THE BLOG

ABOUT

I met Dave Allard and his buddy Leo a few years ago on a Razor Clam adventure near Copalis Beach, WA. These two seasoned clam diggers quickly showed me that I had a lot to learn if I was going to efficiently harvest Razors on the Washington Coast.  Collectively, these two varsity clam diggers have over 70 years of experience on the beach.  They are dialed in and have all all the tools and know all the tricks.

Without a doubt, one of the keys to a successful clamming experience is using the right equipment.  Dave soon introduced me to his Razor Vac clam gun.  I bought one and have never looked back.  I quickly threw all of my plastic clam guns away.  His aluminum gun vs. plastic guns are like comparing a Porsche to a Pinto 🙂  I think back over the years how many of those plastic guns that broke and I kept buying replacements.  The Razor Vac I have now will last me a lifetime.

Dave manufactures his clam guns in Sequim, WA.  His attention to detail and the unique performance characteristics of his Razor Vac clam guns are unprecedented in the industry.  Made in USA and built for ease of use and longevity!

DESIGN FEATURES & PERFORMANCE

You won’t find a better claim gun on the market.  Two of the important characteristics that distinguish Dave’s aluminum gun from other clam gun manufacturers are as follows:

1. Elliptical Tube – Allows for easier insertion into the sand
2. Unique Vacuum Release Vent – Allows for easier removal of sand.

DURABILITY

Razor Vac’s sturdy, lightweight aluminum 6″ X 4″ Tube dimension allows for less shell breakage.  You have a choice of vent hole on either the top or on the bottom of the handle.  Dave also has the ability to custom build taller or shorter models.

K9 CLAM APPRENTICE – “AUSIE”

I quickly learned that Leo’s dog Ausie was one of the best clammer’s on the entire beach 🙂  She’s definitely the smartest Australian Shepard I’ve ever met.  Her keen sense of awareness, and determination to wade out into the surf almost to her head to help locate clams, is quite courageous and impressive.

HOW TO DIG RAZORS

The best digging occurs about 1-2 hours before low tide.  The first thing to look for is a clam “show”.  The weather may play a big factor in determining if the razor clams are “showing” good.  The 3 kinds of “shows” and key indicators are as follows:

• Keyhole:   This is shaped like an hour-glass and is a hole with very distinct sides.
• Dimple:  A minor depression in the sand.
• Doughnut:  A depression with raised sides.

The rule of thumb is the larger the whole, the larger the clam.  Razor clams often show at the edge of the surf line when you pound the sand with a handle or stomp with your foot.  Occasionally, there necks will be protruding through the sand and they may squirt sand and water out of the hole where they are located.

RECOMMENDED GEAR

Here’s a list of some of the essential items to bring with you on your razor clam adventure.

• RAZOR VAC CLAM GUN
• HEADLAMP AND/OR LANTERN
• RUBBER BOOTS OR WADERS
• WARM JACKET
• CLAM NET OR BUCKET
• LICENSE
• TIDE BOOK
• WARM JACKET & HAT

CLEANING & PROCESSING

Clean the clams as soon as possible.  Keep them cool, put them either in the refrigerator or on ice immediately.  Unlike hard clams, they do not have to purge sand.

Click on this link for more detailed info WDFW Cleaning Razors.

RECIPES

There are a variety of recipes for cooking razor clams.  Click on this link for more info WDFW Razor Recipes.

REGULATIONS

Razor clams are closely managed by WDFW by analyzing clam population levels.  Prior to harvesting, check the beach to determine if the beach is open or if there are any restrictions.  The marine toxin level restrictions can be found by calling the Marine Biotoxin Hotline maintained by Washington Department of Health at 1-800-562-5632.

Razor clam diggers age 15 and over must have an applicable 2015-16 fishing license to harvest razor clams on state beaches.  Fishing licenses are available by visiting the department’s website and from various licensed vendors around the state.  A reminder that fishing licenses expire March 31st.

BAG LIMIT

Regardless of size, the first fifteen razor clams must be retained.  Only one daily limit in possession per clam digger.  Holes for razor clams do not have to be refilled as is required for hard shell clam digging.

Each clam digger must have their own net or bucket, no sharing clam containers.

WHEN & WHERE

For updates on upcoming digs, visit the WDFW website by clicking here Current Razor Clam Season.

WDFW Will post pending razor dates & final approval is announced one week prior to the dates pending marine toxin tests.

The 5 locations along the 56 miles of razor clam beaches on the Washington Coast are as listed below.  Kalaloch is currently closed due to low populations, but WDFW is monitoring these populations closely.

1. Mocrocks
2. Copalis
3. Twin Harbors
4. Long Beach
5. Kalaloch

The upcoming digs for this weekend at Mocrocks are as follows:

• March 25, Friday, 8:31am, 0.7 feet, Mocrocks
• March 26, Saturday, 9:06am, 0.6 feet, Mocrocks
• March 27, Sunday, 9:42am, 0.7 feet, Mocrocks

STOP BY & VISIT DAVE

During the razor clamming season, you’ll find Dave Allard set up across from the Green Lantern Pub in Copalis Beach.  Stop by and say hello and check out his clam guns, lantern stands and clam bags – (Dave’s Contact # 360-775-5503).  He’s a very hard working, experienced & talented craftsman, with a great sense of humor!

Follow the clam diggers.  Look for people on the beach whom are successfully harvesting clams.  This is where you should start searching for your razor clams.  Also, don’t forget to involve the kids.  Depending upon their age, kids can participate by putting clams in the bag, measuring and/or counting or playing on the beach.  Always put SAFETY FIRST.  Ocean surf and conditions can change rapidly and one needs to constantly be aware of their surroundings while on the beach.

So, look at the WDFW calendar, and plan an escape to the beach with the family and dig some razor clams.  Make sure to stop by in advance and say hello to Dave and check out his exceptional Razor Vac clam guns & accessories!