Digging Clams on Pleasant Bay Cape Cod
Pleasant Bay, Cape Cod is a beautiful spot on the east side of Harwich also bordering Chatham and Orleans. See map below from mass.gov. During low tide, shell fishing is fairly abundant but only by permit with regulations that are strictly enforced. Permits can be purchased form the Harbor Master see ThreeHarbors.com. One day permits may be purchased for non-residents prior to "digging." Even if you don't want to dig for clams, it is worth the trip because Pleasant Bay is so beautiful and the water is warm and lovely for swimming for playing in tide pools.
Soft shell clams are dug up from the sand during low tide. The digger first starts in with a rake, then uses hands to find the elusive clams. We like to steam our soft shell and little necks and serve with melted butter. Little neck also make a great clam sauce.
Quahogs are larger 
sized littleneck clams who have been growing longer. To find these guys one must wade out into the water and search. These are too tough to eat alone but can be chopped and serve stuffed by into the shell.
"Harwich Shell fishers must obtain a full year permit from Town Hall. Family Shell fishing through September is permitted on Wednesday and Saturday only with a limit of one ten quart pail of shellfish for the week. Please check the regulations at the Harbormasters Office, at Town Hall or at this website. The role of the shellfish constable is very important to managing the resource for its good. Spend a moment with one of our wardens and learn how to measure quahogs and meet the team." ~excerpted from the Harbor Master's website, at ThreeHarbors.com. 
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