Being surrounded by water has many advantages, especially for the seafood lover. One big advantage is that when other seasons are closed or chances are not that great, there are very few bad times for gathering enough succulent shellfish for a fresh seafood dinner.

We are blessed with the different types of shellfish we have available within our local shorelines. Clams are arguably the most common shellfish harvested in Washington. There are several varieties out there for you to choose from. The most popular are the steamers. They are actually three different types; the manila, littleneck, and butter. Manilas are my favorites, they don’t seem to be as gritty as the others. The average one to two inches, and their oblong shells have concentric and radiating lines on the shell. They are the easiest to find, lying just four inches below. Littlenecks are about the same size as the manilas. They too have the rings and lines, but their shell is more round than oblong. Littlenecks are usually found a little deeper, around six to ten inches. The butters are larger, three to four inches. Their shell are usually chalky-white with no ridges. They are a little more difficult to harvest, usually found a foot to a foot and a half below the surface.

While you can fry them in fritters, or use them for chowder, my favorite way is to steam them. Take a decent size pot and heat some olive oil and then sauté some onions and garlic. When they are translucent deglaze the pan with a quality red wine and add the clams. Remove them as soon as they open or they will be tough and chewy. Serve with a good crusty garlic bread and a salad, along with the remainder of the red wine.

The other types are quite a bit larger than the steamers. Geoducks are very large. Their heavy oblong shell is usually found two to three feet below the surface. They can weigh up to ten pounds. Usually geoducks are fried or used for chowder. Horse clams are large also, up to eight inches. Their chalky-white shell has patches of a brownish-yellow “skin” on them. They are usually found one to two feet below the surface and are best served fried. All of these types can be found on local beaches. Just be sure to check the regulations. For instance, the popular Ala Spit is only open from Jan. 1 to May 31, while others are open year-round.

The prime rib of the clams is the razors. The thin tan oblong shell is about six inches and they are only found on the Pacific beaches. Seasons or digs, are strictly regulated by the state, as one four-day dig just ended. Later dates will be announced in mid-March. The most up to date information can be found on the department’s web site. Long, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks are the most popular beaches. If you go after them, be prepared to have quite a few others out there. Pounded thin, then quickly fried in garlic-shallot butter is the best meal around.

The other common shellfish found on local beaches are my favorite, mussels. Their oblong blue-black shell grows to about three to six inches. They attach to piers, rocks, and pilings with tiny threads or beards. To remove just give a little twist as you remove them. When you get home, trim the beards. Steam them the same way as you would clams and enjoy. They also make fantastic chowder.

Some of the most popular beaches are in Deception Pass State Park, and around Penn Cove. Check with base security to see if the beaches along Maylor Point are open to clamming. Penn Cove is also a great place for mussels, just make sure to respect private beach property. Also make sure that you replace the dirt you overturn when digging for clams. In addition, call the Red Tide Hotline for up to date beach closures due to the toxic algae.

Clamming is a great activity for the entire family. You are never to young to try, just remember that children must dig their own limit and have their own container. An old bread bag works great for the little ones. It holds enough clams for them and is easy for them to carry.

If the fish runs are not that hot, the water is still a little cold for good fishing, and no hunting season is open, pack a shovel and a couple of buckets in the car. Load the kids and don’t worry about getting a little wet and dirty. Get yourself some of the freshest seafood nature has to offer. Drop a line and let me know when dinner will be ready.