean beaches, but also occur in more sheltered coastal areas. Some adult razor clams are found up to one-half mile offshore. The entire family can enjoy recreational digging for razor clams, and it is not uncommon to see young children and senior citizens among those looking for clams. Because these calms live below the normal low tide mark, it is easier to collect them during very low tide. But it is also possible to collect razor clams during a high tide.

Things You'll Need

Clam-collecting licence
Protective footwear
Waders
Swimming trunks (optional)
Gloves (optional)
Plastic containers
Clam shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a clam-collecting permit from your local fish and game department and check on the regulations pertinent to the area you will collect in.
- 2
  Put on protective footwear and waders or swimming trunks, as you are likely to become very wet while you are collecting, particularly as the tide is coming in.
- 3
  Take a number of plastic containers and a clam shovel to remove the clams from the sand. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- 4
  Look for a ̶0;clam show.̶1; This is where a clam has pulled its neck into the sand or has begun to dig, leaving a hole in the sand. These holes will appear as a small depression in the sand, which is termed a ̶0;dimple.̶1; A hole with raised sides is termed a ̶0;doughnut,̶1; while a hole with distinct sides is known as a ̶0;keyhole.̶1;
- 5
  Look for a hole that is larger than a quarter, as this is a good sign that the clam will be large.
- 6
  Look down through the clear water and position the blade of the shovel 4 to 6 inches seaward of the clam̵7;s hole. Point the handle of the shovel toward the beach.
- 7
  Push the shovel blade vertically into the sand covered by water and make sure that the blade goes in correctly or you risk breaking the clam̵7;s shell.
- 8
  Pull the handle back to break any suction in the sand and proceed to remove sand by lifting the shovel forward and upward.
- 9
  Continue to remove sand until you expose the clam. Reach down through the water and grasp the clam̵7;s shell. These clams dig down very rapidly, so you need to be quick.

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