Utilizing Clams For Surf Fishing Bait
There are a selection of actually good baits to select from with regards to fishing on the seaside. Of all of the baits used for surf fishing, clams will be the subsequent finest bait for surf fishing after sand crabs. On this article, we’ll be breaking down all the pieces you’ll want to find out about utilizing clams for surf fishing bait.
If you happen to’ve adopted me lengthy sufficient, you’d know that if I’m fishing for surfperch, corbina, croaker or any of the like, I’ll fish a Carolina rig and use sand crabs for bait after I can. If sand crabs are unavailable (winter months), I’ll use mussel meat.
Why don’t I take advantage of clams? Nicely, I do. At any time when I come throughout a authorized pismo clam throughout the authorized time window, you guess, I’m utilizing it. Of the instances I’ve been ready to make use of pismo clams for bait, they’re a really dependable bait. Probably even higher than sand crabs.
I simply don’t exit of my technique to discover them or purchase them as sand crabs are simply to simple to search out and too productive to justify utilizing clams on a regular basis.
If you happen to aren’t aware of utilizing sand crabs for surf fishing bait, make sure you try the linked article. Sand crabs are available between the months of April and October.
What Form of Clams for Surf Fishing Bait?
The commonest kind of clam utilized by anglers on the west coast is known as the Pismo clam. On the earth of clams, Pismo clams are categorized as “bivalves”, which means they’ve two siphons and a two-halved shell.
These clams use their digging foot to bury themselves a number of inches beneath the moist sand. By way of their consumption valve, they draw seawater into their our bodies to seize diatoms, algae, and plankton.
Info Concerning the Pismo Clam
Dimension and Construction
Pismo clams are one of many largest species of clams present in California. They’re bivalves, which implies they’ve two siphons and a two-halved shell.
The most important recorded Pismo clam was discovered at Pismo Seaside in California, measuring 7.37 inches throughout and estimated to be 26 years previous.
Inhabitants Dynamics
Pismo clam populations are topic to important fluctuations attributable to numerous pure components. Clammers and sea otters are the principle predators of Pismo clams.
Progress Fee
Pismo clams usually require round 5 years to achieve authorized measurement (4.5 inches), with their development averaging about 3/4 inch yearly. As clams close to the age of 10, their development fee slows considerably, with a rise of not more than 1/8 inch per yr being widespread.
Filtering Capability
A 3-inch clam filters a median of 5,800 gallons of water yearly, extracting solely about 3.88 ounces of meals.
What Can You Catch Utilizing Clams for Bait?
Surf fishing with clams may be very corresponding to surf fishing with mussel meat. You’ll be able to catch you fairly the variability. Some widespread catches embody barred surfperch, walleye surfperch, black surfperch, yellowfin croaker, spotfin croaker, corbina, calico bass together with a handful extra.
Like mussel meat, you’ll truly discover that by utilizing clams (and mussel meat) as bait, you’ll lower the variety of rays you catch compared to utilizing sand crabs or different baits – particularly squid.
Take a look at the photographs above of some widespread species that may eat clams.
The place To Discover Clams
Pismo clams (and different clams just like the Pacific razor clam) could be discovered alongside most of our sandy seashores right here in California. Though they are often discovered at any tide, the best technique is to reach at a really low tide and use a clamming rake to poke into the moist sand as you’re feeling round for them.
Laws for Taking Pismo Clams
- Clammers should possess a sound fishing license and an correct (inflexible) measuring gadget.
- Pismo clams should measure at the very least 4 1/2″ in size to be possessed.
- Undersized Pismo clams have to be instantly reburied, two inches deep, within the space the place dug.
- Bag restrict is 10 Pismo clams.
- Hours of clamming are 1/2 hour earlier than dawn to 1/2 hour after sundown.
The Pacific Razor Clam could be taken always throughout the yr, with a sound fishing license. There’s a restrict of 20 clams per particular person.
How To Use Clams for Surf Fishing Bait
Surf fishing with clams is similar to surf fishing with baits like mussel meat and sand crabs. A authorized pismo clam (4.5 inches) ought to present loads of bait for perhaps 10-15 hooks price. Simply pop the clam open with knife, minimize out the meat and minimize it into small items the scale of a sand crab. Then use them as you’d a sand crab or mussel meat on a Carolina rig. See under for the set-up I take advantage of.
Greatest Rig, Rod and Reel for Surf Fishing with Clams
As talked about earlier, when surf fishing with clams for bait, I make the most of my conventional mild deal with rod, reel and rigs. Deal with it as if you’d deal with surf fishing with sand crabs. Verify the “mild deal with” drop-down part under for my actual set-up.
As at all times, let me know for those who guys have any questions and good luck on the market!
