In this video, me and Kat visited Tolmie State Park in Olympia, Washington to collect Manila Clams and Oysters off the beach. We show you the best techniques for using a garden claw (cultivator) to dig for the Manila Clams in the sand. We also show you how to collect the oysters from the oyster beds, and shuck the oysters with an oyster knife. [**Be careful not to stab yourself with the knife!**]
If you plan to go clam digging or oyster picking, be sure to check a tide chart for the beach you are visiting before you go. For Tolmie State Park, any Low Tide that is negative is a good tide to go clam digging or oyster picking. On the day we went in the video, the Low Tide was about a -2.1 tide. Ideally, you get to the beach a couple hours before Low Tide, and you follow the tide out while clam digging or oyster picking. That way, the clams and oysters will be freshly uncovered from the water, and they will be cooler. On a hot and sunny day, the clams and, in particular, the oysters can warm up on the beach and bacteria can begin to grow.
I purchased the Water Shoes I wore to walk around in the sand and water at the beach from Amazon. I've included an Amazon Affiliate link for the shoes below. As an Amazon Associate, I get commissions for purchases made through Amazon Affiliate links in this post.
Simari Water Shoes: amzn.to/3gA6fGe
(Please note that the rubber soles in these shoes have a few holes to allow water to drain from inside the shoes. These shoes were great on a relatively warm day, where I didn't mind my feet getting completely wet. However, if you are walking on the beach on a cold day, then you would want to wear rubber boots or something else that is waterproof, so that your feet don't get wet.)
*VERY IMPORTANT*
Before going shellfishing in Washington State, review the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) rules on Shellfishing. You can download a copy of the rules at the WDFW website (wdfw.wa.gov/). Everyone age 15 and older needs a Shellfish License to harvest clams and oysters in Washington State.
On the same day you plan to harvest any shellfish at any public beach in Washington State, you should also do the following to help avoid eating any shellfish that might be toxic, and to ensure that the beach you are visiting is open to shellfishing:
(1) Beach Closures & Advisories: Check the WDFW website for Current Beach Closures and Advisories related to biotoxins, pollution, or other human health concerns for the specific beach traveling to at www.doh.wa.gov/shellfishsafety... (beach specific seasons are also displayed on this page);
(2) Beach Season: Confirm that the specific beach season is open at wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go/shel... and
(3) Emergency Rule Changes: Check for any Emergency Rule changes at wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations... (or call the WDFW Emergency Rule Change Hotline at (866) 880-5431).
Tolmie State Park is a Washington State Park and a Discover Pass (parking pass) is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. You can purchase a Discover Pass at the Automated Pay Station located at the lower parking lot, or online at: parks.state.wa.us/167/Discove....
You can also call the WDFW customer service desk ((360) 902-2700) to ask any questions regarding licenses, Beach Closures, and Beach Seasons.
If you go Shellfishing, please be careful and have fun!