2017 next Clam dig

The upcoming dig at Kalaloch is approved on the following dates and low tides:
Jan. 8, 2017, Sunday, 3:11 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Kalaloch
Jan. 9, Monday, 4:08 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Kalaloch

fp

That's the beach that my family and Cousins use to clam dig back in the late sixties and early seventies.

We have never been on that beach. Is Ruby beach part of Klalock beach?

fp

Ruby is north of the deadline at Beach 3

Thanks doc. So the only way to dig there is walk, or in my case, fall, down one of the trails?

fp

South Beach approach at the lower deadline looks like a 'no fall' zone. It's the second left after passing the mouth of the Queets.

There was a "overflow" RV area, South of the Kalaloch Camp ground. We had better view of the ocean there, than many of the camp spots in the big Kalaloch Campground.

I remember the that beach as being OK for digging.

Hi all,

Never done the clam thing. I thought it'd be a fun thing to try with my two boys - ages almost 5 and 2 and a half.

Anyone clam with kids this young? My wife would be along so we'd have a 1:1 adult to kid ratio for keeping a close eye (i.e. kid running towards surf).

Next questions. Looks like the weekend digs are in the evening.

If a low tide is at 6 pm, when do you usually start? Do you use headlamps? Lanterns?

Thanks!
John

5 yo could help I'm sure. Night digs either a lantern or headlamps work.

Right tide you could gettum 2 hours early. Bigger Clams usually show better the closer to low.

fp

Cool, thanks FP. We might shoot for a late February dig. If I understand you right, then, we could probably be digging from 4 pm on to the 6 pm low?

I'd rather avoid dealing with the dark.

What do I need? One of those clam guns made with PVC pipe?

PVC tubes work. I don't like night digging.

fp

This was back when I could dig. Gotta have a designated digger for me now, dag-gonnit!

https://youtu.be/vZE2gtKp5oQ

fp

Here's a little dark digging.

https://youtu.be/n90XrOX7sG8

fp

Here's the next one.

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
Jan. 13, Friday, 7:17 p.m.; -1.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 14, Saturday, 7:59 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 15, Sunday, 8:40 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

fp

If you have never done it, you better be darn careful with young kids, surf, and darkness. Surge can come way up suddenly even where it hasnt been for a while, a 2 year old kid isnt a good idea IMO. We have all seen grown ups dropped and dragged.

That Friday tide's a winner. Won't even have to dig in the surf to get nice ones at the low... er... I think.

Man, a -1.4 is crazy low for out here.

Anybody else clamming tonight?

Yup, with eyeFISH. Have a seat open if anybody needs a ride from Hoquiam.

Ya better hurry,

fp

Made it out to the krik with eyeFISH and Mr. Tanner for a dark dig. Limits for all and it wasn't that tough. I can say that as I can't dig anymore, Thanks doc!



fp

That was the easiest dig I've had all season!

Thanks to doc for digging my dinner.



fp

Just finished cleaning mine.

Went out with FleaFlickr02 and had to work HARD for 2 limits of clams. It was a 100% pound'em up show. Tide wasn't nearly as low as two nights before, and water was a bit more "surgey". Had a pretty good start with lotsa nice clams... but then they sorta "clammed up" and quit showing. It was pretty demoralizing when at one point we pounded THREE consecutive draws WITHOUT a single show.

Quite a few dinks in the mix making our way through the second limit, but had a strong finish with some nice BIG mossbacks on the last two draws.

Beautiful night on the beach. It was a veteran's game last night, but I'm a better digger today than I was yesterday because of it, and I really enjoyed the challenge. Had I been alone, I would have given up early. Thankfully, the Doc knows the pounding game well, so we ended up successful (although I think we spent over two hours getting there).

Another shout out to fp's clam tube design; without that tube, we agreed we wouldn't have been very successful, and I think an old school tube would have killed my back. Having dug clams like the pros do it (and having had a chance to compare it to the way I had been doing it), I think I'll be more successful, more often in the future.

Looking forward to frying some up later today.

Amazing how much different 0.6 feet can be! Easy dig on Saturday, had my 7 and 5 year olds out there with easy limits. I got mine in the surf early, then went up on the dry beach with the kids. And then on Sunday...totally different story. Not a show on the beach, took the kids home and had to work for mine in the surf. Even then, they weren't showing well. But got it done, and a very nice grade. Grade from Saturday was fantastic when we could pick and choose which holes to dig.

That's some big fat Mossbacks right there salty, cept that
green one, as it's a little thin nowadays!

fp

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:

Jan. 27, Friday, 6:26 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis
Jan. 28, Saturday, 7:01 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Copalis
Jan. 29, Sunday, 7:37 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 30, Monday, 8:13 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks
Jan. 31, Tuesday, 8:50 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks

The fp/eyeFISH crew gotter'dun tonight. Couple of us finished before sundown, but lanterns were eventually required to top off every bag of the 6-man crew.

As usual, Mrs fp had to show everyone how it was done.

Anyone wanna bet fp has a glory shot by lantern light? That's if'n he didn't "accidentally" delete them from his camera... again.

I'll take that bet!

What a great dig tonight. Dr. Macs, Dr. eyeFish, Butch, Robbie, Mrs. fp and yours truly fp. Very nice batch and will probably do it again tomorrow.

fp

Got a few of Mrs. fp's family out tonight. 7 limits about a hour.

It was a great day!

fp

Never have seen this before while cleaning. 3 similar damaged Clams with healed shell scars.

Anybody have an idea?

fp

Based on the location and geometry of the fractures, I would presume the damage was cause by shovel diggers.

They were either abandoned due to the digger knowingly having cracked the clam and moving on... OR... the digger was unable to retrieve the clam due to a large incoming wave/surge causing the digger to abort and retreat upbeach.

Most of those clams are toast, but obviously some survive the injury and heal their shells. The big key to survival is how much internal damage is done to the clam.

Biggest average I've seen in a 30 year career of chasing these bivalves. I didn't even touch anything under 4 1/2 inches. Wow! Managed to get em before dark last night and passed a steady stream of cars headed home around 6. Hopefully the tests south continue the decline those guys really need a $$ influx that the diggers bring. I stopped into the Local 3 weeks ago after digging the north beach.......there was 1 person at the bar. Me. Keep you fingers crossed.

deebow84 and Dr Macs rode out with me on the drizzly drive to the ocean. A little more breeze tonight but the clouds parted by the time we started with otherwise lovely conditions for another lantern dig.

Three limits in short order for my crew using solid teamwork to gitter'dun... all THREE pounding for shows, with only TWO doing the actual core extraction, while ONE held the lantern to make it all visibly possible.

Robbie and I got out there looking for eyeFISH and his crew. But, couldn't find them so we did our own thing and it was great. 1 digger and 1 oldguy with a stick.

fp

Good digging for us Friday, although we were a bit early and had to wait for the water to get out a bit more. But we JUST beat the need for a lantern, finishing with minutes to spare.

Word on the street is the south beach DA levels are on the drop(rumor only) Hope to see them open as the spring digs begin.

Then the Hillbillies might come out to play.

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
Feb. 7, Tuesday, 3:53 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 8, Wednesday, 4:46 p.m.; -0.6 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 9, Thursday, 5:33 p.m.; -0.9 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 10, Friday, 6:16 p.m.; -1.0 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 11, Saturday, 6:57 p.m.; -0.8 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 12, Sunday, 7:34 p.m.; -0.5 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors

fp

Great night to be a Clam digger! Monsters that Mrs. fp dug up.



fp

Just had to go one more time with this beautiful weather. eyeFish, Robbie and ol'fp put the hurt on'em.

fp

Quick question for you guys. I'm planning on the Mocrocks dig later this month. Never done the razor clam thing and I'm really excited. My wife and two little boys are joining as well.

Does my combo salt/freshwater license cover me?

And then my wife just needs a 3 day clam license?

Also, any idea if the Moclips River is open for fishing this time of year?

I'm also planning on trying the surf perch thing...

Thanks!

The best Perch fishing is at the North Jetty in Ocean Shores. If you can dig or turn over rocks to get some piling worms, nothing works better...it's like crack for Perch. You need to to find a rocky beach for gathering the worms. The beaches around here are all sand for the most part. A good place to get piling worms are at Alki Beach, just east of the main beach are some good size rocks you can flip over and collect them. Have fun.

P.S I don't know where you live, but any beach with good size rocks should be your Oyster.

Thanks. I'll be staying on the beach at Moclips - hope there are a few fish around there..

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
Feb. 23, Thursday, 4:42 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors
Feb. 24, Friday, 5:21 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 25, Saturday, 5:58 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 26, Sunday, 6:34 p.m.; -0.4 feet; Copalis, Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
Feb. 27, Monday, 7:11 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors
Feb. 28, Tuesday, 7:48 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors

fp

Got son David, Mrs. fp and ol'fp out in perfect weather for easy limits of pretty darn nice sized Razors today. Quite a few diggers out there but it was so easy pickens.

fp

Several years ago in their infinite wisdom WDFW proposed a rule change which the Commissin adopted making it illegal to harvest Unclassified Marine Invertebrates. See page 132 of the current regs which reads, in pertinent part, "An unclassified marine invertebrate is any shellfish species not defined as shellfish on page 11. Examples include: shore crabs, graceful crabs, sea stars, sand dollars, moon snails, shore snails, marine worms and nudibranchs. NO HARVEST ALLOWED."

Hate to see a guy get pinched....twice.

LarryB

WtF are shore crabs? Never heard such a thing.

fp

Everything you need to know about "shore crabs"....

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shore_crabs

TY DrifterWA

fp

Here is a WDFW link with some better pictures: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/identification.html.

Note that the term shore crab used in the regs really refers to two species in WA; both of the genus Hemigrapsus which is different than the North Atlantic/Baltic's shore crab (Carcinus maenasenus) shown in Drifter's link.

I happened to be in attendance when that rule change came before the Commission and it was pushed by Staff under the guise that Puget Sound beaches were being over harvested. Didn't ring true then and still does not plus additional info has come forth that the actual concern was regarding public beaches which comprise very little of the miles of P.S. beaches which owners strongly guard.

How be damn, hadn't heard about the pile worms.

Mrs. fp and ol'fp again to the krik. Beautiful weather, a bit of a crowd and limits around.

Ran into a good friend RWB as he was showing off his limit. Dandies!

fp

A dig for the record books. 3 limits 20 minutes from truck and back.

So good even fp dug his first Clams in 2 years. Feeling better finally.


Vehicles as far as I could see. And it was crowded.

fp

eyeFISH and fp went down for some 30 minute digging. Weather was good, traffic was good, shows were better than good. Eating will be really good. Gooder than good time.

fp

Not to mention fp dug that whole limit for himself for the first time in a couple years! Glad to have been a part of that milestone on your recovery from shoulder surgery, Freddie.

If'n I was smarter (ya know, with a bunch more alphabet soup at the end of my name) I'da made ya dig my limit as well! Mebbe next time?

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
March 7, Tuesday, 2:33 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Twin Harbors
March 8, Wednesday, 3:35 p.m.; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors
March 9, Thursday, 4:28 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
March 10, Friday, 5:13 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Copalis, Twin Harbors
March 11, Saturday, 5:54 p.m.; -0.3 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
March 12, Sunday, 7:31 p.m.; -0.1 feet; Copalis, Twin Harbors
March 13, Monday, 8:06 p.m.; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors

fp

We gain some more day light moving the clocks one hour forward on Saturday night.

JEEBUS are we there already?

Perfect day for Clams to die. 30 minutes from truck and back
to the truck.

fp

Same amount of daylight regardless of what the clock says.

Easy limits for Mrs. fp, buddies Dan, eyeFish, Dr. Macs. and myself today.

No rain but a bit of wind.

fp

fp and eyeFISH crews convened on the same patch of sand for nice limits around. Fantastic weather for a March dig!



Funny how only the ladies in our group were the only ones using shovels.

What a difference a day makes. 1 1/2 hours for 3 limits today. Didn't show at waters edge and had to dry dig for very few shows but we gottem before dark.

I'm tired, no pictures,

fp

Released today....

The proposed razor clam digs, along with evening low tides and beaches, are listed below:

March 24, Friday, 5:01 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
March 25, Saturday, 5:44 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis, Twin Harbors
March 26, Sunday, 6:24 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Mocrocks, Twin Harbors
March 27, Monday, 7:04 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors
__________________

Glad they gave us more options.

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and evening low tides:
March 24, Friday, 5:01 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Mocrocks
March 25, Saturday, 5:44 p.m.; 0.2 feet; Copalis
March 26, Sunday, 6:24 p.m.; 0.0 feet; Mocrocks

fp

No Twin Harbors now?????

You are correct.

fp

[Bleeeeep!]

Pushed the wrong button on my camera so deleted all but this picture from Mrs.fp's phone. Doc should have more.

Digging was pretty good but water didn't stay out long enough for a double on a wave. Weather was great, a few people and limits were the norm.

fp

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and morning low tides:
March 30, Thursday, 8:58 a.m.; -0.6 feet, Mocrocks
March 31, Friday, 9:47 a.m.; -0.6 feet, Copalis
April 1, Saturday, 10:40 a.m.; -0.5 feet, Mocrocks
April 2, Sunday; 11:39 a.m., -0.1 feet, Copalis

fp

What is your guess for the next opener? 10th?

13th

fp

Needed long arms today. They were deep but the good thing is we beat the rain.

fp

Almost have enough.

fp

Lotsa people, Lotsa people getting knocked down with lotsa enormous wave surges. Lotsa Clams.

Until next time America.

fp

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=13965089#post13965089

Those surges made for some challenging digging yesterday. I did alright, but everyone around me was flailing. Stopped at Twanoh on the way back to Seattle and got my oyster fix. Nice day overall.

The first four days of digging are approved on the following dates and evening low tides:
April 5, Wednesday, 3:06 p.m.; 0.5 feet; Twin Harbors
April 6, Thursday, 4:08 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
April 7, Friday, 5:01 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors
April 8, Saturday, 5:46 p.m.; 0.4 feet; Twin Harbors

The fifth day of digging will be conducted on morning tides, as will other digs through the end of the season:
April 9, Sunday, 6:25 a.m.; 0.5 feet; Twin Harbors

fp

Would appreciate some advice.

Wind forecast looks quite windy for Friday. Not as windy on Saturday and Sunday.

Are the forecasted wind/waves for Saturday and Sunday still too bad, or not a problem at all for clamming?

They all look to be WET.... with Saturday being the least.

As STRIKEZONE would say, marine forecast rather sux balz.

...

Friday
SE wind around 22 kt. Rain. W swell 13 ft becoming SW. Wind waves around 4 ft.

Friday Night
S wind around 21 kt. Showers. SSW swell 20 ft. Wind waves 3 to 4 ft.

Saturday
W wind 13 to 15 kt. Rain. WSW swell 11 ft. Wind waves around 2 ft.

Saturday Night
W wind 12 to 16 kt. A chance of showers. W swell 10 ft. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.

Sunday
S wind 12 to 18 kt. A chance of showers. W swell 8 ft. Wind waves 1 to 3 ft.

...

I still go when most others would puss out... but there's no way I'm digging on that Friday forecast.

Sat and Sun are do-able in my book, but it won't be fun.... esp for newbies.

Couple more points about wind/swell that I posted on the other board last weekend...

Bluebird day with no threat of wetness from above, but as fop said, the big swell made for some tremendous surges high up the beach. I saw several folks bowled over by the advancing water.

Very tempting to dig way down-beach as a big draw recedes, but do so only if you are agile enough to outrun the next surge up the beach. Saw one less-than-agile fella that got knocked down by the surf THREE separate times, but he insisted on going way down beach with each draw to risk more of the same!

One more tip.... when that water starts racing up the beach, GO WITH THE FLOW, allowing the advancing water to push you along like a friendly tail wind as you retreat up-beach. The flow can actually help you gently extend each stride as long as you go along with it. Don't try to resist the flow.... that just makes it all the more likely that the wave will knock you over.

....

Those comments describe a nice bluebird day with no rain. Swell was 11 ft with 12-13 knot WNW winds. Plan accordingly.

Friday
SE wind 14 to 19 kt becoming S 22 to 27 kt in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 kt. Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 11am. W swell 18 ft at 12 seconds becoming SSW. Wind waves 2 ft building to 6 ft.

Friday Night
SSW wind 16 to 26 kt, with gusts as high as 34 kt. Showers. SW swell 23 ft decreasing to 17 ft. Wind waves 6 ft subsiding to 2 ft.

Saturday
W wind 12 to 14 kt. Showers. W swell 12 to 13 ft. Wind waves around 2 ft.

Saturday Night
W wind 9 to 14 kt. A chance of showers. W swell 11 ft. Wind waves 1 to 2 ft.

Sunday
S wind 10 to 19 kt. Showers likely. W swell 8 ft. Wind waves 1 ft building to 4 ft.

Not zesty.

Bring your snorkel, Dan.....

STRONG SPRING STORM TO AFFECT THE AREA FRIDAY - CLAM DIG ALERT

Thursday April 6, 2017

The National Weather Service in Seattle has issued a HIGH WIND WATCH for the central coast, (Grays Harbor County), from 8am – midnight on Friday. Strong winds and rain will impact the coast in the morning, then taper off a bit before becoming strong again in the late afternoon and early evening. South winds are forecast to be 25 -40 mph sustained, gusting to 60 mph.

CLAM DIG ALERT

Associated with this storm will be growing surf conditions affecting the Clam Dig in Twin Harbors Friday evening. The Surf will grow to 22-28’ on Friday making beaches very hazardous with long wave run –up, potential for numerous sneaker waves, overtopping of piers and jetties and significant beach erosion. DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK TO THE SEA.

Be prepared for the possibility of localized power outages during this wind event due to broken branches, possible fallen trees and power lines.

Bring an umbrella, works good in that kinda weather.

fp

MMMMMMM, guess I'll not dig tomorrow............oh well, haven't dug in about 40 years.....but I enjoy seeing all the pics...

I do remember, night digs....had to leave parking lights on, or you might have a hard time finding it. NOT MANY PEOPLE WANTED TO NIGHT DIG. Seems that I remember being able to dig "about year around"....

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and morning low tides:
April 12, Wednesday, 8:08 a.m., 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
April 13, Thursday, 8:43 a.m., 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Long Beach
April 14, Friday, 9:18 a.m., 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach
April 15, Saturday, 9:55 a.m., 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Long Beach
April 16, Sunday, 10:36 a.m., 0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach

fp

The upcoming dig is approved on the following beaches, dates and morning low tides:
April 26, Wednesday, 7:09 a.m.; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Long Beach
April 27, Thursday, 7:55 a.m.; -1.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach
April 28, Friday, 8:42 a.m.; -1.8 feet, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Long Beach
April 29, Saturday, 9:32 a.m.; -1.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach
April 30, Sunday, 10:24 a.m.; -1.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis, Long Beach
May 1, Monday, 11:20 a.m.; -0.8 feet; Long Beach

Plus 25 Clam limit at Long Beach

fp

29 minute limits today.

fp

Here's something ya almost NEVER hear folks talk about.

When was the last time ya saw an Ornamental with a BULGING sac?

Just remember ya heard it here on PP first.

...


Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Sticking a fork in this spring dig. It was a good one.

fp

Season is over. We dug a bunch this year. Ate a lot, gave away a lot, froze and canned up enough for 29 jars for Mrs, fp's yummie Clam chowder.

See ya's next season,

fp

I hope to get 29 jars of freezer jam this year.