Getting a clam from the mud to your dinner plate is not as hard as you think, especially when you have the right tools. I’ve done hours of research into clamming to find out the best methods to catch clams, and put together this buyer’s guide. I believe in using the right tools for the job, so I’m going to go over the essentials for clamming.
A Clam Rake
A clam rake is a must have for any clammer. It’s built with long and curved tines (prongs at the end of a rake) than a common dirt rake. As you rake the bottom for clams, you’ll scoop clams into its built-in metal cage. This makes it hard to lose clams in murky water, and lets you dig deeper for clams that are burrowed.
You can purchase clam rakes at your local bait & tackle shop, Walmart, and online. I’ve seen these from time to time at Walmart, but it’s a hit or miss. It’s more reliable to shop online. Things to look for in a clam rake are:
- Wooden handles: If you were to drop your clam rake and it didn’t have a wooden handle, it’ll sink. Even with a wooden handle, I recommend attaching a pool noodle to your clam rake so it floats.
- Curved Tines: Poorly-made clam rakes don’t have curved tines. While this still rakes up clams, this doesn’t direct them into the clam cage. If that’s the case, why have one?
- Lightweight: Clam rakes are heavier and bulkier than a normal rake. Plus, everything’s heavier when you’re dragging it through water. Keep in mind the weight of a clam rake and how much heavier it’ll be dragging it through water.
My top pick: The Danielson Steel Clam Rake
After scouring the market, I found one supplier that receives great reviews for their clam rake: The Danielson Clam Rake. Danielson is a reliable shellfish brand and makes quality clam rakes.
While it doesn’t fit all of my criteria, it serves its purpose in functionality and will last for several seasons of clamming. It’s made of light-weight, besides the cage, which is much lighter than a full-metal clam rake. The trade-off here is that this will rust over time. I dislike the detachable feature that all clam rakes seem to come with. This allows saltwater to get inside the handle, rusting it from the inside out! Rinse this rake with hose water after each use to prevent rusting.
Click here to check the price of the Danielson Clam Rake on Amazon.com (Affiliate Link).
Why use a clam rake over any other rake?
Clam rakes have longer and stronger tines compared to dirt rakes. These tines also curve at the end, allowing the rake to scoop deeper the mud and scoop up any clam that it might run into. Furthermore, the raking motion will scoop and traps clams into the clam rake’s built-in wire cage. With this, you won’t lose any clams in murky water.
The Eagle-Claw clam rake makes clamming almost too easy, which is why I highly recommend it for beginners. You can still use a normal dirt rake, but these are imperfect. It doesn’t dig as deep into the dirt as a clam rake would, which is where the big clams like to hide. You’re only getting surface-level clams with a normal rake. Plus, you only bump into clams when you use a dirt rake. With an Eagle-Claw you’ll scoop it up and it’ll end up in the cage.
Besides being impractical for clamming, normal dirt rakes aren’t built for brackish and salt water. They’ll start to wear down from saltwater exposure. This is a problem for the Eagle-Claw as well, which will rust after at least 5 years of use since it’s made of metal. Click here to see the current price of the Danielson Clam Rake on Amazon (Affiliate Link).
Don’t use a Clam Claw!
A tool that attracts first-time clammers is the clam claw because it’s a quarter of the cost of a clam rake. However, buying one will ruin clamming for you. To find clams with this tool, you’ll need to be on your hands and knees while clamming. You’ll be cold, wet, and not find nearly as many clams as you would with a rake. I would prefer a garden rake before one of these.
A Mesh Bag and Basket
A plastic mesh bag is very handy for transporting clams, and a mesh basket is handy while catching the clams. I recommend this Orange Plastic Bucket on Amazon (Affiliate Link) which will sit in ankle-deep water as you dig for clams. As you find keepers, place them in the bucket where they’ll enjoy the water filtered in through the holes in the basket and stay alive.
A mesh bag is for the end of the day when you need to transport the clams to the pot. While the basket is useful, it won’t fit in a cooler for the trip home. I want you to enjoy fresh clams that didn’t spoil on their way home. So, you will need to transport the clams into a mesh bag, then place it in a cooler with a few ice packs with the lid cracked. This will chill your clams while giving them a chance to breathe. I recommend this clam net on Amazon (Affiliate Link).
For Cold Water: Waders
If you’re clamming on the West Coast, or in any cold body of water, I recommend you wear waders while clamming. It’ll keep you warm and dry while you rake for clams. I’ve talked to recreational clammers, and this makes all the difference between a good and bad clamming day. I recommend you check out these Waders on Amazon.com (Affiliate Link).
For Warm Water: Water Shoes
When it’s warmer out, you don’t need to wear bulky waders. However, I do recommend that you wear water shoes to avoid cutting your feet on rocks, glass, or anything else treacherous in waist-deep water. I’ve cut my foot on a rock before, and I can tell you it’s no fun. When you’re clamming, make sure everyone’s wearing water shoes such as these unisex Mishansha on Amazon.com (Affiliate Link). They’re a budget-option that will last you several summers of clamming.