It's official... another winter opener has been approved starting Sunday

CLICK: clam dig gets green light

thats great news... Thanks Doc

Hey WDFW... everytime you open clams I pump a few hundred into the economy I wouldn't normally spend... hint hint hint...

you want some tax $$$... save more opportunity for the recreational guys!

I'm there physician! Us Aberdeen boys need to show the rest of the state how it's done!........just funn'in ya Washington

I am getting tired of the tube and thinking about the shovel.
I am pretty good with the gun but it is killing my back.
Tell me how you use the shovel the proper way to prevent broken clams.
The shovel seems alot easier.

Thanks

PROPER USE OF A SHOVEL:

Dig to the side of the show, not directly over it. Any side works, it's a matter of personal preference. Razor cuts are more common, though when digging on the "dune side" of the show.... the open edges of the clam always face the dunes, and the hinge always faces the surf.

Keep the blade vertical! HINT: if the shovel handle looks vertical, the blade is not. Do not pry! (crack). Use more of a vertical scraping motion as you draw back on your shovel to remove the sand.

Keep the hole as small as possible, as in one shovel span wide.... no sense moving more sand than you absolutely have to. The hole only needs to be big enough to admit your hand and allow easy withdrawal of the clam. Remember you are digging a clam hole, not one to bury a casket.

Don't dig any deeper than you absolutely have to. Once you are alongside the neck/shoulders of Mr. Razor, you are done. Reach in and grab him. Sometimes they lay very close to the surface... two scoops and grab. Other times they are laying a little deeper with their necks stretched out.... might need 3-4 scoops before reaching in. HINT: If you miss one, take an extra scoop on your next try.

One last thing... dig fast. Good luck!