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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curated content from YouTube

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)

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

curated content from Flickr

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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Maine Clam Blogs 

Lonely Sidecar: Foraging in Maine: Mussels, Clams, and Lobsters
The shores of the Maine island we were staying on were littered with mussels and clams, although you had to dig for the clams. Can you imagine just how great it must be, digging in the mud for your food??? Sometimes you dig your toes in ...
Favorite Posts of 2009: February
How Real Men Sleep (February 5) Unfortunately, this post is becoming more relevant by the day. Broadening Horizons: Clam Digging (February 10) A short profile of two Maine clammers. The Sportswriter: Thoughts on Tonight's US vs. ...
Maine clammer died of drowning
PERRY, Maine (AP) ? The Maine medical examiner's office says an eastern Maine man who went missing while clam digging last week died by accidentally drowning.

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

Fried Clams by Joe Shlabotnik

Clam Baskets w/ Fries

curated content from Flickr

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 enjoy writing and blogging. Please visit my lenses and I welcome your feedback.
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