How to Clam Dig in Tacoma

Tacoma, Washington has long stretches of beaches that are home to many species of clams, including razor clams, cockles and butter clams. Before you go out for a clam dig, check with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) to ensure clamming season is open. The clamming season varies every year, depending on the shellfish population. You'll also need a license to legally harvest clams in Tacoma and other areas in Washington state.

Things You'll Need

  • License
  • Sacks
  • Clam shovel
  • Clam tube
  • Clam gauge
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a shellfish license from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Purchase your license from the department's website and print it out. Carry your license with you while you dig for clams in case an official asks to inspect it.

    • 2

      Go to one of Tacoma's beaches to dig for clams. The WDFW maintains a database on their website of all the beaches in each county in Washington. Check your selected beach to ensure you can legally harvest shellfish there. Beaches in Tacoma include Owen Beach at Point Defiance and the Southeast Narrows.

    • 3

      Bring your clam dig equipment to the beach you select in Tacoma. You'll need a sack for each person who will participate in the clam dig and at least one clam shovel or clam tube.

    • 4

      Walk along the beach and look for holes in the sand that could indicate a clam's breathing hole. Select holes that are larger, or about the size of a quarter, to increase your chances of digging up a larger clam.

    • 5

      Place the bottom of a clam tube over the breathing hole and work the tube down into the sand until it is about 6 inch to 10 inches down. Cover the tube's air vent and pull the apparatus up. The clam tube will suction up a core of sand. Sort through the core to find the clam. This may take several attempts, or you may need to put your hand in the hole to find the clam.

    • 6

      Dig for clams in Tacoma with a clam shovel, if you prefer. Regulations in Tacoma prohibit using any other equipment to dig for clams, with the exception of your bare hands. Push the blade into the sand next to the breathing hole. Place the shovel between the breathing hole and the ocean and push it in about 4 inches to 6 inches.

    • 7

      Work the shovel blade straight down into the sand to prevent damage to the clam. Pull the handle up slightly to create cracks in the sand and then pull the shovel up, bringing a scoop of sand with it. Repeat this about two to three times until you can see the clam. Pull it up with your hand.

    • 8

      Keep the first 15 razor clams you catch. Washington law prohibits you from discarding small razor clams. You must not harvest more than 15 razor clams per person.

    • 9

      Measure all other types of clams you harvest. The legal size for harvested clams in Tacoma is 1.5 inches. Measure its length with a ruler or hold it against a clam gauge. A clam gauge is a plastic measurement device, available in many sporting goods stores. If the clam will not fit through the hole in the gauge, it is at least the legal size. If it falls through the hole, throw it back.