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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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One of the favored pastimes here in beautiful Washington State is clam digging. The WA Dept. of Fish & Game has an excellent website full of helpful facts, resources, and regulations on harvesting shellfish.

There are many different varities of clams to be found along the shores and tidelands of Washington.

Some clams, like the Littleneck, are ideal for steaming and serving with drawn butter.

Several types of clams, like the Cockle, make good ingredients in chowder.

The larger varieities, like the Geoduck (pronounced Gooie) are big enough to fillet and fry.

I posted an earlier blog on Razor Clams, one of my preferred choices for taste.

One of the primary considerations for a successful clam dig is the local tides. The best time to dig is when there is a low or minus tide. Be sure to consult a local tide schedule before venturing out.

You also want to pay special attention to what is referred to as “Red Tides.” These are instances where certain environmental conditions can lead to an increased level of toxins in shellfish. The WA Health Dept. monitors these levels very closely and posts on-line bulletins to warn when these toxins reach unsafe levels.

The WDFW has a great FAQ about clams & oysters on their website. In addition, local expert Don Wiss offers some helpful Clam Facts on his website.

Life on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State has some many interesting and enjoyable activities and pastimes to offer. It truly is a great place to call home!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation of clients throughout all of Kitsap County, and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him on KitsapLife.com and his local real estate blog, SoundBiteBlog.

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