Chasing Razor Clams Tonight at Hi-Tide Resort

By Jackie D. Martin
Published: 10/13/12 Topics: Beachwood Resort, Fishing, Ocean Shores WA Comments: 0

Tonight is the night of nights. The first day of this years Razor clam digging season got officially underway today.

The tide began late in the day, so our guests jogged out to the beach as the sun began to drop to dig their limit for tonight’s dinner.

If you have never eaten razor clams you have missed one of the world’s great gastronomical treats. Growing to six inches or more with a razor thin beige color shell, "Siliqua patula" (the scientific name for Razor Clams), range along the Pacific West Coast from the eastern Aleutian Islands, Alaska, to Pismo Beach, California.

The pesky little buggers can dig as deep as 30 feet below the sand, but are often found within 6 to 18 inches of the surface. During low tides like we are having tonight, even novice diggers can expect to get their limit of 15 clams in an hour or less.

As I look out over the beach, I see flash lights and even propane lanterns hanging on poles as determined diggers work diligently to get their share of the tasty treat. Its early in the season so the air temperature is comfortable and the wind is low - making digging a bit party on the beach.

After filling their bags and buckets, our industrious guests will use our cleaning to cut the snow white clam meat into filets for frying or chop them into smaller pieces to spice up quarts of clam chowder.

Those who dig for several days will fill plastic bags and freeze the delicacies to be toted home and saved for special occasions at home.

Digging locations vary over the next week so be sure to check the Washington State Fish & Wildlife Website to determine where you can dig. Then give us a call to reserve a condo for your trip down. 

Author: Jackie D. Martin – Manager, By the Sea Vacation Rentals
Blog #: 0223 – 10/13/12