Tools For Underwater Clam Digging?

[kale]

I keep seeing large clams with their necks poking out of the sand. They are geoduck and gaper clams. Their shells are about 9" accross and their necks at least a couple feet long. I want to know how to get them out of the sand. I can't do it with my hands. I'll try a hand rake next but I just wanted to see if anyone has a method they wouldn't mind sharing. Thank you,
Kale

 

[settingsteel]

how 'bout a box/bucket made of chicken wire, with a handle??

 

[paddyc23]

A rake is a good idea, but if you buy or make a rake with a net attached to the underneath of the rake, then when you rake up the clams they then will be captured in the net, i use this method all the time, cheap rake and cheap bit of net, or ask the local fishermen for a bit scrap...job sorted

 

[kale]

Well I went to give it a try today. I brought a hand shovel. I cruised over the sand and found some siphons sticking out about five inches. I was too slow and clumbsy on my first couple grabs and couldn't get my hands on them. I grabbed better at the next one and got a good grip on the last couple inches of the neck. I couldn't get it out though. The neck went deep into a sand/rock/shell bottom. I will try again but I will focus on areas with softer bottom.

 

[BatRay]

There are geoducks in SLO? Those look...interesting.

 

[Andrew the fish]

old thread, but still - any idea on how to get them geoducks out? From shore it is all pipe and dig. I wonder if anyone tried something like that under water? Friend f mine suggested using compressed air, I know comercial divers use nozzle with water jet but those methods restricted to commercial harvest. Here in BC anyways.