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If you love to dig clams or shuck oysters, you now have greater access to “one of the best  shellfish-growing areas in the state,”  this according to Mr. Greg Combs of the Washington State Department of Health’s Shellfish Program.

A 70-acre stretch of tidelands just south of Dosewallips State Park in Jefferson County had been closed since 1987 because of high bacterial levels. Recent monitoring that was conducted showed that the levels are within acceptable limits, allowing the area to be re-opened.

The specific area open for shellfish harvesting is marked by orange posts, which have been moved farther south to include the new 70-acre growing area reopened by the Department of Health. The area beyond the posts remains closed because of bacterial pollution associated with the Dosewallips River.

In a prepared statement made by Camille Speck, shellfish biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife,  she said “These additional acres offer recreational shellfish harvesters increased opportunity on an excellent oyster and clam beach on Hood Canal. Improvements in water quality are a win-win for the clam and oyster fishery and the environment.”

The beach at Dosewallips state park is open for oysters all year. People may harvest clams from March 1 through Oct. 31.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife has tentatively scheduled two Spring Razor Clam digs.

Our good friends in Olympia recently announced two proposed razor-clam digs on WA ocean beaches later this month and again in mid-April.

As is typical, the final go ahead for both digs will depend upon results of marine toxin tests to determine if the clams are safe to eat.

Clam digging enthusiasts should take note that the first opening – scheduled March 26-April 1 at various ocean beaches – starts on evening tides, while the last four days switch to morning tides.

The proposed days, tides and beach openings for this month’s dig are as follows:

• Friday, March 26, (4:29 p.m., +0.1) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch
• Saturday, March 27, (5:19 p.m., -0.1) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
• Sunday, March 28, (6:04 p.m., 0.0) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Monday, March 29, (6:35 A.M., -0.1) Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Tuesday, March 30, (7:22 A.M., -0.7) Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Wednesday, March 31, (8:07 A.M., -1.0) Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Thursday, April 1, (8:52 A.M., -1.0) Long Beach and Twin Harbors only

The second dig is also tentatively scheduled on morning tides in mid-April on the following days and beaches:

• Friday,  April 16, (8:32 A.M., -0.7) Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Saturday,  April 17, (9:12 A.M., -0.7) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Kalaloch only
• Sunday, April 18, (9:56 A.M., -0.6) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Kalaloch only

Remember that your 2009-10 annual shell-fishing license is good through March 31st. However, a new license is needed for the April dig.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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4 out of 5 coastal WA beaches will be open this weekend for Razor Clam digging.

Twin Harbors beach will open tomorrow (Jan. 28), followed by openings at three other beaches later this week after a new round of marine toxin tests showed the clams there are safe to eat.

Long Beach. however, and will remain closed to digging due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) detected in the clams there.

The Olympic National Park also approved a dig scheduled at Kalaloch Beach, based on the results of a new round of marine toxin tests.

The four beaches that will open for digging at noon on the specified days (peak of low tide):

• Thursday, Jan. 28 (5:13 p.m., -1.1 ft.) – Twin Harbors 
• Friday, Jan. 29 (5:58 p.m., -1.5 ft.) – Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks 
• Saturday, Jan. 30 (6:41 p.m., -1.5 ft.) – Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch 
• Sunday, Jan. 31 (7:23 p.m., -1.2 ft.) – Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

For the full news release, go to WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Can You ‘Dig’ it?…..well, maybe not!

The upcoming Razor Clam Dig tentatively scheduled to open with evening tides at Long Beach on January 27th has been canceled due to the detection of elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in clams collected along coastal beaches, according to Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

PSP is a marine toxin produced by a certain type of algae that can cause paralysis and even death if consumed in sufficient quantities (although there haven’t been any fatalities since 1942).

These findings will also delay final decisions about digs at Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, and Kalaloch beaches until sometime next week.

You can find the most current updates on the razor clam dig schedule, posted on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/shelfish/razorclm/season.htm.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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For those of you who braved the stormy New Year’s elements and were left with very little to show for your dedicated efforts, you’ll be glad to hear that two additional Razor Clam digs have been tentatively scheduled by WDFW (WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife), one at the end of January, and another at the end of February.

For the dig planned this month, Long Beach and Twin Harbors are tentatively scheduled to open on evening tides Jan. 27-31, with digs also planned at Copalis and Mocrocks beaches Jan. 29-31. In addition, the National Park Service has scheduled a two-day dig Jan. 30-31 at Olympic National Park’s Kalaloch beach to coincide with those at the other beaches.

Tentative digging days and tides for this month’s opening are:

• Wednesday, Jan. 27, (4:24 p.m., -0.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Thursday, Jan. 28, (5:13 p.m., -1.1 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Friday, Jan. 29, (5:58 p.m., -1.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Saturday, Jan. 30, (6:41 p.m., -1.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
• Sunday, Jan. 31, (7:23 p.m., -1.2 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch

For the additional dig scheduled in late-February, the following dates and locations apply:

• Friday, Feb. 26, (4:49 p.m., -0.7) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Saturday, Feb. 27, (5:34 p.m., -0.9) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
• Sunday, Feb. 28, (6:16 p.m., -0.8) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrock, Kalaloch

For the full news release, go to The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife website.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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The Kitsap County Health District has recently issued an order to close shellfish harvesting on Dyes Inlet due to what is commonly referred to as ‘red tide.’

Some samples of mussels taken this past Monday from the Silverdale Waterfront Park revealed the presence of marine bio-toxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (red tide), according to a statement from officials at the health district.

The closure covers all of Dyes Inlet, including all of the bays and inlets from Rocky Point north to Silverdale. The harvesting of clams, oysters and mussels are prohibited under the order. Warning signs have been posted on all public beaches.

Crabs are not included in the closure, but it is recommended that crabs should be cleaned before cooking and the “crab butter” discarded (sorry, Dad), according to the health district statement.

Symptoms of shellfish poisoning include a tingling in the mouth that can move to the hands and feet, followed by trouble breathing. It can potentially be fatal.

For updates, call (800) 223-9355 or visit www.kitsapcountyhealth.com.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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The 2009 Fall Razor clam season is tentatively set to open at 5 WA State coastal beaches the weekend of October 16th through 18th.

The opening was recently announced on the WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife website

Evening digs are tentatively planned at Twin Harbors (Oct. 16-19); Long Beach and Copalis (Oct. 16, 17 and 18); and Mocrocks and Kalaloch Beach (Oct. 17 and18). Digging at all beaches will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight.

You are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams per licensed person. You must keep the first 15 you dig, regardless of their size or condition. Each person digging clams must also keep their own clams in a separate container.

A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2009 annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination fishing license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at http://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Tentative opening dates and evening low tides in October are:

• Friday, Oct. 16 ( 5:50 p.m. -0.5 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis
• Saturday, Oct. 17 (6:38 p.m. -0.8 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
• Sunday, Oct. 18 (7:23 p.m. -1.1ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
• Monday, Oct. 19 (8:06 p.m. -1.1 ft.) Twin Harbors

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Okay, so  it was my wife’s birthday last week and I had planned on grilling steak and chicken. But the guest list started to grow, so I needed some additional filler to round out the main dishes.

No sweat, this is the Pacific Northwest! We always have an abundance of yummy foodstuff hanging around the waters of Hood Canal. For this occasion, I thought a big pot of freshly steamed native Littleneck Clams would fit the bill nicely.

Fortunately, we have a number of easily accessible beaches in which to find our delicious bounty.

First thing, you’ll want to select which beach you plan to dig at. The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife has a nice mapping program that identifies area beaches and their relevant regulations. Be mindful of the appropriate ‘season’ or time of year that each beach is open and clamming is allowed. Also be aware of beaches that are closed due to health concerns.

Second, check your local tide schedule. The best clamming is always during low tide, preferably a minus tide. I use the tide tables at SaltwaterTides.com. Just scroll down to the specific area within the Puget Sound, then enter the particular date you’re going to go dig. I usually try to get out to the beach about an hour before the peak of low tide.

Personally I prefer the Littleneck Clams. They steam up easily and taste incredible dipped in drawn butter. When you steam your clams, throw in some butter, parsley, chopped garlic, and white wine. The broth is almost as good as the clams!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG, or email at rich@windermere.com

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This past weekend was one of the few ‘morning’ razor clam openings allowed by the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife this Spring 2009.

Of course, who were we to complain about the scheduled time for digging. Is there EVER a bad time to dig for Razor Clams?

We left the house around 4:30 in the a of m (Yikes!) and drove the 2 1/2 hours it takes to get out to the Coast. We stopped at the drive-thru Starbucks in Aberdeen for some badly needed Nectar of Life, and proceeded over to Copalis Beach where a GAZILLION other clamming enthusiasts shared the same idea.

We prefer Copalis Beach because its one of the few area beaches you can actually drive your car out onto without getting stuck in the sand (been there, done that, got the t-shirt).

The ‘pickins’ were what you would expect for this time of year. You definitely had to work a bit harder than usual to get your limit. The rain didn’t help matters any, making it somewhat challenging to see the clam’s “show.”

We ended up with about 45 or so, just enough for a good feed and a few left over to ‘seal-a-meal’ for another day.

It takes just about as much time to clean the razor clams as it does to drive all the way out to the Coast and dig ‘em up. Fortunately, I had a couple of spare hands (thanks, Ben and Jerod!) and I was spared the ‘joy’ of cleaning these bad boys!

But, of course, I didn’t excuse myself from enjoying the fruit of our labors. After the boys got the clams all nice and cleaned, I dipped them in flour, egg, and cracker meal, then fried ‘em up golden brown. Some ketchup and horseradish mixed together makes the perfect sauce!

It’s a lot of work, but there’s few things in life more tasty than fried razor clams!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG, or email at rich@windermere.com

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Towards the end of this coming week, testosterone levels will be at an all time high as male bonding among the Jacobson men goes into full swing.

We’re talking March Madness and Razor Clamming! What a glorious combination!

As former residents of Lawrence KS, we’re avid/diehard KU Jayhawk fans. On Selection Sunday our brackets were skillfully filled out and proudly displayed on the kitchen refrigerator. Currently, Luke is in the lead, followed closely by brother, Elliot. Mom and Dad take a distant 3rd way tie.

Kansas soundly defeated Dayton earlier today and will play Michigan State this coming Friday in the Sweet Sixteen.

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk! GO KU!

Early Saturday morning, we’ll drive out to the Washington Coast for one of several Razor Clam digs of the 2009 Spring season. It takes us about 2 1/2 hours to drive out on Hwy. 3 through Shelton, past Aberdeen & Hoquiam, and then on up to Copalis Beach. Four area beaches will be opened to harvesting on that morning, including Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks. I prefer Copalis because you can drive your vehicle right onto the beach, park it, and walk just a short distance down to the surf.

Next to crabbing, I enjoy digging Razor Clams almost as much. It’s a great time for male bonding and experiencing the awesome, breathtaking scenery that comes from living here in the Pacific Northwest.

There’s a lot of work that goes into harvesting Razor Clams. Shoving the clam gun barrel deep into the sand quickly, then pulling it out under suction, uses muscles in your back that have been hibernating since high school.

Then, when you get your bounty home, the cleaning process takes nearly as long as the drive out to the beach! There’s a very methodical process to cleaning the clams, and the ‘EASY’ button doesn’t work!

But I tell ya, when you dip the clams in flour, egg, and cracker crumb, and fry those bad boys up, there is nothing better on the planet than eatin’ Razor Clams! They’re especially good reheated in the morning along with scrambled eggs.

Such are the rewards of living here on the Kitsap Peninsula WA – making your own smoked salmon, pulling up live Dungeness Crab from Hood Canal, digging Clams or Oysters, or picking blackberries for a freshly baked pie!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and SOUNDBITEBLOG.

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