Clam Digging on Cape Cod
Aug 5th, 2004, 08:57 AM
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Clam Digging on Cape Cod
Hi!
I have some friends coming out to visit fair New England and they were interested in a clamming trip to Cape Cod. I have seen signs that advertised special day trips, but unfortunately I cannot remember any of the names of the operators. I have done a search on-line and it looks like you need a shellfish license, but they can get fairly expensive for a non-resident ($125/non-resident in Wellfleet!). Can anyone recommend any places that host clam digging days? Thanks for all your help in advance!
I have some friends coming out to visit fair New England and they were interested in a clamming trip to Cape Cod. I have seen signs that advertised special day trips, but unfortunately I cannot remember any of the names of the operators. I have done a search on-line and it looks like you need a shellfish license, but they can get fairly expensive for a non-resident ($125/non-resident in Wellfleet!). Can anyone recommend any places that host clam digging days? Thanks for all your help in advance!
Aug 5th, 2004, 01:25 PM
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Hey mikemo....can you really contract HepA or B from the clams? Just wondering because we're going back to Cape Cod in a few weeks, and the beach we were on had clams clickity clacking all along the water's edge, and I know my son got quite curious a few times and picked them up to check them out (of course, he always gently put them back)!
Aug 5th, 2004, 02:23 PM
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I thought eating raw shellfish posed a threat to those whose immune system is impaired (i.e. those with Hepetitis, etc). It is advised NOT to eat raw shellfish such as clams.
For more information about the potential dangers of raw seafood, call the FDA's Seafood Hotline at 1-800-332-4010
For more information about the potential dangers of raw seafood, call the FDA's Seafood Hotline at 1-800-332-4010
Aug 5th, 2004, 09:44 PM
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An interesting question, for sure!
I would think that in addition to the expensive license you would also need a shellfish rake and bucket at the very least.
The only place I have seen people doing this is at low-tide along the flats of Cape Cod Bay at Skaket Beach in Orleans.
There is the old Yankee saying "Only eat shellfish in months with an 'R'" which probably had more to do with local shellfishermen who did not keep their catch cool and away from the hot summer sun.
Your off-cape friends are most likely interested in "little neck" quohaugs which can be eaten raw rather than clams which have long-necks and are cooked as "steamers" or fried clams.
Most visitors to the Cape are content to go the multitude of seafood restaurants offering these delicacies of the sea without all the work. Plese let us know if you find these special day-trip operators.
I would think that in addition to the expensive license you would also need a shellfish rake and bucket at the very least.
The only place I have seen people doing this is at low-tide along the flats of Cape Cod Bay at Skaket Beach in Orleans.
There is the old Yankee saying "Only eat shellfish in months with an 'R'" which probably had more to do with local shellfishermen who did not keep their catch cool and away from the hot summer sun.
Your off-cape friends are most likely interested in "little neck" quohaugs which can be eaten raw rather than clams which have long-necks and are cooked as "steamers" or fried clams.
Most visitors to the Cape are content to go the multitude of seafood restaurants offering these delicacies of the sea without all the work. Plese let us know if you find these special day-trip operators.
Aug 11th, 2004, 07:09 AM
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Hi Gene,
I actually found a clamming trip operator in Oleans called Casey Jones (508) 896-4048. She has a commercial license and she takes people out and teaches them how dig for clams. The cost is $35 / person plus a small fee for a family license. So if you were ever curious...
Cheers!
I actually found a clamming trip operator in Oleans called Casey Jones (508) 896-4048. She has a commercial license and she takes people out and teaches them how dig for clams. The cost is $35 / person plus a small fee for a family license. So if you were ever curious...
Cheers!
Aug 15th, 2004, 04:58 AM
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such paranoia about Hepatitis!!! I have been eating clams out of Cape Cod bay my 45 years of life and have never had a problem. Be smart about it.....those on the surface, in warm tidal water with their shells open...that would be a "NO". The best clamming is off of Eastham/Wellfleet under the remnants of Billingsgate Island. A permit is required. And it is only accessible by boat (did I just give away a Cape Cod secret???). Check with the tour operators....if they are going there you are sure to have a legal and safe haul......still worried about health? Cook them......clams casino, fried clams, clam cakes, clam chowder, grilled clams.....
