An open beach with the tide coming in, a drink in hand and the smell of fresh grilled clams and oysters in the air. That was the scene when we recently took four Eddie Bauer Associates on a field trip to Sound Fresh Clams and Oysters to learn the ins and outs of oystering and clamming from farm owner John Adams. After a day of playing on the beach we came home with full bellies and five reasons you should give shellfishing a try.
When it comes to low-effort, high-reward ways to spend time outdoors, shellfishing—especially for oysters and clams—is hard to beat. Whether you’re looking for a fun, easy way to spend quality time with family and friends, or want to source fresh, sustainable ingredients for your next beach barbeque, oystering and clamming are simple, easy ways to get outside and have a bucketful of fun doing it!
And the best part? All you need are a couple basic supplies, some comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and a spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Simplicity at Its Finest
You don’t need specialized gear or clothing to start shellfishing. A few basic household items—a bucket to hold your harvest, a small garden rake or shovel to unearth clams a few inches below the surface and gloves and a small knife for shucking oysters—will be enough to get started.
Shellfishing offers great fun in every season so when it comes to what to wear, our associates recommend a few simple layers to stay comfortable, dry and protected while you’re combing the beach.
For wet days spent chasing the tide, the versatile women’s Mendline Wading Jacket will help keep you dry and comfortable. Its chic, durable construction perfectly balances style and functionality for long days at the shore.
right: Eddie Bauer Associate, Beth, wearing the Mendline Wading Jacket
The Guide Pro Pants’ 2-way stretch and durable water-repellent finish make them ideal for digging around near the water, and they’re light and breathable enough that you won’t need to worry about overheating.
On sunny days, tops like the women’s Resolution Stretch Hoodie or the men’s Solarfoil Pro Hoodie are great for keeping both the heat and the UV rays at bay. And speaking of sun protection, don’t forget your noggin! The Dad Hat is always a safe bet, but for extra breathability and coverage, grab the Trailcool UPF Adventure Hat.
Accessible Adventure
Much of the appeal of shellfishing lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Beyond the basics outlined above and a willingness to explore coastal waters, the only other essential is a shellfishing license from your state’s Department of Fish and Game.
Specifics vary by state, but most coastal states offer an inexpensive license which you can usually find and purchase online. In addition to your license, make sure to check regulations for how many shellfish you’re allowed to harvest in a day (often called a bag limit), size restrictions and any beach closures that may be in effect.
And shellfishing is best enjoyed at low tide so you’ll want to keep an eye on the tide charts for your area.
Year-Round Fun
Unlike many ocean-oriented activities, shellfishing can be enjoyed in every season. For those brave enough to venture onto a windswept beach in the middle of winter, a fresh, delicious meal will be your reward!
However, while clams are in season year-round, oystering is best enjoyed in cooler months. Oyster spawning season is May through August, and while there’s no harm in eating spawning oysters, some find the flavor and texture to be less appealing.
And if you are heading out to the beach in the winter, think about adding a mid-layer to keep warm. The women’s Chilali Faux Shearling Fleece Vest and men’s High Route Grid Fleece 1/2-Zip Mock Neck are two of our associates’ favorites.
Community
Most of us would agree that the best outdoor time is spent with friends and family, so just imagine the camaraderie built during an afternoon spent filling a bucket with clams and oysters while enjoying the natural world up close.
And while sharing a meal is always a hit, nothing quite compares to standing around a grill on the beach, reminiscing about the day with your fellow harvesters and getting ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
A Delicious Payoff
Some would argue we saved the best reason to try shellfishing for last. Whether you enjoy oysters raw on the half shell or take the time to whip up dinner with shellfish as the centerpiece, your meal will taste that much better thanks to the memory of the harvest.
Once you’ve reached your bag limit and are ready to get cooking, check out these recipes from renowned chef Langdon Cook. For something on the hotter side, try Spicy Thai Basil Clams, and if you’re looking for a heartier meal, Clams with Chorizo and Yellow Pepper will hit the spot.
If you’re still unsure whether shellfishing is for you, listen to the advice we got from John—our expert shellfish harvester—about what it takes to get started clamming and oystering: “Shuck around and find out.”
