BajaNomad - Clam and Shrimp guns

Clam and Shrimp guns

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-15-2009 at 10:38 AM

Good Morning All
We will be leaving February 1st for our first trip down to Baja and the Mulege area.Up North here on the coast I used a shrimp gun to catch Sand Shrimp for bait for fishing.Do you have sand shrimp there and should I bring it ?
I also used Clam guns to suck up the clams .Will that work down there, and what is the season for them?
Thanks, Have a good day
See you all soon
John& Rita

mulegemichael - 1-15-2009 at 10:46 AM

leave the guns home; they'll be useless to you down here...the clams are found about 1" under the sand...no sand shrimp...bring down a little hand held garden scratcher for the clams; that's all you'll need..

Skipjack Joe - 1-15-2009 at 11:07 AM

There are ghost shrimps in the lagoons of the pacific side of baja. I have never used them in either the states or in baja but have seen others use them. Specifically at Laguna Manuela.

I'm sure they make great bait but as the man said the fishing is so good you really don't need to go to all this trouble.

Bajahowodd - 1-15-2009 at 11:09 AM

Ah. The beautiful coast of Montana.

David K - 1-15-2009 at 11:17 AM

I watched ghost shrimp being sucked up (for bait) by one of those 'guns' south of San Felipe... surprisingly effective!

The butter clams are right on the surface or just under... at the end of the track they leave at low tide. Of course the taking of any live shellfish by non-Mexicans is illegal (clams, lobsters, crabs) and must be purchased from locals.

mulegemichael - 1-15-2009 at 02:24 PM

yeah, that's right...i don't know ANYONE down here that harvests clams...good one, david

David K - 1-15-2009 at 05:57 PM

Yah, an insider joke... right along with the maximum speed of 80 kph, and beach driving south of San Felipe! Let those without sin cast the first stone!

DianaT - 1-15-2009 at 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yah, an insider joke... right along with the maximum speed of 80 kph, and beach driving south of San Felipe! Let those without sin cast the first stone!

But driving does not take away the means of financial support from the locals---

Diane

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-15-2009 at 06:31 PM

So from what I am hearing even with a Fishing license I will not be able to clam, and use my crab traps down there.is this Correct?

Udo - 1-15-2009 at 06:40 PM

You are correct AMR, however, good luck in getting caught. There is no one around to enforce the regulations, such as the DFG in the US who seem to be everywhere in the US.

David K - 1-15-2009 at 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Yah, an insider joke... right along with the maximum speed of 80 kph, and beach driving south of San Felipe! Let those without sin cast the first stone!

But driving does not take away the means of financial support from the locals---

Diane

There really are beaches in Baja that have clams and NOBODY is anywhere near there, for miles and miles... really!

Yes, the purpose of the rule is to conserve some industry for locals (where there are locals) and I fully support dealing with locals to buy shellfish or go boat fishing... like Juan at Bahia Asuncion!

this one existed

woody with a view - 1-15-2009 at 08:24 PM

and it was awesome.... IF there was a local, there was but why would they drive 25 miles each way just to dig out some clams for us and share our refrescos? well we'd just be typical gringos and share what we had with them and then over pay for their services that day.

instead we fend for ourselves because no one else is there to care.... why would you?

[Edited on 1-16-2009 by woody in ob]

DSC_0027.JPG - 48kB

folks

woody with a view - 1-15-2009 at 08:39 PM

life is short...enjoy some of it occasionally...hell, indulge once in awhile!

NO ONE IS INNOCENT!!!!!!!

100_1424.jpg - 49kB

DianaT - 1-15-2009 at 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
I eat the clams I dig up......they are still just as plentiful as when I first did it.
Yum.......

Guess to keep things fair, I need to pick on you and Woody so DK doesn't feel alone.

I do hope you enjoyed the clams. If anyone is willing to pay the price if caught, then they are free to break the law. Heck Camus even felt is was OK to kill his mother, if it was right for everyone. The Stranger was such a good book and covered all situations like this so well.

John, bottom line is ---it is illegal, but some do it anyway. So to be consistent, they must believe it is OK for everyone to do same.

Also, do remember that this is a forum only, nothing more---not to be taken seriously, IMHO. I sure don't
Diane

bajaguy - 1-15-2009 at 09:13 PM

Getting back to clams........I like mine with butter and garlic

"Illegal"

bombero - 1-16-2009 at 07:10 AM

Having been a been to Baja many times since 1975 I have been guilty of having a few "Illegal" shellfish dinners. I broke the Law. However I brake the Law every time I visit Baja by bringing clothes,shoes, tools,household appliances, and many other things to needy friends and strangers. A few seafood dinners----------a few hundred pounds of needed clothing tools household items, a few broken laws, a lot of happy people! I try to give back to Baja far more than I take.

Russ - 1-16-2009 at 08:21 AM

bombero ~~ Exactly!

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-16-2009 at 08:44 AM

Baja Nomads
I am sorry about causing such a up roar.I do not no the laws there.All I did was ask a simple question,I am 1450 miles from the boarder.
I am 54 years old, had 4 back operations.I was bed ridden for years.If it wasn't for help from my family I would have been homeless living on the streets.I am not on Social Security Disability.We sold our home and purchased a drug infusion system implanted in my body.( $27,000)
Yes , I still have my aches and pains but I thank God for another shot at life,, being able to walk and enjoy life again. I try to be positive, polite and do not complain.There are others out there who are still bed ridden.I scratch out a living the best I can. We have been saving up and planing this trip for years.If gas prices were not so low we could not do this trip.
Because of all this , I am a more compassionate person and contribute to society. I feel I am a better better person.
Due to my health ,What ever I do is on a limited basis. You do not have to worry about me raping and pillaging the environment and taking income away from the locals.
John

I'm

BajaRob - 1-16-2009 at 08:45 AM

with Terry, steamed with butter and garlic. I thought that was what this thread was about. What's with the personal attacks?

DianaT - 1-16-2009 at 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bombero
Having been a been to Baja many times since 1975 I have been guilty of having a few "Illegal" shellfish dinners. I broke the Law. However I brake the Law every time I visit Baja by bringing clothes,shoes, tools,household appliances, and many other things to needy friends and strangers. A few seafood dinners----------a few hundred pounds of needed clothing tools household items, a few broken laws, a lot of happy people! I try to give back to Baja far more than I take.

OK, guilty but to me there are a few ways of looking at a law--

1. Yes, it is a law that is good for society at all times even if it was not written.

2. Yes it is a law that is good for society, but mainly for others.

3. Yes, it is a law that if good for society, except under certain circumstances, the circumstances selected by the offender. But others should follow the law.

4. It is a law that either does not make any sense OK that no one pays any intention to it. Condition that for one to break that law they must believe that it is OK for EVERYONE to break that law at all times.

5. A really unjust law that should be activitly protested.

Everyone, IMHO, is inconsistent at times, but I have the most trouble with number 3---and the least trouble with number 4.

So if I was to believe that the illegal taking of shell fish was ok, I would believe that the taking of shell fish for everyone was ok everywhere and under all circumstances.

None of this is absolute, of course, because number 4 and number 5 involve lots of different perspectives of fair and unjust.

JMHO
Diane

dtbushpilot - 1-16-2009 at 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
Baja Nomads
I am sorry about causing such a up roar.I do not no the laws there.All I did was ask a simple question,I am 1450 miles from the boarder.
I am 54 years old, had 4 back operations.I was bed ridden for years.If it wasn't for help from my family I would have been homeless living on the streets.I am not on Social Security Disability.We sold our home and purchased a drug infusion system implanted in my body.( $27,000)
Yes , I still have my aches and pains but I thank God for another shot at life,, being able to walk and enjoy life again. I try to be positive, polite and do not complain.There are others out there who are still bed ridden.I scratch out a living the best I can. We have been saving up and planing this trip for years.If gas prices were not so low we could not do this trip.
Because of all this , I am a more compassionate person and contribute to society. I feel I am a better better person.
Due to my health ,What ever I do is on a limited basis. You do not have to worry about me raping and pillaging the environment and taking income away from the locals.
John

Sorry about your thread going in the crapper Aspen. I guess you could take jdtrotter's advise and not read it but that would pretty much defeat the purpose of posting a question in the first place.

The question was asked and answered. Yes, it's illegal. No, you won't get arrested. Sure, go ahead and dig some up and eat them. There won't be any locals there willing to dig them for you so maybe if you buy something from the guys selling the jewelery etc. it will even out your karma.

Hope you have a great trip, be careful, take lots of pictures and remember to post a trip report.....dt

DianaT - 1-16-2009 at 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot

Quote:

Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
You do not have to worry about me raping and pillaging the environment and taking income away from the locals.
John

Yes, it's illegal. No, you won't get arrested. Sure, go ahead and dig some up and eat them.
dt

John from the e-mails we have shared and knowing where you live, I have no doubt about your last statement. Are you still thinking about the boat idea?

DT---IMHO, that advice could be dangerous depending on the area.

Diane

dtbushpilot - 1-16-2009 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot

Quote:

Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
You do not have to worry about me raping and pillaging the environment and taking income away from the locals.
John

Yes, it's illegal. No, you won't get arrested. Sure, go ahead and dig some up and eat them.
dt

You're right, I'm sorry, let me try again: No Aspen, never dig your own clams. It's illegal and you can, and probably will be thrown in one of those Mexican jails that we've all heard about. Be sure to buy all of your shellfish from local vendors and be sure to get a "cirtificate of authenticity" assuring that they were caught by locals so that you won't be acused of digging them yourself. Don't drive over the speed limit either, it's illegal too.

I hope I've reversed the wrong that I carelessly committed. Have a great trip Aspen.....dt

Skipjack Joe - 1-16-2009 at 12:05 PM

Given your health problems, I just want to say that you've made a great decision to visit baja at this time. It will help you 'catch up' on all that you missed during your difficulties. I can only explain it by saying that the world seems more alive when you're down there. Look at Russ's picture this morning in the photo gallery and you'll see what I mean.

AspenMeadowRanch - 1-16-2009 at 12:09 PM

Passing up on the 24 footer.With my camper on the truck that is too much boat for it.So I am just hauling down my 21 foot Bayliner.
I found a used 24 foot imp with a cuddly cabin,merc # 3 out drive and trailer , with some electronics on the boat in San Diego.The boat is in excellent condition.They are selling it for 3,500.The trailer alone is worth 3.
If anyone is interested I can hook you up with him.
John

Sharksbaja - 1-16-2009 at 12:35 PM

What a great way to meet us Nomads. I like the way this subject focuses on our moral and ethical behavior. It really is a big controversial issue.

While I don't think an occasional clam or two will deprive any Mexican, the law is a fact. Now you should decide what the prudent approach should be. That may be a little tough if you are not familiar with Baja.

Breaking laws in Mexico may or may not be something a new arrival to Mex would want to practice. You'll have to be the judge of that.

Mexico has some laws that are just as silly as ours. I actually don't see this law that way.

Growing up in SoCal I was happy to have shellfish regularly.

Children didn't need a license to take. Something happened in the 70s and the shellfish went away. I blamed the Vietnamese who I would regularly see raping the reefs of all living things. That bothered me greatly.

I'm not saying that a few clams will ruin the fishery, rather understand that the Mexican people might have a different opinion about you taking clams........ anywhere in Mexico because it is against the law. It certainly is in a different category than speeding on the hiway.

You have to weigh it out. Don't let some forum junkie decide this for you.

I think the Baja sunshine will help you forget the pain.

Look for clams at the roadside stands in San Quintin, Guerrero Negro. Keep an eye out for signs that say "almejas".

If you find yourself on a deserted beach with huge clams freshly washed up on the beach do what is appropriate.

How's that for staying neutral! :lol:

Welcome to Nomads. Have fun in Baja. No worries please.

dtbushpilot - 1-16-2009 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
What a great way to meet us Nomads. I like the way this subject focuses on our moral and ethical behavior. It really is a big controversial issue.

While I don't think an occasional clam or two will deprive any Mexican, the law is a fact. Now you should decide what the prudent approach should be. That may be a little tough if you are not familiar with Baja.

Breaking laws in Mexico may or may not be something a new arrival to Mex would want to practice. You'll have to be the judge of that.

Mexico has some laws that are just as silly as ours. I actually don't see this law that way.

Growing up in SoCal I was happy to have shellfish regularly.

Children didn't need a license to take. Something happened in the 70s and the shellfish went away. I blamed the Vietnamese who I would regularly see raping the reefs of all living things. That bothered me greatly.

I'm not saying that a few clams will ruin the fishery, rather understand that the Mexican people might have a different opinion about you taking clams........ anywhere in Mexico because it is against the law. It certainly is in a different category than speeding on the hiway.

You have to weigh it out. Don't let some forum junkie decide this for you.

I think the Baja sunshine will help you forget the pain.

Look for clams at the roadside stands in San Quintin, Guerrero Negro. Keep an eye out for signs that say "almejas".

If you find yourself on a deserted beach with huge clams freshly washed up on the beach do what is appropriate.

How's that for staying neutral! :lol:

Welcome to Nomads. Have fun in Baja. No worries please.

Well put Sharks. I felt the same way but couldn't say it as eloquently as you. Thanks for the best reply so far....dt

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-16-2009 at 02:26 PM

What a crock that a foreigner cannot harvest a couple of clams to eat. That peees me off. I can see a person getting into trouble if they are harvesting for commercial purposes, but c'mon. personal consumption it's petty.

LancairDriver - 1-16-2009 at 03:43 PM

DK, if you said the world was round the same one's would roundly trash you and insist it's flat. Don't let it stop your posts, there are those of us here who appreciate your input.

Sharksbaja - 1-16-2009 at 03:49 PM

It does seem trifle but shellfish like abalone and lobster are easily depleted. What was done to Bahia Concepcion was a lesson in "how to destroy a vital fishery). Yes, clams. What went out with the clams were many other species all the way up to apex predators including whales.

I'm not making a comparison with the occasional clam but it's like a good Steelhead hole or mushroom patch. Tell yer friends and they will arrive.

Now if they are really greedy and oblivious they will fill up a truck with em and hand them out to their friends and favorite restaurant. There are many people who exploit natural resources under the guise of "just me".

If you do take them expect to hear complaints if you brag about it. Maybe a little more finesse should be used by those that do.

In other words, keep it to yourselves. No need to promote anything.

It's a fine line sometimes.

Shrimp gun?

Dave - 1-16-2009 at 04:31 PM

Works for a small c-cktail.

woody with a view - 1-17-2009 at 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by soulpatch
I wouldn't call it an uproar, more like getting your panties in a bunch.....
it appears that situational ethics could be applied here as denoted by the "list".
If I am on the beach and vendors are selling almejas I am buying. If I am on the beach and such vendors don't exist I am digging....and subsequently eating. I often bring more than I will eat home and toss them into the water in front of my place for a little population boost....

And if Woody and I are the same person than I truly have a cleanly split personality because I really don't have any memories of that

how could you forget? :lol:

Sharksbaja - 1-17-2009 at 03:06 PM

DO YOU HAVE A RECEIPT FOR THAT!? :biggrin:

BajaNuts - 1-17-2009 at 03:30 PM

Welcome Aspen!

I'd like to second a couple items already posted-
this is just a forum, full of very good information from people who have been there, done that. Just keep in mind that most of it is peoples' opinions.

The whole illegal harvesting isn't limited to gringos. While staying in La Paz, Mexican men would drive through the community where we were staying (El Comitan) with coolers of seafood in the back of their trucks. We'd purchase some things and our host told us "don't tell anyone you have (?XX?) right now". The obvious indication was that "it" was not in season but was harvested anyway.

And lastly, congrats on fulfilling your dreams with your upcoming Baja trip.
We wish you safe travels, and loads of fun.

keep us posted.....

55steve - 1-21-2009 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

I do the same - I'm sure there's hundreds of transplanted clams in front of our places!

4baja - 1-21-2009 at 06:39 PM

i hope you dont see a clam when you look in the mirror!!!

55steve - 1-21-2009 at 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AspenMeadowRanch
Passing up on the 24 footer.With my camper on the truck that is too much boat for it.So I am just hauling down my 21 foot Bayliner.
I found a used 24 foot imp with a cuddly cabin,merc # 3 out drive and trailer , with some electronics on the boat in San Diego.The boat is in excellent condition.They are selling it for 3,500.The trailer alone is worth 3.
If anyone is interested I can hook you up with him.
John

This the one John?

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/boa/1001125250.html