Confessions of a Maine Clam Digger

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Clam Diggers: A Way of Life and Livelihood on the Coast of Maine

Most regions of the country and the world have some unique ways of earning a living. Digging for clams in the coastal waters of Maine is a rugged way of life and often, as with commercial fishing, is passed down through generations of coastal families.

Clamming is also a great summer recreational activity, for families and visitors and a great way to get some exercise and fresh air in a beautiful setting.

Here is my lens salute to those hard working people who supply us with fresh clams all summer long, for our fried clam baskets and steamers!

The Isle of Squid

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Maine Clam Diggers in Action 

Maine Clam Diggers

A family tradition in Maine: two brothers display their life-long passion for digging clams.

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The Maine Method of Clamming 

F.Y.I.

In Maine clamming is done using a "clam hoe" or "rake," a "roller" and hip boots.

* The "clam hoe" is a pitchfork, cut-off approximately 18' from the tines and then bent at a 70 degree angle.

*The "roller" is a 1/2 bushel basket, built using wood lathes or wire and is used to carry the clams and to hold them for rinsing off.

*The hip boots keep the legs and feet warm and dry, as the tides are coming in, or going out, the water is very cold, even in the summer and the clam flats are often very mucky.

(Photo Courtesy of Flickr)

Professional Clammers in Action 

Clammers, 5 of 5 by *CA*

Maine Clammer

Clammers, 1 of 5 by *CA*

Clammer working the mud flats off Orrs Island, Maine

Clammers, 2 of 5 by *CA*

Maine Clammer

Clammers, 3 of 5 by *CA*

Maine Clammer

Clammers, 4 of 5 by *CA*

Maine Clammer

Digging clams... by wildlens2007

Blinding snow and wind didn't slow this clam digger down much, since he &quo...

Fishermen 8 by -epm

Clammers coming in for the day in Lubec, ME

Fishermen 5 by -epm

Clammers coming in for the day in Lubec, ME

Weighing Clams by -epm

Weighing Clams

_DSC6272.jpg by Medowin

Lonely clammer

How to Dig for Maine Clams 

For Fun or Profit

If you're coming to Maine for a vacation and looking for something fun to do at the coast, why not take the family clam digging. An inexpensive way to gather your dinner, and delicious, whether steamed or fried.

*Clamming is fairly easy to do and clams in Maine are plentiful. What better way to enjoy a nice summer day on the ocean with your family?

*First thing to do is stop by the local town office and get a license. Some towns sell a special day license for clamming and will be happy to tell you where you can go to find clams locally and what areas may be restricted.

*Next, you need your equipment, although it doesn't have to be very elaborate. You will need a clam basket, or small bucket to hold your clams in and a clam rake or something to dig with. Make sure you have gloves on, as the clam shells are very sharp.

*You need to go to the clam flats, at low tide, or when the tide is going out, so consult the local tide charts, available at many places including the internet.

*Okay, now you're at the clam flats, what next? Just walk around and look for holes in the sand/mud, approximately the circumference of your index finger. Then dig down approximately 12 inches and you've got your clam! Be careful not to break the clam while digging and watch out for the sharp edges.

*Now that you've got the technique down, your goal is to try and harvest enough for a meal, before the tide comes in again and washes away your opportunity.

*Even if you are not fortunate enough to gather your dinner, you've had a great time in the fresh, ocean air and some great exercise. Be thankful you're not doing it to earn a living! You can always stop at the local clam shack for a fried clam basket, or a lobster and steamers.

(Photo Courtesy of Flickr)

Maine Recreational Clamming 

Clam digging in Maine by Josh and Melanie Rosenthal

Clam Digging Saco Maine

3-papa clammer by Katertot

Digging Clams

2-helperclammer by Katertot

Digging Clams

5-Lots and Jeff by Katertot

Supervising Clam Digging

Clam Digging! by rowdehchickpea

Clammin' in Maine...yes...I ate them!

Maine Clam Digger Official Clothing 

Happy as a Clam Digger Green T-Shirt

A must have item to demonstrate your prowess as a Clam Digger!

Price: 16.99 Buy Now

Clam Digger Sweatshirt

It can be pretty cool at the ocean, be prepared in your official Clam Digger Sweat!

Price: 32.99 Buy Now

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The Maine Clam Flats

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Group Discussion and Comments 

Thank You!

Lensmaster

CT wrote

Hi, I develop advance marine technologies that might be of use with claming atleast walking on the Clam Flats if anyone is interested and needing help being able to increase there productivity send me a line.

chris@tacticaloperationstech.com

Reply Posted January 13, 2009

Lensmaster

Stephen D wrote

Hi I would like to become a clamer for a living, can someone one point me to someone that can help me get started clamming in Maine?

Thank you

sderdau@gmail.com

Reply Posted October 06, 2008

ElizabethJeanAllen wrote...

Living in the hot, humid south, Maine has always fascinated me. I would love to go clam digging along the beach.
Great lens.
Lizzy

ReplyPosted August 03, 2008

tdove wrote...

Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

ReplyPosted June 19, 2008

Lensmaster

Great Lens 5* and welcome to Travelmania Group!
Tapir Travel

ReplyPosted June 15, 2008

 
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Maine Clam Blogs 

Signs of Maine: Making a living in Maine
Blood worms are found in the tidal flats of local rivers and digging for them (akin to digging clams) is back-breaking work. I'll be documenting more signs of how Mainers make ends meet in future posts. Stay tuned... at 2:28 PM ...
RED menace - Bangor Daily News
Hutchinson has been digging for clams in the area for about 30 years and said there has not been a red tide closure in more than 20 years. ?We get shut down if it rains too much, just like a couple weeks ago, but red tide hasn't been a problem here. ... They are banned from harvesting mahogany clams.Maine's Department of Marine Resources on Thursday closed all of Cobscook Bay and much of the Down East coast due to historic levels of toxic red tide algae. ...
Civil Eats » Blog Archive » Make This July 4th Your Food ...
A sustainable food advocate who campaigned for the Obamas to plant a garden at the White House has now received pledges from several governor's offices to feature local foods on their Fourth of July menus, from Maine lobster to South Dakota ... He also plans to dig clams from a local flat. ?This is an opportunity to celebrate our food culture,? he said. P.S. from the author of this post, aka Victory Grower: Today, a group of Food and Society Policy Fellows gathered on the ...

The End of the Day and Time to Eat 

What Else but Clams!

Ready To Dig In by Joe Shlabotnik

Lunch time at the Clam Shack

4. Fried whole-belly clams, lobster roll by janeymoffat

Fried Whole-Belly Clams

Clams by scrappymoduinne

Steamer Clams

2. Delicious lunch at the Clam Shack by janeymoffat

Clam Shack

Fried Clams by Joe Shlabotnik

Clam Baskets w/ Fries

Maine Coastal Guide 

Great Destinations The Coast of Maine Book, April 17, 2001
By A Customer

My family and I recently visited Maine and in preparation we purchased Great Destinations The Coast of Maine Book to get an idea of what we wanted to see. I found this book to be very clear and concise. It was extremely helpful in giving us an overview of what we wanted to see and do whilst in Maine. The coastline was as beautiful as the book depicted and I would recommend buying this book and also visiting this tremendous State.

by gmarlett

Hello, I am Greg Marlett, a retired rehabilitation counselor. I am originally from the midwest, but have lived in New England for the past 30 years an... (more)
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