Clam Digging

When I was reading about things to do in Kouchibouguac National Park I came across mention of clam fishing. From what I read and the photos I saw online it seemed like it would be pretty easy, fun, and cheap activity to try. I asked a kind lady at the information center and she gave me a pamphlet about soft shell clam fishing and tried to explain what we were looking for and how to dig for clams. She also told us to speak to Rachel at the campground as she loves “clamming”. So, off I went to find Rachel and get her advice. It turns out the vision I had in my head about clam digging was way off of reality. I thought you just dug about on wet sand after the tide went out and found clams. Nope. She said we'd be standing in water looking for “blinking eyes” in the sand.

That afternoon we went off looking for these “eyes” and found NOTHING. Even when we did see something that we thought might be “eyes” I discovered how icked out I was at the idea of digging it up! I was disappointed with our failed attempt but we ended up having lots of fun playing with all of the hermit crabs we found while poking about in the tidal pools.

Hermit crabs

The very next day while on another beach in the park I saw a woman who appeared to be hunting for clams. I'd said all along that I thought I just needed someone to show me exactly what I was looking for and how to dig so I went over to talk with her right away. She showed me the blinking eyes and once I'd seen it, I was able to spot lots more. It was exciting and kind of weird to start digging in hopes of feeling the edges of a clam shell. I broke a few shells while figuring out the technique and then finally – Success!!! I started bringing up whole, live clams! It was really exciting and kind of addictive. I could have continued for hours but, the hot midday sun and the fact that we were fishing for clams without a permit made us decide to leave while the going was good. We ended up with 11 live, mostly regulation sized clams. Clara really got the hang of digging after awhile but Leo was once again far more interested in the hermit crabs he found along the way.

My first catch

Back at the camp site we let our little clam friends rest in salt water for the afternoon so they'd rid themselves of their sand and then we steamed them for dinner! I think it was the first time any of us ate food we'd caught and prepared ourselves. The clams were tasty if a little sandy but as far as I'm concerned the experience was absolutely amazing. I'd love to do it again while we are so close to the ocean.

Resting in saltwater

Yummy fresh Clams!