Finding and Preparing Cockles and Huge Gaper Clams in the Pacific Northwest

Join me as I head back to the Pacific Northwest coast for some clamming to rake for cockles (Clinocardium nuttallii) and dig for gaper clams (Tresus capax), also known as empire clams or horseneck clams. Clamming is a lot of fun, but it can be confusing as to how to clean them so in this video I also show my methods for each of these two species. No doubt there are many different ways to clean and prepare clams; this is simply what I have found works well for me. Both cockles and gaper clams are delicious and make for an excellent clam chowder.
Although clamming is usually considered a safe hobby (as long as you are mindful of the tide and surf), I still manage to hurt myself, providing a reminder that it is always important to have some basic first aid supplies available anytime you head out for outdoor adventure! If you have any clam cleaning or cooking suggestions or if you just want to share your own clamming (mis)adventure stories, please leave a comment. Cheers!
My gear in this video:
Timex Ironman Classic 30
Seiko SRPD51
Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Salt

[@mrsw2923]

Hearing your children in the background just turned and informitive video into a giant smile. Thank you

[@oliviaharrington6700]

How you only have 3.1k subscribers baffles me, you have a natural ability to provide information to viewers without being condescending or preaching your own beliefs. In 30 seconds you'll have 3.1k plus 1 subscribers.x

[@Travelingman724]

This is the first video I’ve found that really shows cleaning them. Thank you

[@Aliholic]

as someone on the PNW, I really appreciate your videos good sir. Been getting into foraging lately, and your channel has been a wealth of knowledge about the local species (both salties and freshies). Obsessively watching your back catalogue of videos, happy to see you are still uploading

[@Jennifer-gw4ww]

Makes my mouth watering, gaper clams are my favorite. Been 16 yrs I haven't had one.

[@scottcraig972]

Thank you. Never new the information you provided. Can't wait to go claming now my father and grandpa used to take me with them clamming for Pismo clams in Newport beach CA. Back in the 60's. Along time ago. !!

[@allylxvyukaa]

I got horse clams for the first time yesterday and was looking for way to clean them. I have watched tons of videos on KZbin, but your method is the best. Thank you for posting your video.

[@DoveGirl]

Thank you for returning the fish🙋🏾‍♀️🙏🏾🤗

[@stephaniemaxwell5812]

Loved this video and the very good guide through finding, harvesting, and cleaning the clams. Demonstrations are very good, simple and well shot. Your advice is great. Keep your production techniques as simple and effective (!) as possible. So much information, great that you related your experiences, the clams' biology and methods for dealing with the clams. Thank you so much!

[@jim9990]

If you want a more mild taste for the cockles you should clean them before cooking. I like frying them for a few minutes per side. I also live by the ocean so I keep them submerged in salt water for 2-3 days. I change the water every 24-48 hours to keep it clean and oxygenated. They have gills so as long as the water is oxygenated they will open up and filter feed. This blows all the sand out of them.

[@jerlee620]

Cool video & rather appetizing. Thanks for the cooking advice. Cheers.

[@lizafajardo]

🎉🎉🎉

[@lyidacampbell7755]

The Gaper clams are huge!!🙂🧛‍♀️❤🦪🦪👍✌👋

[@user-tv7lq7ug5m]

I soak my gapers in freshwater for 2-3 hours before cleaning them. You will be surprised how much the necks stretch out.

[@westcoaster3763]

Great video. Thanks

[@gus473]

👍 Amazing clams! Especially appreciate the skin removal tip! Thanks for another great video! 😎

[@cl4s624]

Enjoyed the video amazing catches keep up good work

[@jasonjones6428]

I randomly ran across your channel and I have to say that was a fantastic video. Probably the best clam cleaning video I’ve seen. I live in Fresno, CA, and make frequent trips to Half Moon Bay and the central / northern coast for fishing, clamming and foraging. Plus I’ve been metal detecting fir years. I have a Whites MXT and A Minelab Etrac. You have a new subscriber!

[@gogan3429]

Great video. A pea crab. I was wondering what those were. Excellent

[@great-grandmakirk8828]

Awe I wanted to see the little crab.😩