Clamming in NY?

[oonycxwilloo]

I was always on the search for any spots in New York that clams can be caught in the sand.

I know this spot in New Jersey that I have been going to for almost 4 years now. The drive is not bad but would definitely prefer going to a spot much closer to home.

Clams I usually dig up the the Quahogs aka Hard Clams.

Anyone have a spot closer?

 

[juan319]

where in Jersey?

 

[masterswimmer]

where in Jersey?

I think he means Bayside, Queens

 

[oonycxwilloo]

No I did mean Jersey.

You take GSP to exit 117 and stay left.. and follow the road ALL THE WAY about 12 miles and then you will hit the beach area. From there you just go in the water and theres tons of clams.

But I want to find something closer to NY... even on the island is fine.

 

[KathyC]

Are you looking for a place you can get to strictly by car - or also by boat?
I only know of one by Zachs Bay, but you need a boat to go there

 

[e.muehlbauer]

Check the DEC website for open areas. My summer place is in Cutchogue, and for years I could get all the clams I ever wanted within an hour, just off my dock. My Creek (East Creek) has been closed for over a decade now...too much development, and lots of swans and geese. Unfortunately a lot of creeks are closed. The bay areas out in the North Fork are all open, to the best of my knowledge. They are more work- you need a rake as opposed to simply "treading" in the creeks, and the clams are much larger..."chowder" sized..some as much as 6" across (yes, these are quahogs). Also, clamming in the creeks would require a town permit. While you're at it, bring a crab net...best crab year in ages. I would assume the same info applies to Shinnecock and the Hamptons.

 

[grknyer]

The bay areas out in the North Fork are all open, to the best of my knowledge. . Also, clamming in the creeks would require a town permit. While you're at it, bring a crab net.

You do need a permit for both clamming and crabbing. They do check so don't get caught.
I was clamming out there two weekends ago when they showed up!

 

[e.muehlbauer]

I can't speak for the South Fork, but in Southold town waters (creeks) permits are absolutely required for all shellfish. These permits are available for both residents and non-residents from the Southhold Town Clerk, http://southoldtown.northfork.net/town_clerk.htm
and can be obtained on-line. As far as I know these permits are not required for bay or sound, as these are state waters. I do not know if a permit is required from the state.

 

[mcnuggget]

i would be scare to eat any clams close to NY city.lol!

 

[e.muehlbauer]

Ever eat those fried clam strips? There's a good chance they were dredged right off the Rockaways. If you check the DEC's site for open area's, the ocean off NYC, outside of NY harbor, is open to clamming. However, those clams are surf clams (skimmer clams), not quahogs (which are found in bay and tidal creek bottoms). I sometimes buy them fresh in Asian markets....but just to be safe I always cook them, as much as I love surf clam sashimi (the "scallop"- the adductor muscle- is the best part).

 

[Chraddam]

Fire Island-Ocean Beach- on the bay side, tons of them right there in the sand. Been there forever, just stick your foot in the sand and reach down and grab 'em!

 

[oonycxwilloo]

Fire Island-Ocean Beach- on the bay side, tons of them right there in the sand. Been there forever, just stick your foot in the sand and reach down and grab 'em!

You got the directions?

 

[Sumbub]

All this reading of clamming makes me want to go out too! I'd like the directions too if possible. Also, is there a license requirement at the town?

 

[reefman]

my last clamming at fire island which directions i vaguely remembered:

-drive east to the end sunrise highway
-take a ferry ride
-walk thru a hiking trail
-walk thru a forest
-arrive at the beach

getting there was more exhausting than digging.

 

[oonycxwilloo]

LOL.. .reefman.. those directions are really vague like how you said. What directions?? Is it a really far hike? Lets plan a trip...

 

[greggnyce]

Just pick a sand bar in the great south bay and you should find them with your feet. The further east the better

 

[jaa1456]

That spot in NJ off of 117 is the sandy hook area. Down further in Barneget Bay you can fill a bushel of clams in 30 minutes no problem.

 

[e.muehlbauer]

My son went yesterday in Peconic Bay and filled the bottom drawers of the fridge. He also got 10 oysters.

 

[Killarsox]

I'm from Upstate NY but would like to come down towards the city and do some clamming. I was hoping someone could direct me to the right place.