Easy Toilet Plunger Method for Digging Clams

Season: Winter
Ingredient: Soft Shell Clams
Andy Nabreski of On The Water walks us through a unique way of gather steamers...with a toilet plunger. Steamers go by many names, including piss clams, softshell clams, and Ipswitch clams, but no matter what you call them, they make an amazing dinner that you can catch yourself on the tidal flats of New England.
The toilet-plunging method keeps from crushing these delicate shellfish, ensuring they'll be in perfect condition to to steam, soak in butter, and chow down with an ice-cold beer.
Clamming for steamers is allowed year-round on Cape Cod, but they seem to taste best when the water is cold.
For more information on this, and other shell fishing, visit www.onthewater.com/toilet-plu...
#clam #harvesting #steamer

[@imjustcookingpizza9354]

I didn’t know Americans did this as well! I’m from New Brunswick and was shocked when buddy said he was in Mass! This is real Canadian maritime shit. Love to see it.

[@janenorton6014]

"And the answer to that is absolutely nothing." Freaking hilarious.

[@theotherfinnegan9955]

well everybody asked my questions for me. yum

[@MDeMarco]

This is great! Just check your local regulations as plunging for softshells is strictly prohibited in many places on Cape Cod. I really want to try this method though.

[@denniscrane9753]

I dropped a steamer last night! To many clams! 😮

[@jeffkerr7418]

It's not allowed where I live but I have tried it and it works way better than raking. We need to use rakes with certain tine measurements.

[@pwrplnt1975]

Grab that mallard he's already full of pissahs and bake him...lol! JK! I love that carabiner you're using for a wader clip!

[@sergiomarfoy]

Great video, Andy! I live in East Falmouth (Waquoit) and was wondering if you have any specific recommendations for great local spots for steamers/oysters and where to park. I mostly get quahogs at Seconsett Island and need to find some better places.

[@jimmycot1]

Vinegar to remove sand. Best method by far

[@OnTheWaterMedia]

Will have to try that!

[@M3hammerdown]

Where did you get or how did you make that strainer/plunger tool?? Nice!

[@brendendoyle7741]

Plunging is not allowed in many towns, check the local regulations, North Shore towns all have this in the local regulations "A handheld tined-type fork is the only implement that may be used for the digging or taking of shellfish and sea worms."

[@goinscrazy1124]

I grew up on the Cape. But I don't know who started plunging the for cams. But I do remember plunging for clams since the late 70's with my dad. Great memories.

[@marklabrozzi7260]

Hey Andy - waiting for a good low tide can suck but your method eliminates that! Did you make that plunger rig or buy it?

[@peterleiza4351]

MA is loaded with clams , I've dug many

[@peterleiza4351]

I dig alot at duxbury.

[@andjerrh]

Unfortunately the areas I clam in south shore mass only allow “conventional tined tools” 😒

[@OnTheWaterMedia]

What town? Just curious on the different regulations each town has.

[@garychurch-smith9017]

How long can you keep them in the cooler with corn meal and how long do you have to wait for them to purge most of the sand

[@andynabreski1565]

as long as it stays cold they will stay alive for weeks. I had one survive 4 weeks, forgot it was in there... But I'd say eat them within a week to be on the safe side.

[@garychurch-smith9017]

andy nabreski thank you. Great video

[@CraZEEElife]

Ok so you have to do this underwater? It wouldn’t work if you are digging in a low tide?

[@matthewmiller2935]

right

[@LuisRodriguez-ry8oy]

Does this method works for Quahogs too?

[@andynabreski1565]

yes, but it is an inefficient way to gather them. I always get some 'hogs when plunging, they are in the top layer above the piss clams. Use a quahog rake for quahogs.

[@davidv.5234]

Exactly where did you film this? THX

[@davidv.5234]

EDIT - Falmouth I see..

[@CP-rp7yp]

question, when i ate these they were very mushy i didnt steam them is that why?

[@chasingthefish9042]

Lol you ate them raw? Never thought about it but you can eat them raw