Essential Gear You Need for Clamming: A Beginner’s Guide

Clamming on Cape Cod is an outdoor activity that blends spending time on the water with the satisfaction of harvesting your own fresh seafood. You can do it solitary and enjoy peace, quiet and meditation or do it with family and friends and make a high energy, big fun affair out of it.

Good news is, clamming gear is relatively inexpensive compared to the more specialized, high tech gear like you would need to fish for stripers or tuna, but having the right gear is key to a stress free, successful clamming trip. However, you don't want to shop big box stores and go too cheap with this gear though...it has to be saltwater worthy or you will be replacing it all the time due to rust and breakage.

Here’s a rundown of the essential equipment you’ll need before you hit the flats.

1. Shellfish License

Before anything else, you need to ensure you're clamming legally. All towns on Cape Cod require a shellfish license or permit. These are usually easy to obtain from the town halls or online from the towns where you want to do your clamming. Regulations on limits, open seasons and areas, and sizes vary by town, so always check local rules before you dig.

2. Clam Rake or Clam Shovel

The Goose is almost 80 years old and in that time, we have tried numerous manufacturers of clam rakes in the store at various levels of quality and price. What we discovered is that when we offered the cheap rakes, it turned into a warranty nightmare for us with avalanches of returns of rakes with broken teeth and handles and rust.

Depending on the type of clams you’re after (quahogs, steamers, razor clams, etc.), you’ll need a proper digging tool:

• Clam Rake: Short handled-Features long tines designed to drag through sand or mud to uncover buried clams. You have to be bent over or on hands and knees to use this style.

• Basket Rake: Our most popular style, this long handled rake will allow you to clam at times other than dead low tide. Want to see our selection? Shop Ribb Rakes

• Clam Shovel (or Clam Spade): A short, flat-bladed shovel perfect for precise digging, especially useful in muddy flats.

For razor clams, a clam gun (a tube-shaped suction device) is often the best tool.

The rakes we carry? Ribb Rakes.... and only Ribb Rakes. Handmade in Harwich out of the best materials by skilled craftsmen, we have found this to be the best choice for even the occasional clammer.

3. Clam Basket, Net Bag, or Bucket

Once you’ve dug them up, you’ll need something to carry your clams.

• Wire clam baskets or mesh net bags are ideal because they allow water and sand to drain.

• A plastic bucket can also work, but it retains water and may be heavier to carry.

4. Clamming Gloves

Clamming can be rough on your hands. A good pair of rubberized or neoprene gloves will protect you from sharp shells, rocks, and cold water. They also improve your grip when pulling clams from the substrate. One of the best things about clamming on Cape Cod is that it can be done in the " off season" long after our resident game fish like stripers, bluefish and tuna have left our coastal waters... but the water can be chilly on the fingertips without gloves.

5. Waterproof Boots or Waders

Since clamming often involves wading into shallow tidal flats or muddy shorelines, waterproof footwear is a must:

• Knee-high rubber boots are sufficient for most beach clamming.

• Chest waders are better for deeper waters or muddy areas where you need to stay dry and clean. Shop Knee Boots & Waders

6. Tide Chart or Tidal App

Knowing when the tide is out is crucial. In most areas on the Cape, clamming is best done at low tide when more of the flats are exposed.

• Carry a printed tide chart, or better yet, download a reliable tidal app on your smartphone to get accurate and up-to-date information.

7. Measuring Gauge

Many areas have size regulations for harvesting clams. A clam gauge (a simple metal or plastic ruler with cutouts for size limits) helps you ensure that you’re only keeping legal-sized clams and avoiding fines.

8. Optional Extras:

• Clam Gun (for razor clams)

• Sand Scoop (for small, shallow digs)

• Sunscreen and Hat for sun protection

• Waterproof Bag for your phone and valuables

Clamming is a simple but satisfying outdoor activity that doesn’t require a lot of fancy gear, but having the right tools will make your experience more productive and enjoyable. With a shellfish license, the right digging tools, proper footwear, and a keen eye on the tides, you’ll be well on your way to a successful clamming adventure.