Saturday, May 15, 2010

Digging Razor Clams




My friend Todd called me this week and asked if I wanted to join him on Saturday to dig razor clams. I thought, why not? It's early in the year and it's always fun to walk the beach on days when you have nice weather.

A little background for those of you who are not familiar with razor clams. Razor clams are found on the Kenai Peninsula on most sandy beaches throughout a fifty mile stretch between the Kasilof River to the North and the Anchor River to the South. The most popular area is the Clam Gulch Recreation Area located about 30 miles south of where we are located. The best digging is generally one hour before to two hours after a low tide (it must be a minus tide). Waterproof footgear is a must and rubber gloves are essential. Other than that all you need is a fishing license, a bucket, and a shovel, or a "clam tube". Your limit is 60.

I've been told that the razor clams found in our area are some of the finest in the world. I'm amazed that people will come to Alaska not to fish or sightsee but they will come for the razor clams. I suppose you're wondering what people do with them. The best uses for razor clams are either frying them (ah, what isn't) or using them in a chowder.

Today the clamming was good and the conversation better. If you have an open day when traveling to Alaska you may want to give clamming a try. It's easy, it's fun, and they're great to eat. As my dad would say, "that's a heck of a deal."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I see Jane came along. Quite the trooper.