Top Tips For Razor Clamming - The Perfect Tide (2024)

Last Updated: Feb 15, 2024 by Suzy Sakamoto · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

What are the top tips for Razor clamming? You didn't have to ask me twice! These are great tips for beginners and those returning to this fun Pacific Coast sport. Our family has dug razor clams for decades, and I'm sharing my best tips and tricks so you can successfully dig your limits!

So, if you're out for the first time, or it's been a while, keep these tips in mind and go get 'em!

When to plan a dig?

Plan your clamming trip for when the tide is at or below -0.7.

This isn't a hard rule, but a good starting point for making sure the tide is low enough for clam shows! Here's more info on the clamming tides if you need a brief explanation.

The best time to go clamming?

When you have a day in mind but not sure what time to head to the beach?

The best time to go is 1-2 hours prior to low tide. If it's not a very low tide, 0.0 or above, go 15 minutes before low tide. You will have much more success if you head to the beach BEFORE a clam tide. Once it's at it's lowest point, it will start rising and that's what we're avoiding by showing up early.

What kind of weather should I look for?

Go on a sunny or cloudy day.

If it's raining, it can be more challenging to spot the shows. Look for a clear day, even if you have to wait it out for spring or fall tides. It's worth it!

What do clam shows look like?

Know what you're looking for!

There are multiple clam shows. Some are holes in the ground and are very obvious, others, you have to work at a little bit more.

How do you get razor clams to show?

There are a few secrets to making the clams show when they're not budging. My personal favorite is tapping on the ground with your clam gun. Another great one is stomping around. Doing this can aggravate them and get them to reveal their location! This will look like a little swirl with a hole appearing shortly after.

How to NOT crush your clams!

Point the clam gun at an angle away from the beach.

Here's how we dig for clams with a gun and a shovel, this has all the information you need to have a successful dig and come out with most of your clams in one piece! Biggest tip here is to angle the top of your clam gun away from the beach ever-so-slightly.

What tools do I need for razor clam digging?

This is the full guide with every tool, gear, and set-up you will for razor clamming. I go into detail on what you need for night clamming, which is a whole other beast on it's own!

Brief summary on what you need:

• Shellfish license
• Clam gun
• Clam net or bucket to collect your razor clams
• Optional: waders, gloves, etc.

What is the best way to store razor clams overnight?

When we hit the beach at night, we often store our razor clams overnight to clean the next morning. Here's the best way to store them. If you have more questions on this, or you want other storing methods, look through my article on storing razor clams.

If it's cold enough outside, place the clams in a DRY cooler.

If it's a warmer day, place ice in a double bag, then put the clams on top. The goal is to keep them dry.

What is the best way to clean razor clams?

This is the way our family has cleaned razor clams for decades.

Have more questions? Reach out below or contact me. Here's my FULL Razor Clamming Guide.

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