Bivalve Bounty...just diggin' it

Spring is here and what does that mean? Blooming flowers...longer and warmer days...losing one hour of sleep when we 'spring forward.' But, in the Northwest, it also means it's RAZOR CLAM DIGGING SEASON!! Time to don those oh-so-attractive chest-high waders, grab a bucket and your preferred digging utensil. Some prefer a shovel, others prefer a T-shaped tool that is basically a cylinder closed off at one end (except for a thumb-sized hole) and handles attached to it. From past experience, it's good to have both. On the Washington coast, Twin Harbors and Long Beach are popular razor clam digging destinations.

Pacific razor clams are, on average, 3-4 inches in length. Here is what you have to do to harvest razor clams. First, set your watch for low tide conditions....tides wait for no one no matter how raging your hangover is. So, "snooze, you lose" really means something here! Second, dress warmly...this ain't Huntington Beach and if you have dreamy notions about wearing your favorite J. Crew clam diggers and matching flip flops....you're in for a surprise and you will stick out in the crowd like the tourists who visit San Francisco in July expecting warm weather but end up shivering and wearing those easily recognizable (and overpriced) fleeces sold at Fisherman's Wharf.

Then, walk along the beach where the water has receded and look for dimples or holes in the sand that's between the size of a nickel and a quarter. The larger the hole, the larger the clam. The hole is left by the clam that has receded into the sand. I like to poke the ground with my shovel or cylinder because a clam that has recently receded will squirt out water or sand and it also means they're closer to the surface and my chances of getting that sucker is higher. Why is that important? These guys can motor - especially if you're close to the surf line and the sand is more fluid.

Next, start digging - don't go in right over the hole with your shovel because you might crush your clam and don't dig at too sharp an angle. How about the cylinder device -- well, you place it over the dimple, and then push the tube down until your hand touches the sand. Then, place your thumb over the hole and **pull** (remember to use your legs and not your back!). Waders are important because at some point you will have to get down on your hand and knees and use your hands to go after that clam. Be prepared for a little tug-of-war with that bivalve. I've had quite a few slither right out of my grasp. But, when you get your first clam of the day, you can't help but let out a little 'woot' and then it's time to look for another dimple in the sand. Please note that the daily limit in Washington is 15 per person and a permit is required. It's a fun activity and I don't know what I enjoy more....the battle or the bounty. Happy digging! If you have a favorite razor clam recipe, please post it!