Shellfishing blog by KBWhite Co.

CLAM BREEDING SEASON

2007-08-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

The time for spawning varies with locality, namely water temperature. In New Jersey clams spawn during May and early June. Narragansett Bay area in June. On the south side of Cape Cod in June and July. North of Boston in July and August. Water temperature generally has to reach a temperature between 70 to 74 degrees F.
The clam usually spawns when two years old. If growth is rapid the clam may mature within one year. The rate of growth and size of the clam , rather than its age, determine the maturity of the individual clam.

New England Shell Fishing

2007-08-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

After traveling the world in what seemed like another life I returned to New England and semi-retired. I have dedicated my retirement to developing the perfect clam fork and golf. The clam fork has been perfected but golf will take a little longer I'm afraid. I have opened a blog dedicated to New England shell fishing. ( shellfishing.blogspot.com). I intend to share my experiences, facts and stories for all who love New England shell fishing as I do.

Harvesting "Steamer Clams" 101

2007-08-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

The clam is a higher type organism than most would think. How many people would know that one of the three brains of a clam are in its foot? Or that the mouth of the clam is the part most deeply embedded in the sand, or that the intestine passes through the heart?

HARVESTING "STEAMER CLAMS" 101
There are several way to gather steamer (soft shell) clams: Dry digging, wet digging, fanning.
Dry digging: Tidal areas are the prevalent habitat for steamers. Typically bays and estuaries vs open ocean front.
Tools of choice are 4, 5 or 6 tine metal forks on a 16" wood handle. Tines may be rounded or flat depending on the soil. Round tines are preferable for sand and stone bottom while flat tines are better for sandy bottoms.

Typically one searches tidal areas looking for tell tale signs of soft shell clams. The soft shell clam expelles water after extracting its lunch leaving a small hole in the sand. Approximately 8" below the surface sits the clam.
Assume a straddling position in front of the hole. Dig away the soil in front of the hole. Set the fork 3" behind the hole and drive the fork tines deep into the soil. Lever the fork head and pull the soil towards you throwing the soil between your legs. The clam will be lying in or around the discarded soil. Usually dig a line trench with the fork if the clams are plentiful. If not, you must dig the clams out of one spouting hole after another.
Wet digging: Clams may be harvested from known habitat during a running tide. With a pair of waders, 10 qt.wire basket with ring float and a clam plunger, steamers may be harvested with fewer broken shells compared to dry digging.
A clam plunger has a heavy duty rubber plunger attached to one end of a 5' pole.
The opposite end has a 12" ring with a mesh net. The bottom is plunged with the rubber cup digging a hole to expose the clams. The running tide removes a lot of the soil leaving the clams exposed. The net end of the pole is used to scoop the clams and place them in the floating basket which floats behind you tied to your waist with a 5' string.
Fanning: This method is more involved in that in New England waters you would use a wet suit. With snorkel or scuba gear harvesting clams using a light weight metal plate to fan the soil to expose clams. This is not the most popular method for harvesting soft shell clams but it does work. Common sense tells you this method of harvesting clams in a heavy boating area could be dangerous.

Welcome to Shellfishing.com's Blog

2007-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Shellfishing.com's Blog

Growing up in New England, recreation time drew you either to the mountains, ocean or both. For me, the ocean was more interesting because of its many facets. A young inquisitive mind never got bored mucking through tidal areas to discover what lies under the next rock.

As a young man, my father and I would dig in tidal areas for soft shell clams (steamers). This is the clam of choice for many people who enjoy the flavor of fried clams, steamed clams or New England clam chowder.

My career as an aerospace engineer took me to many parts of the country. With the thoughts of, one day, returning to New England and the ocean. When that day came I searched for a quality shell fishing fork to harvest my steamers. Unfortunately, at that time you couldn't find a good clam fork. Being an engineer I designed my own clam fork and started offering the fork to stores throughout the New England area. Twenty years later here I am a retired engineer selling a variety of shell fishing products to the recreational shell fishing community.

So, this blog is dedicated to New England shell fishing. We ask for your comments, experiences and questions regarding shell fishing.

Be well.........Gene White