Saturday, September 22, 2007

Raking Clams

Today I took the day for some personal R&R. My brother in law has asked me a number of times to go clamming. I used to rake clams in the Sinepuxent Bay off Assateague when I was a kid but that was many years ago. I agreed to go and on off we went. We put his Boston Whaler over at South point and headed into the bay. Soon we were in the shallows near the west side of Assateague Island with rakes in hand. In just a couple of hours we had more than enough clams of all sizes. We actually started to toss some the really big ones back because we had so many of those. Even with the good luck we had I noticed the clams were not as plentiful as they used to be.

We took some time to drift and sightsee around the bay and by 2:30 we were on our way back towards Millsboro. We divvied up the clams and I headed to home with enough clams for chowder and fritters as well as some to freeze for use later. Talk about tired! All in all it was a good day. Harvested my own food, was in good company, and had an extremely enjoyable well-deserved day off.

10 comments:

joe albero said...

While I used to live on the Assawoman Bay for years, I believe it's a matter of knowing where to go clamming.

Whenever I'd go out I'd get some 200 clams an hour, right near Hoopers and the Rt. 50 Bridge.

I personally don't believe they are becoming more difficult to come by. I think it's more a matter of having a regular spot and the proper tools.

I'll bet it was a perfect day today to be out there though. Sounds like you have a great time.

Hopefully my HINT towards where to go clamming helps you a bit more. If you want an exact location, e-mail me and I'll give it to you. It has never failed me for years.

TomCat said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful day!

TomCat said...

I just love it when some one from the Bronx gives an Eastern Shoreman tips on catching seafood! He is truly an expert on everything.

I remember when they used to bring kids here from there to spend a few weeks in the summer. We called them "Fresh Air Kids."

Whenever I think about clamming, I remember being out with my parents and extended family in two boats. It was calm like glass, next thing you know the wind came up and by the time we were pulling the boats out of the water hail was falling. The rest is Ocean City history.

Soapbox said...

I remember the "Fresh air kids" as well. Some of them were quite friendly but for the most part they were arrogant and rude. It got so bad many people lost interest in the project. I do not know of a similar program today.

P.S.
My latest batch of chowder is great!

Anonymous said...

LOL I remember clamming in the bay. We were just little kids, so we didn't use rakes. Our parents told us to dig our toes through the sand and we'd find clams. We did, but were also scared the clams would pinch our feet! Dang, they were great times!

Historical Wit said...

Rakes are good, but I like to use my toes.

Soapbox said...

I’ve used my toes too. The problem today is you never where some foolish person has disposed of their trash. While raking on Saturday I did pull up a partial soda can from the bottom. I also found a waterlogged, barnacle encrusted board. Because of that I wear reef runners or aqua shoes to protect my feet. We also stirred up a fair amount skates. The tail barb on those fellas can be nasty too.

Soapbox said...

Should read "never know where"
Sorry

Bunker Britches said...

When are you going to make chowder again? I'll be over!! For that matter, I'll even make something to bring along if you let me know what to bring.... Beer maybe? but that I'll buy not make. How about some nice hot homemade soda biscuits.

Bunker Britches said...

Some people can jump higher, yell louder and fart longer than anyone else in the world.