Clams are here for the taking. All that's needed is a minus tide, some simple tools, a little know-how and, in the case of razors, some fast action.
Most clamming enthusiasts spend their clamming energy on the summer months, but winter doesn't mean the end of clamming. Colder temp-eratures weed out real clammers from the fair-weather variety.
Sandy beaches north of Homer are perfect for finding razor clams. Check out the areas of Whiskey Gulch just north of Anchor Point, Deep Creek, Ninilchik and Clam Gulch. Littlenecks can be found on the south side of Kachemak Bay.
Before heading out read the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regu-lations. They specify the limit and size of clams that can be taken and whether or not you need a sportfishing license.
Razor clams will test your ability to move quickly. According to Fish and Game, the fastest reported descent of a razor clam is an inch per second. Remember razor clams got their name for a reason: the shells are razor sharp. Also remember Cook Inlet tides are fast moving. Keep one eye on the water's edge to ensure a way off the beach.
Popular locations for littlenecks are Jakolof and China Poot bays, as well as Sadie Cove. The ride across the bay is part of the fun, with local water taxis offering transportation from Homer to your destination of choice.
When you arrive, look for untouched areas, frequently covered in algae, and remove the bigger rocks. Using a garden or other type of rake, you'll generally find your prize in the sandy beach just below the surface to a depth of about five inches.
Clams tend to stay in groups. If you find one, others are usually in the neighborhood. Littlenecks are generally white, but can be brown or have brown markings. They grow to about two inches long.
Be sure the clam is alive by inspecting the muscle tissue near the neck. If you take a sub-legal clam, rebury it neck up. Littlenecks can't rebury themselves and will die if you don't do it for them.
Butter clams are often found in the same area as littlenecks. Their shells are thick, white and have heavy concentric rings without vertical ridges. Mature butter clams are three-five inches long.
The hardest part of clamming can be the cleaning, but the prize is worth the hard work. Razors are delicious in chowder or fried. Littlenecks and butter clams can be steamed and served on the shell with a side of herbed butter for dipping.
For more information, call Fish and Game at 235-8191. For an illustrated guide to digging razor clams, see the Web at www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/pdfpubs/clams.pdf.
