taking live clams from beach? legal?

Question

I was wondering if it is legal to take clams from the beaches in california?? I don't see what the problem is, but I just wanted to make sure.

Answer 1

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1216/is_5_208/ai_85700444?lstpn=article_results&lstpc=search&lstpr=external&lstprs=other&lstwid=1&lstwn=search_results&lstwp=body_middle
For more, contact one of these agencies: California Department of Fish and Game, Eureka Office (707/445-6493); California Department of Fish and Game, Bodega Bay Office (707/875-4261); Pismo Beach Conference & Visitors Bureau (805/773-7034).
29.20. Clams General.
(a) Except as provided in this article, there are no closed seasons, bag limits or size limits on
saltwater clams.
(b) Fishing hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
(c) Special gear provisions: Spades, shovels, hoes, rakes or other appliances operated by hand,
except spears or gaff hooks, may be used to take clams. No instrument capable of being used
to dig clams may be possessed between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before
sunrise, on any beach of this state, except tools and implements used in the work of cleaning,
repairing or maintaining such beach when possessed by a person authorized by appropriate
authority to perform such work.
(d) Clams ashore: Clams which have a size limit when being taken must be brought ashore
above the high water mark in such a condition that the size can be determined. Such clams not
in the shell may not be transported or possessed, except when being prepared for immediate
consumption. Clams which have a size limit and are not retained shall be immediately reburied
in the area from which dug.
29.25. Gaper Clams (Horse Clams and Horseneck Clams) and Washington Clams.
L imit: Ten of each species, except in Humboldt Bay the limit is fifty in combination; however,
no more than 25 gaper clams may be taken or possessed. In Elkhorn Slough the limit is twelve in
combination. All gaper clams and Washington clams dug, regardless of size or broken condition,
must be retained until the bag limit is reached. For purposes of this section, clams commonly
termed horse clams or horseneck clams are gaper clams, not geoduck clams regulated pursuant
to Section 29.30.
29.30. Geoduck Clams.
L imit: Three. The first three geoduck clams dug must be retained as the bag limit regardless
of size or broken condition. For purposes of this section, clams commonly termed horse clams
or horseneck clams are not geoduck clams.
29.35. Littleneck Clams, Soft-Shell Clams, Chiones, Northern Quahogs, and
Cockles.
(a) Limit: Fifty in combination.
(b) Minimum size: One and one-half inches in greatest diameter, except there is no size limit for
soft-shell clams. All soft-shell clams dug, regardless of size or broken condition, must be retained
until the bag limit is reached.
29.40. Pismo Clams.
(a) Open season: May be taken in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties September 1 through
April 30. In all other counties, except in state marine reserves or other marine protected areas
which prohibit the take of clams (see Section 632), Pismo clams may be taken at any time of the
year.
(b) Limit: Ten.
(c) Minimum size: Five inches in greatest shell diameter north of the boundary between San
Luis Obispo and Monterey counties; four and one-half inches in greatest shell diameter south of
the boundary, between San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.
(d) Clam preserves: No clams shall be taken within state marine reserves or other marine
protected areas which prohibit the take of clams (see Section 632).
29.45. Razor Clams.
(a) Open season:
(1) Little River Beach in Humboldt County: Between Mad River and Strawberry Creek open
only during even-numbered years; between Strawberry Creek and Moonstone Beach open only
during odd-numbered years.
(2) In Del Norte County: North of Battery Point open only during odd-numbered years; south of
Battery Point open only during even-numbered years.
(3) All other areas: Open all year.
(b) Limit: Twenty. The first twenty clams dug must be retained as the bag limit regardless of
size or broken condition.
29.55. Mussels.
L imit: Ten pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels and bay mussels in combination

Answer 2

Horseneck Clams

Answer 3

Yup, an ESPN special. Decision 2011.

Answer 4

I'd have a fishing license, but everything's legal until u get caught

Answer 5

ask the lifeguard on the beach they know everything. (no kidding)

but on a sorta-unrelated note, its illegal to take live queen conchs from the ocean in florida.