Geoduck

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

As I start this thread, I want to clarify a few things.
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I put this in "other big game" because they are not easy to find on public beaches.
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Access to areas that hold them is more restricted than hunting.
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Public/private, long hikes..
Boat only access areas..
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You think the moon affects hunting?
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Low tides are dependent on the moon.
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Unless you're a diver, have private access, or a boat..
 You have limited opportunities to even find one, let alone dig one.
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Limit is 3 a day, but I only dig one a year.
Just to say "I did it!"
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Digging a 4 foot deep hole on the beach is hard work.
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I question my motivation.
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Sure, they taste good...
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But not that good..
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Every other mollusca is easier, and just as delicious.
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Why even work that hard for one?
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The "trophy' is the picture, and sense of accomplishment.
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As I plan this year's quest for "the one", I am aware that it really isn't about the food, it is about the experience and time shared with friends/family more than just getting a clam.
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Anybody else "hunting" Geoduck this year?

[Wphunt]

I have dug 2 up years ago, and I did have private access. Only saw them on a very low tide, like -2’ or more. I agree with you, it’s hard work, really muddy, good but not great eating. It’s fun in a way and a good experience though. I never got a picture, post a geoduck grip and grin if you get one!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Planning a trip in June with -4 tides with a couple of forum members.
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We will have pictures.
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Actually starting out on private beach that maybe has them, then going to my "secret" public spot to get our one.
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It's just that I have seen people actually show pictures of multiple limits (3+)
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And just digging one kicks my ass.

[253shotgunner]

Geoduck digging is the ultimate tide to table adventure for us clam diggers. 253sg

[DrAri]

We have them on our beach in the Olympia area. There’s many homes here that lease their tidelands out to geoduck farmers

[Encore 280]

Anybody use a garbage can or big diameter stove pipe? Makes it a lot easier, keeps things from caving in around ya. Years ago we'd order geoduck steaks at the old Kingston Inn, damn good! 

[pianoman9701]

I love geoduck but have never hunted for them. I eat the siphon raw in ceviche. I take out the stomach and deep fry the body cut up into 2-3" chunks. I think I like the ceviche more than the fried pieces. It's sweet and if sliced fairly thin, not rubbery at all.

[pianoman9701]

More

[Stein]

Every time I get an itch to do it I just watch a YouTube and after that any desire to do it myself has mercifully passed.

[pianoman9701]

Its preparation is certainly not for the weak of heart or PETA crowd. The pieces from the siphon squirm a bit after being sliced. This goes on for a couple of minutes.

[elkrack]

Every time I get an itch to do it I just watch a YouTube and after that any desire to do it myself has mercifully passed.

Thanks for the tip! Other than to get a good workout in I don’t see the satisfaction. Lol

[GWP]

Geoduck digging is the ultimate tide to table adventure for us clam diggers. 253sg

Don’t lump me into your ‘clam diggers’ group. I dig clams. Now days with a clam gun.
I have no interest in hand digging 3’ down and burying my arm up to my armpit and staying there to pull up one ‘bigger’ clam.
 

[pd]

@pianoman: I agree with you, the syphon served raw with lemon & olive oil the the best way to go.

Here are some more ideas: IG @puget_wild

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

As I stated in original post, it is more the challenge of finding and digging that is my "reward"
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I can get one for eating without any problem...
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However, the "hunt" and effort provides an excitement much like other big game.
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Recreational harvest is limited to very few tides a year.
Access to productive beaches are limited.
Equipment is specialized..
(My Geoduck tube is family heirloom)
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Yes, going a full arms deep in the mud for an ugly clam, after digging 3 feet down, is not what most people call "fun", but the sense of accomplishment is why I do it.
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[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

Anybody use a garbage can or big diameter stove pipe? Makes it a lot easier, keeps things from caving in around ya. Years ago we'd order geoduck steaks at the old Kingston Inn, damn good! 

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I have a 24"x36" tube with handles that has been in my family for years.
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Definitely makes digging the hole easier.
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But it is a pain to carry.