Clam diggers will get another chance to dig fresh razor clams for the holidays with a five-day opening beginning Friday, Dec. 19, including openings on four coastal beaches.
The state Department of Fish &Wildlife approved the dig, which runs through Dec. 23, after marine toxin tests showed the clams are safe to eat. Digging is allowed only after noon all five days at Long Beach and Twin Harbors beaches, with digging allowed on Mocrocks Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Copalis Beach will open for one day on Saturday only.
Dan Ayres, Fish &Wildlife coastal shellfish manager, recommends clam diggers bring lanterns and come prepared for cold, wet weather, noting the best digging typically occurs one to two hours before low tide.
“This late-December opener will be a great time to stock up on razor clams,” Ayres said. “Smoked razor clams can make a tasty appetizer at a holiday gathering.”
Smoked clams will keep in the refrigerator for two or three weeks.
Digging days and evening tides during the upcoming opening are:
• Friday, Dec. 19; 4:41 p.m., 0.0 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Saturday, Dec. 20; 5:23 p.m., -0.6 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Copalis
• Sunday, Dec. 21; 6:06 p.m., -1.1 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
• Monday, Dec. 22; 6:48 p.m., -1.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Tuesday, Dec. 23; 7:31 p.m., -1.3 feet, Long Beach, Twin Harbors
Fish &Wildlife has proposed another dig for the end of the year beginning on Dec. 31, if upcoming marine toxin tests are favorable.
The schedule also proposes three more multi-day digs through February.
Under state law, diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2014-15 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.
Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on the department’s website at http://ift.tt/1czn9Tv and from license vendors around the state.
Fish &Wildlife has razor clam recipes as well as advice on digging and cleaning clams on its webpage at http://ift.tt/18hSAzn.
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