What you need to know about clamming on the Cape
As a realtor, I get a lot of questions on a lot of different topics. At a recent open house, a buyer asked me about clamming. I have done it and often see people clamming but I didn't know the best areas or the laws in that town. I did some digging and gathered some information. You always want to start on your town's website. You can easily find the local laws and obtain a permit. If you are not familiar with clamming, here is some additional info I found.
Clamming involves harvesting clams from the sandy shores of the Cape. Clamming has been a traditional pastime in Cape Cod for generations, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world who are interested in experiencing the thrill of digging up their own clams.
Clams are an integral part of the seafood cuisine in Cape Cod and are a local favorite. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including fried, baked, steamed, and in chowder. The most common types of clams found in Cape Cod are the hard shell clams, soft shell clams, and razor clams. Hard shell clams are the most abundant and are found in the sandy flats at low tide, while soft shell clams and razor clams are found in the mud flats.
Clamming is not only a fun activity but also an environmentally sustainable way of harvesting clams. The Cape Cod ecosystem is carefully managed to ensure the preservation of natural resources, and the local authorities strictly regulate the harvesting of clams to ensure their survival.
If you are planning to go clamming in Cape Cod, it is essential to obtain a permit from the local authorities. Additionally, it is crucial to follow the regulations and guidelines set by the authorities to protect the ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future for clamming in Cape Cod.
Read Rebecca Treons story from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce below:
CLAMMING 101:
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SCRATCHING FOR YOUR SUPPER
Shellfishing is one of the Cape’s most iconic year-round activities. There’s something almost zen-like about heading out onto the exposed flats during low tide and wading around, scratching the ground with a rake.
When clamming, your cell phone (or whatever other device typically distracts you) is safely stowed away elsewhere. You’re surrounded by the Cape's natural beauty for a few hours and you get to come home with something delicious for dinner. Kids love the experience, too, so pack a cooler of sandwiches and make a day of it.
While shellfishing is not at all complicated, there are a few things to keep in mind if it’s your first foray onto the flats.
You’ll need a license
A daily or seasonal license can be purchased at the local town hall. Every town has slightly different rules as far as who can clam (some towns require proof of residency), the type/size of shellfish permitted, how much an individual can take each week, and where and when you can go out, so take a look at the rules according to where you’ll be shellfishing here. Town halls can also provide a guide to high and low tide timing (you’ll want to head out about an hour before low tide, tide charts are also available online) and which areas are open to shellfishing on which days. Some days and areas are restricted, so it’s important to know before you go. Constables do roam shellfishing areas and will fine you steeply if you don’t have your license, so pop it in a Ziploc bag and keep it handy (some display it clipped to their chest in a plastic sleeve).
Types of Shellfish
On the Cape, you’ll find quahogs (pronounced co-hogs). The largest quahog is called a chowder clam and is bigger than 4 inches in diameter; these are best used for a hearty chowder or baked stuffed clams. Next is the cherrystone, roughly 2-3 inches in diameter, and the littleneck, which is 1-2 inches across. These last two are great for eating raw on the half shell, in clams casino, or in pasta dishes; they're even great thrown right on the grill. There are also soft-shelled clams called steamers that are fried or steamed, and eaten with butter.
Basic Equipment
You can find clamming equipment at any of the local bait and tackle shops on the Cape, including Sports Bait & Tackle in Osterville and Goose Hummock Shop in Orleans. You’ll need a clam rake; these aren’t like garden rakes—they have a special basket attached to the end to bring up your catch and let rocks and sand drain out, plus the tines of the rake. You’ll need a basket with a floatable attachment and a gauge, which is important—smaller clams get put back to grow up and keep the clam population going strong and it is something constables will check. Water shoes are helpful but not needed to clam in the warm months, in the winter you’ll need insulated waders and long gloves to wear over your layers to keep warm. Clams tend to hang out together, so if you find one, you’ll likely find more in the same area.
Storing and preparation
Shellfish are meant to be eaten within 24 to 48 hours after being harvested. Store them in a cool place like the refrigerator, but you can also freeze them for a longer shelf life. Discard shellfish with cracked shells, and if the clams are proving too difficult to shuck, steam them lightly to loosen the muscle keeping the shell shut.
