|
Captain Larry Simns
|
Clams, Hard Shell Clams, Soft Shell Clams, Maryland Clammers of the Chesapeake Bay Clam rigs or clam dredges are used to harvest soft shell clams, hard shell clams, and razor clams. A hydraulic clam rig is a long conveyor that hangs on the side of a workboat. The front end is lowered to the bottom where high pressure water jets, are located on the front end of the conveyor wash the clams out of the bottom, pushing them up onto the chain mesh conveyor belt which takes the clams to the surface where the waterman picks off , or culls the legal clams. The shells and under size clams are allowed to return to the bottom for future harvest. A large diesel engine drives the hydraulics that turn the wenches and conveyor belt. It also powers the large water pump that washes out the clams. Clam rigs are restricted to certain areas of the bay. The
clam rig cultivates the bottom, the same way a farmer works his land, and
pumps the oxygen rich water to the bottom which helps more
clams and other plant and animal life grow. Most soft shell clams are
shipped to the new England states for market. Hard shell clams are shipped
all over the country, while razor clams are used locally for crab and eel
bait.  Clam Dredge
Email Larry to book your trip and
please include evening phone number |
