Skip to main content

A Beginner’s Guide to Gathering Your Own Shellfish

As summer comes to a close and the days start to stretch out, it’s a great time to get into shellfishing. In many coastal states, a variety of options (mussels, clams, oysters, and more) are still available to dig, forage for, or trap. And with the longer, milder days finally starting to make an appearance, making a day of it is all the more enticing.

There are a few things to know before going out and digging up some clams, though. You’ll need some tools (and yes, one of those tools is booze), and you’ll also need to know what’s in season so as to avoid any possible penalties if you’re caught with illegal shellfish. And if you’re planning to serve some shellfish at your next dinner event, read our article on how to choose and prepare the freshest shellfish.

Which Shellfish Are In Season (and When) in the U.S.

oysters bucket

The shellfish schedules for both coasts are fairly similar, with the main difference being what species are available. Clamming tends to run through March and sometimes April. Razor clams in particular stick around a bit longer, often until May, and are a true gem of the Pacific.

The shellfish schedules for both U.S. coasts are fairly similar, with the main difference being what species are available.

While delicious Dungeness crab season runs most of the year, most are harvested in the winter in the Pacific Northwest (you may have seen a show or two about it). A wide variety of scallops and mussels tend to run year-round along the Atlantic and Pacific, but it’s best to get them before summer.

Remember to check in with local state regs to see what’s eligible to be harvested, where you can go, and any limits on your take. Most states require licenses as well. Guides like this one from New York are pretty typical and a great resource.

What You Need to Gather Shellfish

You can likely make a day of it with little more than a few selections from your garage or garden shed. A rake and a trowel are needed for digs, while a bucket and a scale will be needed to accommodate your catch. Gloves aren’t a necessity but are highly recommended.

Crabbing is more involved as you’ll likely need a boat and more specialized equipment like pots and bait. Look online to see what’s available at your nearest coastal town in terms of guides. That, or let the pros log the hours and pack some home from your favorite seafood stand or beach market (our preferred method).

Jeffrey Greenberg/UIG/Getty Images (left); Kacey Klonsky/Getty Images (right)

If you’re going to be eating on-site or while you’re out, pack a trusty shucking knife. And if you need reminding of how best to use said knife, click here. Pack a cooler and some plastic bags for transport.

Be sure to be aware of the tidal schedule as well. Look for low tide peaks and plan for several hours around then.

The Best Booze to Pack for Shellfish Gathering

There are many ways to accent your catch of the day. For oysters, a go-to is Muscadet. The French wine has an acidic brightness built for oysters. A cult favorite is Domaine de la Pepiere.

Belgian beer is another safe bet. The tartness and yeasty nature of many farmhouses do great with crab, clams, and most seafood stews. A great domestic option is Tank 7 from Boulevard Brewing. For something genuinely Belgian, try Chimay’s blue label Grand Reserve and pair its richness with some buttery shellfish broth.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, pack a bottle of sherry with you. A simple, briny Fino plays beautifully with fresh oysters, especially when they’re grilled.

Because you’ll likely be digging during the light of day, lower-ABV session beers are probably in order. Pack a few cans of Founders’ All Day IPA or 10 Barrel’s Pub Beer.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
The Best Hiking Snacks To Fuel Your Time on the Trail
best hiking snacks the preparation for tomorrow is doing your today

Warmer weather is on the horizon and it's finally time to dust off the hiking gear that’s been hibernating in the back of your closet all winter, and make some hiking snacks that will get you ready to hit the trails. From getting fresh air and exercise to enjoying scenic vistas, hiking is one of the best ways to get outdoors and enjoy nature. But, whether you're taking on one of the most physically challenging hikes in the United States or embarking on a short and simple day hike, it's important to be prepared with the right equipment -- and that includes the best hiking snacks. 

If you're keeping your hike relatively short, there's no need to reach for the dehydrated meals. What you do want are snacks that won’t spoil, don’t take up a ton of space in your backpack, and help you stay energized and feeling good all day long. That means you'll want a mix of carbohydrates and protein, both of which your body needs to perform at its best during the hike and recover properly once you're done. So, stuff your pack with these nutritious, tasty snacks (plus plenty of water, of course) and you'll be ready to hit the trail. Just remember to pack out any wrappers or other trash you brought with you! 

Read more
A Beginner’s Guide to CBD Products and How They Work

As an alternative to opiates or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and aspirin, cannabidiol — CBD, for short — can offer relief that has less of an internal impact on the body, especially where addiction is concerned. To experience these benefits, CBD can be ingested via tincture, lotion, gummies, and can even be smoked. What’s the best way for you to gain the benefits you’re looking for? Come along with The Manual to navigate the CBD world.

Related Guides

Read more
What Is Terroir and Is It Really Controversial?
science of drinking at high altitude holding wine vineyard getty

Terroir is a trendy term that relates to the flavor and nature of a food's origin. It began in wine, where it's still a prominent concept, but has crept into everything from coffee and tea to baked goods and specialty salts. Has the t-word tread too far?

It began, like so many wine-related things, in France. Terroir was used as a way to account for the place-ness of a particular wine. In other words, the many conditions at play that make Champagne uniquely Champagne and Burgundy uniquely Burgundy. Over the generations, we learned more and more about how these conditions -- the climate, the soil type, the elevation -- shaped the resulting wines. Now, we have more distinct wine regions on the global wine map than ever, with some 260 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the states alone, with a few more added every year.

Read more