Colin - 4-3-2005 at 11:03 PM
Hi,
What's the preferred method for digging clams in Baja? I've done it in Oregon with a shovel ... we just look for the little tubes sticking out of the
muck, and then dig like hell. I've heard of people using a rake in baja. How is this done?
Also, are there any times of year when the clams aren't safe to eat in Baja?
Sharksbaja - 4-3-2005 at 11:21 PM
Welcome aboard mate;
check these threads, especially Pompanos and also do a search.
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9418#pid71191
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=9056#pid67361
If you see red tides on the Pacific or any algal blooms, refrain from shellfish for at least a week thereafter it stops before harvesting.
David K - 4-4-2005 at 07:29 AM
Someone is sure to tell you that it is illegal for non-Mexicans to collect clams (or any shellfish)... But, to answer your question, on the gulf side,
the clams are small and you feel them with your toes, just under the sand... in about knee deep water at low tide... in places like Concepcion Bay and
L.A. Bay (Bahis de los Angeles)... As they are steamed open and dipped in melted butter (be sure to bring)... they are called 'Butter Clams'. The
slightly larger, dark brown ones are called 'Chocolates' (cho-co-lah-tays).
On the west coast, where there are Pismo Clams...
vgabndo - 4-4-2005 at 08:19 AM
Normally we probe with a manure fork. However, many years ago a local in Santa Rosaliita showed me how, when the tide is very low, and the receding
wave is almost gone with only a skim of water left, to look for little "wakes" and pelos verdes. A happy Pismo will rest with its hinge just below the
surface, and a tiny parasitic green "moss" growing on his hinge will be visible at the apex of the wake. You can dig them by hand. It was one of the
tastiest illegal chowders ever. We never take them if they are smaller than your hand.
Leave them overnight in cold sea water, and they will expell most of the sand from their systems.
clams
fishinrich - 4-4-2005 at 08:55 AM
colin--On the cortez side you will need a 5 gallon bucket and on the pacific side you will also need to include a pitch fork. On the cotez in some
spots you can still find them in the shallows but your best claming will be done in 10' of water with mask,fins and snorkel. Small butter clams and
larger chocolate clams will be your main target. Nice flat sandy bottoms is where they live. Look for there breathing holes about the diamiter of a
cigarette butt, they are just under the sand. On the pacific side pismo clams are your target and can be dug along just about any sandy beach. Low
tide is best and working a pitch fork in the sand works real well. Now lets eat them---butter and chocolates I first make a nice broth and then steam
the clams in it, as soon as they open they are done. The broth is good for dipping or I save it to cook my rice in. The pismos I like on the
grill---Open them up and save the juice, chop clam meat with other favorite ingredients and juice, stuff back in shell, wrap in foil and grill for 1/2
hour. As with all clams they will need time to purge the sand out of there system. Keep them in a bucket of saltwater and change it a few times
during the day.If you dig them early they will be ready by dinner. There a lots of ways to eat these tasty treats. fishin rich