Digging for razor clams at sunset sets the stage for an epic , evening feast . alicia brattin photo hands of careless diggers , so work gloves like gardening gloves are popular . Most of these shellfish live in the muck , so getting messy is part of the fun .
Besides attire , you ’ ll want a gathering bucket or a clamming bag ( nice for affixing to a belt or backpack ). Not only is this common sense , but state regulations require all harvesters to carry their own “ transport vessel ” for ease of inspection by a fish and wildlife officer on patrol . Have your permit handy and double check your research the day of harvest to be 100 % sure your quarry and beach are open to the public and toxin free . Bringing along a tide book is a good idea too , as you will be busy harvesting during low tide but should be able to reference when high tide rolls in .
Hunting tactics are all over the map . The typical seasoned harvester will have a favorite shovel they deploy when they see a promising hole or indentation in the sand , known as a show . Some prefer to use a clam gun , essentially a cylindrical shovel , while others use their bare hands . Bay / blue mussels are sometimes pursued with a rake . Asking around and cruising the internet for tips is a good idea . The specifics of your hunting style are where you get to write your own story .
Got ‘ Em ! Now What ?
If your first harvest goes well , you ’ ll have a bag or bucket full of the tastiest most ethically gathered seafood on the planet . Congratulations ! The rule of thumb for all shellfish is to keep them cold and eat them sooner rather than later . Putting your catch on ice in a cooler or in the fridge is the goal . Eating them for dinner day-of is ideal .
Clams and mussels are generally steamed or boiled and can be served right out of the shell with light seasoning like garlic butter and lemon . They can also be a part of an epic seafood dish like paella or cioppino . Geoducks can be a little more complicated due to their huge size and various body part uses , so a bit of online research is recommended . You can cut strips of the geoduck as a great chowder ingredient .
The culinary sky is the limit , but the best seasoning of all is the spice of an adventure well rewarded .
38 explore : NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air