Clamming in New Jersey
Of all the recreational activities our coast has to offer, one of the best and most often overlooked is recreational clamming. Hard clams (Northern “quahogs”) are one of the most widely distributed species throughout coastal systems from the Navesink River to the sounds of Cape May County, and harvesting them for a meal can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. New Jersey has a storied and centuries-long history of harvesting shellfish, and while clamming activities faded over the past few decades, participation seems to have gained popularity in recent years. In fact, nearly 16,000 recreational shellfishing licenses were purchased in 2024!
Where to Clam
The most important step in planning a clamming trip is to check Shellfish Classification maps to be sure you target waters deemed safe for shellfish consumption. The designations that allow for recreational harvest of shellfish include either “Approved” (year-round harvest permitted) or “Conditionally Approved” (harvest permitted only during a certain time of year). Any other Classification is considered closed for harvest, and you must avoid clamming in those areas [see page 21]. Recreational clammers must also avoid aquaculture lease grounds, which are used privately for the cultivation of shellfish and typically delineated with PVC or wooden poles. Lastly, tread lightly and try to avoid areas where seagrass is present. Damaging or removing seagrasses can harm the critical habitat they provide.
Whether you are brand new to clamming or a seasoned, salty bay-goer, searching for that special area that may be chock-full of clams can be a challenge. But one well worth the reward! Hard clams are present in many of our coastal bay habitats, but typically prefer saltier waters and a bottom composed of sand or a sandy-muddy mix. Many areas can easily be accessible via kayak or even on foot, but those willing to go the distance to find undisturbed secret spots may reap great benefits. For those just getting started, one of the best places to visit is the highly accessible Sedge Island Marine Conservation Zone (SIMCZ) in Barnegat Bay. Closed to commercial activities and a common target for clam population enhancement by NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife, SIMCZ is a pristine marine reserve where hard clams, and accessibility to them, are vast.
Tools
One of the best things about clamming is that it can be a relatively simple and inexpensive activity; the only things needed besides your license are a pair of old shoes or wetsuit boots and a means of carrying your catch. Since hard clams live just a few inches down in the sediment, the easiest way to start clamming is with the technique known as treading, where the harvester wades in shallow water and probes the bottom with their feet or hands. Once a clam is found (it will feel like a small rock under your foot), you simply reach in and pull it out! Be sure to check your tides, though; low tide is the ideal time to harvest safely. If you wish to harvest using specialized tools, try a clam rake, sometimes known as a “scratch rake”. Even a gardener’s hand rake will work! Simply pull the rake along the bottom until you hear and feel the “clink” of a clam, and use the rake to haul the clams out of the bottom. For storing your catch, use a basket or bucket.
For those seeking to harvest clams from deeper waters, a long-handled Shinnecock-style clam rake or tongs may be used off the side of a boat. These tried-and-true methods have been used by clammers for over a century, and while experience is needed to operate effectively, these tools are your best bet for harvesting clams in areas that are off the beaten path. For more clamming tips, visit your local bait and tackle shops. The more prepared you are for your clamming trip, the more likely you are to have a shell of a time!
Digging hard clams with clam rakes, like those seen here, is a great way to harvest a delicious bounty.
