Horseneck Clamming at Tomales Bay 4/23 (Sunday)

Today was my family outing to Tomales Bay for clamming. We got ~15 clams in 2 hours or so. Half of them are small, they may not be counted.

Today's Low tide was at 3pm. I started transporting my boy, girl and wife after 2pm across the channel. It was tricky to use the kayak as a mover, given that the current was strong. I managed to get them over to the other side.

It was slow in the beginning - forgot how to read the holes. After locating a honey hole ( a lot of clams),  things started clicking.  Before 5PM, we headed back. Again, I started transporting my family back one by one. Although it was not a long distance across the channel, I felt I paddled a lot. My arms are sore now.

All in all, it was a good day for my family.

Eric

Great job Eric.  Those clams are so tasty.   Where did you get your tube?
Dave

I bought the tude in the boat shop at the 1st trip, which costs $25. Someone can probably make a better one with less cost.

I heard about horseneck digging in Tomales Bay but have couple questions:

1) what is the address and how to get there from San Jose?
2) do we need to have a boat or inflatable to reach to the digging location?
3) daily bag limits... Yes. What is the number? I read from the dfg.ca.gov and it is 25 per day. but not sure that is right.
4) do the kids under 18 or 16 need license?

Thanks,
horsenecklover

I heard about horseneck digging in Tomales Bay but have couple questions:

1) what is the address and how to get there from San Jose?
2) do we need to have a boat or inflatable to reach to the digging location?
3) daily bag limits... Yes. What is the number? I read from the dfg.ca.gov and it is 25 per day. but not sure that is right.
4) do the kids under 18 or 16 need license?

Thanks,
horsenecklover

1.  Lawsons Landing in Tomales Bay-  137 Marine View Drive Dillon Beach, CA 94929
    (707) 878-2443

2.  Wait on a minus tide, then go to the exposed sand bars out in the bay.  I dont know if a boat/kayak is an absolute requirement, but it sure will increase your chances of hitting the less picked clam beds.  Minus tide is key though. 

3.  I looked at the DFG regs also, I also read 25, but I'm positive it's not that for Gaper clams (which you will be getting in Tomales) The limit is 10, I'm pretty sure.  Call Lawson's Landing and ask. 

4.  Kids under 16 need a license. 

Use the search function up top and type in Clamming or Clam or Gaper or something along those lines.  Also try Youtube.  Post a Hookup when you plan on going, maybe I'll join you!

Shellback,

Thank you very much for the information.

Do you know the calendar for horseneck clam digging?
I meant, does it open for all year round or there are some closed periods enforced like other species: Salmon, Crabs, Abalone?

I read from the dfg and I horseneck or gaper are the same one and the daily bag limit is 25. I just want to make sure the information is right and feel good when digging.

Regards,
horsenecklover.

I dont know if there is a closed season for them, looking at the regs, it doesnt seem like there is.  I think you should contact the DFG for accurate infomation.  Actually, an easier way to find out the regs and feel good about what your doing out there would probably be for you to contact Lawsons Landing and as them about seasons and limits.  That part of the DFG regs is very unclear.  Good luck and keep us posted!

Shellback,

Again, thanks for the information.

New questions:
- Halibut fishing: I read the tomales bay is also good for halibut fishing. Is this inside the bay or outside the bay. I tried once a couple years back in Berkerly but did not catch anything. But, I saw a few folks were getting big ones. I think, I didn't know the technique and still don't know it yet. But, venture outside of the bay is too dangerous and I am not well equiped to do that kind of the trips yet. So, inside of the bay with calm and peaceful water is my favorite.

- How about strippers in that area? Any idea when is the good month to venture out there for strippers?

Thanks,
Horenecklover.

Strippers...I'm not too sure about a good place to go for strippers, Mitchell Bros in SF is good.  Now, if you want to know about catching STRIPERS, I might be able to help a little. Just keep in mind I'm still new at all this and there are tons of other guys in NCKA that are way more knowledgeable than I am. Best place for stripers right about now, I'd say the Delta. But that might be wrong, if your available on weekdays we could hit up Franks Tract one of these days, I'm planning on doing it sometime soon. Topwater striper fishing is awesome!

Do what I do. When you have a question, post it up in the correct section ie. Fishing Tips, General Talk, Gearing up ect and I'm sure people will be more than happy to answer you. Works for me, I do it all the time hahaha. I've learned so much from NCKA it's ridiculous.

Shellback,

Yah! I will follow your advises.



Horsenecklover.

The limit for Gapper clams is 10 and kids under 16 don't need a fishing license to keep their limits.

Thanks, Shellback!
To access the clams bed, we have to chekin at the Lawson's Landing gate.
It costs $8.00 per vehicle per daily use.

To reach the clams bed on the other side of the channel, we need to use the raft or small boat to cross other side.

Have you been on the other side of the clams bed?

Quick question:

How is the camp site here at Lawson compares with Bodega Duns?
Windy? cool?

I camped at the Bodega Duns a month back and it was great place.
I want to try at Lawson to see what it is like.

Any advice?
Thanks,
Horsenecklover.

Hey Horsenecklover, yes I've been to the clam beds in Tomales- once. I'm not sure about the camping, I just did a day trip. I had a lot of fun with a couple bros off the site, SuperD and Hightide. When crab season comes back (Nov 5) people will start clamming more often, including myself. Go to the top of the page and click "search" then type clam or clamming in the box, you will see tons of past Hookups. Have you ever been clamming before? If not, I'd suggest waiting until someone posts a hookup for clamming and go with them, that's what I did and now thanks to Hightide I know how to clam. Just be sure you know all the state regulations before you do anything. Take care buddy.

Jeff

Jeff,

Yes. I did once in Washington state with my friend about 10 yrs back.
Then when I was at the Bodega Dunes camping last month, I went clamming as well in Bodega Bay.
I got some and the tide came back so fast and I could not stay long enough.

You said crab season in November? Do we need license or just regular fishing license we have?
What kind of tools do we need and where? Do we have to be there early?

Thanks, Jeff!

Horsenecklover