How do I find clams in Florida for bait?

Question

I have always used live clams for bait while surf fishing. The prices for claims seem to get steeper every time I go down there. Is it possbile to harvest clams easily somewhere along the Indian River or some other inlet near Satellite Beach? How would I go about doing that? Thanks.

Thanks for the responses! I'll give it a shot.

Answer 1

I have never heard of anyone using clams for surf-fishing in FLA. But, "to each his own".

If you want some mussel's or oyster's instead why not simply go to the ICW or swamp near the ICW and "knock some off"?

Be careful; make sure you go to an area that doesn't have "black mud", (you need a sandy bottom), or you will lose your shoes and maybe your short's!

A good alternative to clams would be mussels, dead shrimp, squid, sandfleas, "cut-bait", or live mud-minnows or shrimp.

PS: A can of clams at the grocery store is like $2.

Answer 2

Not the first time I've heard of clams for surf fishing, but most often see them used for bridge fishing... oh well...

Here's what you're looking for, but stop at a bait store first and make sure you'll be clamming in an open area, you'll need a sandy bottom for clams and look for little "volcanoes" and clear holes about a quarter of an inch or so across, get your clam rake or shovel and get to digging. Try not to mess up the grassbeds too much.

There ya go.

Answer 3

you can always ask some local tackle shops or check some maps on the internet for clam beds, or just dig around, it's how i look for clams and sand crabs when im in the surf.

Answer 4

Go to this site, http://research.myfwc.com/product_info.asp?id=1493, its a down loadable PDF about clams in Florida.