Clamming

Clamming is a tradition that can be tied back to the first residents of this area, and Ipswich clams are known worldwide! Clamming in our area is regulated by individual cities and towns. To harvest clams in this area as a recreational clammer, must obtain a permit. This is usually obtained at the Town Hall. Additionally, clams must be at least two inches (as measured with a clam gauge), and cannot be harvested with any tool other than a clam fork or clam rake. It is also important to watch the tide and weather forecast, as many clam flats are closed for several days after rain. A recreational clammer is prohibited from harvesting more than one 10-quart pail of clams per day and more than two 10-quart pails per week.

While clammers all have personal preferences of the tools that they use to clam, the Essex County Co-Op has a variety that are sure to get the recreational clammer well on their way to a harvest. The Co-Op stocks are variety of clamming accessories, including clam forks and clam rakes. Chris Negron, the warehouse manager at the Co-Op, says “while some commercial clammers prefer 4 tine clam forks, most prefer the 5 tined, short handle forks.” He also feels as though using a clam basket is preferential to using an onion bag as a residential clammer, as that is the maximum quantity that is permissible. The Co-Op sells both onion bags and Peck Clam Basket.

The clam forks and clam baskets that the Essex County Co-Op sells are made in Marblehead, Massachusetts, by the K.B. White Company. Their products are a rugged mix of heavy duty forged steel, Indiana ash wood, and stainless steel. The company mission centered on delivering a comprehensive, professional grade product at a very affordable price.

Do you think you’d like to try clamming? Stop by the Essex County Co-Op to get all of the tools you need! Chris leaves you with one piece of advice, which is “clamming is an aggressive sport because you only have so much time between the tides.”