Razor Clam night dig lighting options?

[253shotgunner]

I can't remember the last time I went on a night dig. However, 2021 Razor Clam season we will be digging at night a whole bunch. What are your go to lighting options, headlamp, lantern, new fangled LED options? Thanks, 253shotgunner

[WSU]

Lantern and headlamp for me.

[Stein]

Cheap LED headlamp from Amazon.  Make sure to GPS your truck as well....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q8G36QV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Mtnwalker]

Propane lantern if you're digging with a partner, a very bright high lumen headlamp if digging alone. I prefer the light cast by the lantern as it doesn't have as many shadowy areas and reflections as the led lights do, I can see shows alot better. But they're a pain if you're by yourself.

[3boys]

I use a LED headlamp and a dive light on a string tied to my belt. Once I find a hole I just let the light dangle while digging.

[birddogdad]

dont forget to come up with some way to "mark" where you park... its quite a show with flashing lights.. i use gps to mark before wandering in the dark!

[KNOPHISH]

Hit yer alarm on key fob and follow the honking.  I think the lights flask too when alarm is on.

[WAcoueshunter]

The light from lanterns make it easier to see the holes. But if you don’t have someone to hold it, a head lamp works okay.

[Westside88]

Good old Coleman lantern for me. I usually like 1 lantern shared between two diggers

[Jpmiller]

I was planning on a Coleman lantern, glad to see it's a viable.option.

[Stein]

Anything that puts out light will work.  Reflections from bright headlamps can be tricky, needing a hand to hold it (or get swept away by a wave) can be tricky.  Most people have something that works for them.  You shouldn't have any problem with whatever you use, take a few options and you will find out what works for you pretty quickly.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

I used Coleman lanterns for 50 years. Then I started using led headlamps and will never go back. You don't need fuel, you don't need someone to hold the lamp, and on those nights when the waves are running up the beach, you don't have to worry about a wave taking out your lamp while you wrestle with a clam. And you don't have to worry about bumping the lantern on something and breaking the mantle. Spend the money and get a high lumen headlamp. They are hands free and hassle free as long as you make sure the batteries are charged.

[trophyhunt]

Cheap LED headlamp from Amazon.  Make sure to GPS your truck as well....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q8G36QV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In the past we have left a blinking light on the dash, easy to lose your truck in the dark on that beach.

[Call em in]

I haven’t dug clams since I was a little kid so here’s a total newb question…how early before a low tide can you start digging clams. I see some night digs coming up but might be a little late for my kids. Thanks.

[HntnFsh]

 I usually start about an hour early but can start 2 hours early on a good low tide.

[Stein]

Yeah, depends on if it's a really low tide or marginal.  It's safe an hour ahead for sure and I can usually get my limits at least an hour after when I show up late.

[KP-Skagit]

If I recall the tides in this first opening are not great so you will have a shorter window. 1 hours early is probably fine. With the clamming closed for so long it will probably be hot and heavy.

I used a Coleman the first couple times but was digging solo and a sneaker wave got it. If you do go with a gas lantern make sure you keep the glass out of the waves. It shatters instantly if a lot of water hits it.

[253shotgunner]

I am definitely going even tho it's a zero dark thirty low tide. Interested to see if it will be crowded at 0430.

[Stein]

I am definitely going even tho it's a zero dark thirty low tide. Interested to see if it will be crowded at 0430.

My money is on yes.   

[CastleRocker]

Coleman North Star will give the best results when they aren't showing well.  If the clams are showing...any old headlamp will work.  The problem with headlamps that I've seen, is sometimes you need that little bit of side-light, or shadow to see them well...especially in the surf.

If you are using one of the newer propane lanterns, make sure you drill a few holes in the flange of the base.  If you don't,  you will set it down, dig your clam, pick it back up, and the base will suction to the wet sand, and pull off.  Next wave comes, and now you need a new base for your new Northstar lantern.  Or worse yet, you catch a glimpse of the base, go splashing after it, and a little bit of water hits the globe of your lantern...now you need one of those too!

I saw a guy a few years ago that had THE best lighting setup I've seen.  It was a handtruck with pneumatic tires, a full sized battery, and at least a dozen led flood lights mounted all around it.  We stayed about 30-50 yards away from him, and dug our limits without turning on a light.  It was an amazing sight.  If I had the money he had wrapped up it that set-up...I'd just go buy clams!

[PsoasHunter]

+1 more vote for gas lantern with a headlamp.  When we go with friends that just have LED headlamps, even really bright ones, they still end up crowding near the lantern.  Either the color of the light or the angle seems to make it much easier to spot the shows.