Clamming in south jersey

[Jerseydevil]

Are there any good places to catch clams or muscles in or near ocean city? I see them all over the inlet but i dont know if they are clean enough , also, there is no clambing allowed.
 Sorry if this is off topic.

[samiam]

I'm sure others with greater knowledge and experience will chime in, but for starters you'll need to examine the NJDEP shellfish classification maps. Chart 14 http://www.nj.gov/dep/bmw/2012classcharts/chart14.pdf covers OC and vicinity. You will also need a license.

-Samiam

[Ronster]

Try by Drag Island for clams.     You can also clam on the flats off the back side of 14th street at low tide.

[Jerseydevil]

Thanks guys. I'll look into these places and welcome other tips and locations. I know I need a license. I plan to get it when I pick up me crabbing bait.

[crabsindumont]

You can get the clamming license online.  It costs either $10 or less.  Not sure that you can get a license from the folks who sell bait.  If you register online, you can print out the license from your computer immediately.  You need to pay via the web site, though.  Google NJ clamming license and you'll find it easily.

[samiam]

Ron - Just out of curiosity, how would a clammer know where the boundaries are between the open, seasonal, and "special restricted" areas that are shown on Map 14 in that vicinity? Does the state actually mark it off with stakes?

-Samiam

...You can also clam on the flats off the back side of 14th street at low tide.

[Ronster]

There may or may not be stakes.  I know in and around Ocean City, the boundries can be clearly identified.    For example, there is no shellfish harvesting allowed on Patcong Creek itself.    The boundry starts at the mouth of the creek according to the map.     So it's easy to read.

[olclamman]

   the clamming  charts  give  coordinates   not always the best  but  give a good idea  as to  where you can clam
                           
     
            seeya  down  the bay  ( barnegat )

[samiam]

I had good luck emailing an inquiry to NJ DEP/DGE with the lat & long of a site that was hidden behind an inset on one of the charts. Just didn't know if there were any real world markers in a case like that to the W of 14th & 15th in OC, where the map seems to show several different water classifications in a relatively small area.

-Samiam

[Jerseydevil]

Is there a specific area on Drag island that is known to be productive? What's the best place to get off of rt 9 to park? Looks like a sand lot in about the center of the island, is that the spot?
 Also, what are the flats? I think you mean the bay side, but just want to be sure.
   Thanks!

[Ronster]

Drag Island isn't very big.   Pick a side of it and get your clam on.

As far as the flats, look out at low tide.   You'll see the mud.

[Jerseydevil]

Thanks Ron, thanks guys.

[olclamman]

    some of  the guys  that  clam  drag isld   leave  an  X  where the best  clammin is   look for it  at low  tide 
                                                         oc

   seeya down  the bay  ( barnegat )

[Ronster]

Shouldn't need an X.   Find the island and you'll find clams.

[Jerseydevil]

Should mention, I have no boat; so can this be done on foot?  How far off of shore do you need to get? And, how far down are the clams? Btw, I couldn't find the nonresident shellfish license online, so I drove down to the municiple building and bought one.

[adam22]

Never went clammin but I envision smelly guys running around in the mud with rakes and buckets. Do people catch razor clams around here? I've seen videos of other places of people using a "clam gun" on the beach..looks cleaner LOL