Harvesting Clams
So you are looking to harvest clams? Well you just need a few items, a permit and a little know how. Here we will teach you the basics to getting started at harvesting clams. Danger, never clam alone. If you get stuck in the mud you may need help getting out
Step 1 Locations:
One of our favorite locations for clams is stone harbor. But nearly any bay location will work. What you are looking for is a large flat of mud. The mud should be fresh, usually found at low tide. Even shin high waters is fine as long as the mud is thick.
Step 2 Tools:
A clam rake works great and can be purchased from a local walmart for $10 or less. It is usually good to have a 6 foot hard wood pole and a aluminum flat bottom boat to get to each location easily. You can work without the boat but will usually be limited on locations.
Step 3 Get Muddy:
Walk out to the mud flat and start raking for clams, make sure you are wearing the rubber boots. When you hit a clam with the rake you will often hear and feel it. Once you have a clam, measure it to ensure proper size and place it in a basket or pouch. Use the small shovel to dig around the location a little bit cause you will often find multiples together. If you get stuck in the mud, use the pole to help pull yourself out or ask for help getting out. If the mud feels too deep, do not continue, a few clams is not worth your life.
Step 4 Regulations:
NJ clam size must be 1.5 inches and a limit of 150 clams. You can not harvest on Sundays and you must have a shellfish permite. Click the button below to purchase your permit online.
Step 1 Locations:
One of our favorite locations for clams is stone harbor. But nearly any bay location will work. What you are looking for is a large flat of mud. The mud should be fresh, usually found at low tide. Even shin high waters is fine as long as the mud is thick.
Step 2 Tools:
A clam rake works great and can be purchased from a local walmart for $10 or less. It is usually good to have a 6 foot hard wood pole and a aluminum flat bottom boat to get to each location easily. You can work without the boat but will usually be limited on locations.
Step 3 Get Muddy:
Walk out to the mud flat and start raking for clams, make sure you are wearing the rubber boots. When you hit a clam with the rake you will often hear and feel it. Once you have a clam, measure it to ensure proper size and place it in a basket or pouch. Use the small shovel to dig around the location a little bit cause you will often find multiples together. If you get stuck in the mud, use the pole to help pull yourself out or ask for help getting out. If the mud feels too deep, do not continue, a few clams is not worth your life.
Step 4 Regulations:
NJ clam size must be 1.5 inches and a limit of 150 clams. You can not harvest on Sundays and you must have a shellfish permite. Click the button below to purchase your permit online.
We hope you enjoyed our NJ clam fishing guide and tips. This will get you on your way to enjoying the world of clam harvisting. Good Lucky and Happy Clamming!!!
