As the coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Dan Ayres knows razor clams better than most.
His best advice, especially in this time of year, is to keep an eye on the surf, especially in stormy conditions. Make sure you first check the ocean forecast online, especially the NOAA National Weather Service site, and if the swell height is expected to be above 11 feet, “You probably will be better off staying home that day,” Aryres advises.
Last year, he told about an incident on the South Beach where he was hit by a wave with water up to his waist while saving a woman who was unaware how swiftly conditions can change.
“You try to keep your eye on conditions, and it makes life easier,” Ayres said.
Clam digging, weather you use a shovel or a tube, is “not hard to do and easy to learn,” the coastal veteran says. But you have to have the right shovel, not a normal garden shovel. A tube is often easier to use for beginners, Ayres says.
One simple piece of advice — don’t be afraid to ask others: “If you’re on the beach and having trouble finding a show, which is usually the hardest part, there are a whole lot of teachers out there. Most people who know what they’re doing are happy to show you, especially if you see somebody with a bag and they’re about done.”
For this weekend timed to the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival, there are clam digs on the late afternoon tides for Saturday at the Copalis digging area from Ocean Shores to Copalis Beach, and for Sunday in the Mocrocks digging area north of Copalis to Moclips. Another Mocrocks dig is set for the evening tide on Thursday, March 21, with a switch to morning tide digging on March 22-24.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife have several videos on YouTube featuring Ayres that not only show how to dig for razor clams, but also explain how the seasons and dig dates are determined.
All diggers age 15 or older must have a fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. New 2019-20 fishing licenses will be required for dates in April. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license (starting at $9.70) to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
