Clamming for Horse Neck in Bodega

Hi gang! I may be going horse neck clamming for my first time on Monday, since I will be spending a few days nearby at my friend's timeshare. I may also try for some perch or a Monkey-Faced Eell. Can anyone give me tips on clamming inside the harbor? I'm bringing a square nosed shovel and a 5 gallon bucket. From what I hear all I do is look for holes that are bubbling and start digging like crazy. Limit 10, no size? Any other sort of clams I can take if I run into them?

Also, which is the best spot to park on the side of the road and walk in? Should I go to the campsite or can I just park off Westshore Road or Doran Beach Road?

Thanks!

In the future get yourself a clam gun. Way easier than using a shovel or clam tubes.

In the future get yourself a clam gun. Way easier than using a shovel or clam tubes.

Clam gun eh...sounds pretty cool! I'll look it up. Thanks Herb!

I just use a shovel for horsenecks, but it's common to use a 5 gallon or bigger bucket with the bottom cut out so the sand doesn't fall back in when you dig.  Use mussels for monkeyface eels.  A small live bait hook like 1/0 or #1 work best.

Wow nice haul Matanaska! Thanks for the tips y'all! I picked up some hooks for my pole poking clamming adventure, I'm stoked! But first I must grill up some elk sausage, have a brewski, and Go Warriors!!

A trenching shovel works well. the clam gun works too but only in sand that "holds up". Either way if you've had elk sausage and some sierra's you're GTG! I've found that digging by hand yields more clams than not. My $.02

Thanks guys! Success was had today! I started with my square shovel and cracked my first clam. I didn't like the thought of other clams shells breaking, so once I saw a clam hole, I just gave it two big shovels and then used my hands to dig my way down. Once I found the siphon, it became a wrestling match! Lol l. I had a lot of fun. Can't wait to go back. I made sashimi with some of them and boy were they delicious, along with a nice cold Sierra Nevada!

You found the Horsenecks on the Bodega Bay side?  Never thought of doing a walk in trip over there.  I've been to Lawson's Landing a few times with really good luck but that requires paddling out to the clam beds on the low tide.  The Bodega Bay side walk in trips sound like they'd be much easier for the kids!  Might have to try that in two weeks when the kids are here for a visit!