I bought a nice Stainless clam tube from fp the other day and was having some minor issues with hitting the clams a bit while using it.

(PM him if you want to get one they are real nice)

I was wondering if anyone knows which side the razors faces the ocean. The zipper side or the hinged side.

I have been trying to fine tune my technique but about the time I start to figure out what I doing wrong/right I have dug my limit.

Hinge side always toward the water

They have zippers? [Bleeeeep!] I bet that makes cleaning them a LOT easier.

Watch the fp videos.

Center on the hole... direct the opening of the tube at a 5-10 degree angle toward the water. Sometimes it's closer to 5, other times closer to 10 degrees.

Advance the tube by wiggling forward and backward rather than a rotary movement. This will tend to tip the clam into the path of the tube as it advances rather than 'rotary slicing' thru it.

If you start to feel a bit of crunching (that's the top of the shell!), then immediately re-direct your path before advancing further... or simply withdraw that core and reach into the hole to pick up your prize.

OK that explains it then at least now when I see which side the damage is I will know if I am placing the tube to high or low on the show. I was thinking zipper side towards water. That explains my confusion. I was noticing I was hitting the shell close to the zipper so I was thinking I was not off setting the tube enough when in fact I should of been going the other direction.

That is one of the nice things about the tubes fp sells they transmit contact with the shell very well so you know right away to stop pushing.

This post almost sounds like porn. Clams, zippers, pushing ,breaking it lol.

Mebby this will help. If us old guys gettum anybody can.

http://youtu.be/p63EfNGSfZM

fp

Or

Get a shovel. Fast, waaaayy more fun, IMHO, and is much easier on the back - depending on your back. Those who can't bend or kneel easily will need to stick with the tube. Otherwise . . . .

Im with Dave on that. Tru-temper long bill shovel. Two scoops on the ocean side. Reach down along the ocean side and when you find the clam squeeze the top of the shell hard like you are trying to stop pissing in an emergency, then gently slide the perfect clam from the sand and into your bag. Repeat. There is an art and rythm to it that once mastered is its own reward.

You said it better than I ever could. Add in the fact that you typically dig in, or very near, the surf, so the clams are very shallow and there's always the chance of an exhilarating wave breaking over your back. It just doesn’t get any better!.

The essence of Pacific Northwest life.
Two good posts right here.

not to hijack but we have been wanting to do some razor clam digging and the drive is what keeps us away most the time. however we will be in ocean shores nov 29th-dec1st. any digging going on that weekend?

Digs tentatively scheduled
•Nov. 30, Saturday, 4:28 pm; -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks
•Dec. 1, Sunday, 5:13 pm; -0.9 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

I've got about 4 or 5 of those Tru Temper guns. Had to quit using as when I get down to pull the Clam out I have to much trouble trying to get back up on my feet.

But, now when I get a Clam, I don't have to get down on my knee and get all wet and sandy any more.

fp

Yep I have been a shovel guy for years. With the clam gun I don't have to worry about changing clothes for the ride home. Nothing wrong with shovels but the sooner I get home to clean clams the better. The tube just makes it easier.

Its a 3 hour plus drive each way for me. If its a 10:30 tide that means I get home around 2 AM and I still have to clean the clams before I call it a night.

So figure I can limit faster with a tube not have to change clothes ,that's saving me a good 30 mins of a minimum 7 hour trip for clams.

The ride sucks I would prefer to have a full vehicle to get more limits, but I must say trips with just my boy and I ,are priceless.