Part I of a two part series
A few years back I was looking for a hobby that involved physical activity, would keep me busy, would involve a reward factor, and would not hemorrhage my wallet. At the time I was living in Maine and worked three twelve-hour shifts as a nurse. This schedule left me with plenty of free time throughout the week. As I was thinking about what type of hobby I could take on I happened to be looking at an old clam rake and basket which sat on a trunk in our hallway as a decoration. These items once belonged to my husband’s grandfather and were passed down after he passed away. Hmmmm what about clamming I thought to myself. I already had the equipment, enjoyed shellfish, lived for the beach and ocean…so it seemed like a good fit.
Not knowing the first thing about this new venture I knew I had a lot to learn. I gave my Dad a call who used to go clamming for fun…… back in the 1970’s. He filled me in with the basics and offered his words of wisdom. Before no time I had marched up to town hall and got myself the shellfish permit that was required to get started on this new adventure. The woman at town hall gave me a map of where I could go clammin and wished me luck. What? No instruction manual…. I had never done this before, so I resorted to YouTube.. I learned the basics from YouTube such has how to angle your rake, how to clean the clams, how to shuck them, and so on. It was still a challenge. It was like if you watched a video on how to ride a bike but until you actually get out there with the actual bike you don’t get very far.
My first time out clammin was on a sunny summer morning about two hours away from low tide. I went down to the flats with my rake, basket, size ring, dog to keep me company, sailing booties, sailing frostbite gloves, and a hat to dig some soft shell clams. I sailed in college competitively and knew these items would come back in handy one of these days. I always envisioned to have them come back to use on a sailboat versus a bunch of mud. I got down and dirty and started digging. I didn’t have very much luck my first time. Every clam I encountered, my rake would stab right through the clam while I was digging into the ground. I was the only female out on the clam-flats. I felt a little funny at first. Everyone else out clammin on the flats were mostly commercial shell fishers or had clearly been doing this for years. Luckily this was Maine so people were relatively friendly and some timer came over and gave me a little lesson for about 15 minutes. I never got his name but he was like the Santa Claus of clams to me.
My parents retired to the Cape a few years back where there are some great flats for clammin. Clammin is defined by our family as raking, digging, or quahogging. When I lived on the cape during my transition from Maine to Massachusetts I was adamant about getting a shellfish permit. What’s better than living on the coast and being able to get your own clams and being able to make some delicious chowder? There is nothing like it. My father can’t get enough of clammin at this point. It has become his hobby and an activity we share together. During the summer you can just go in your bathing suit with you essentials. However, now that the weather is cool you have to dress up in gear. My dad wears waders and I wear some old waterproof sailing gear that has been building up dust over the years. Whether it is July or November it is always a lot of fun. After we are done clammin for the day we are usually wiped out. Later on in the evening when we regain our energy and get a second wind we make dinner with our clams. This can be clams casino, clam chowder, stuffed clams, clam fritters, or raw clams. All of which are yummy and taste even better since they are fresh from our backyard and we gathered them ourselves.
Always make sure you have a license and follow the rules, the Warden is always on the prowl. Conservation and sustainability are key.
It has been about two years since I started clamming. This hobby has become a lifestyle and holds a special place in my heart for a variety of reasons.
There is something very rewarding about “gathering “ your own food. I guess it’s the hunter/gatherer in my genetic makeup. I feel like the cat who brings you a dead bird or mouse home that he or she hunted, looking at you like; “look what I got, isn’t this awesome!” Most importantly it is a bonding experience that I share with my dad and with the coast.
Clammin Essentials:
A shellfish permit
there are different types. You can spend $8 of $80 on a rake. The more expensive rakers are lighter and easier to use. Either way they both get the job done.
Clam Ring- measures the size. If it is too small you throw is back. No negotiating.
A hose – to clean your gear and wash off your clams. It’s a messy job and not something you want to bring into your living room
Gloves- this helps to prevent blisters while you rake or dig
Good company- in my case my Dad!
Float- allows the basket float so it keeps your clams clean and cool
Rope- tie to rope to the floater and then to you so you don’t loose your clams
Hat- I tie my car key to my hat so it doesn’t get wet!
Booties or some type of protection for your footsies.
Non-Essentials but fun to have:
A fryalator- Daddy Bean got one for his big 65 birthday and ohh is it fun! Cuisine Art makes a great one. Fried clams and clam fritters….yummy and a lot more economical that going to the local clam shack.
Helpful Websites:
Happy Clammin in Scituate, Cape Cod, Maine, or wherever clammin takes you!
