Fishing and Clamming Gear
If you are out Fishing or Clamming, you'll need the right gear and the right paperwork.
Fishing Gear
You'll want the right gear to stay safe, but more so that you have good chance of catching a fish!
Fishing Tackle Checklist
Tackle box
Fishing rods, reels, and line
Appropriate live bait and cool storage
Assorted lures, hooks, and flies
Bobbers, snap swivels, and sinkers
Nail clippers, pliers, and forceps
Backup monofilament line and leaders
Landing net and measuring device
Fish identification booklet
Stringer for keeping fish
Fish-cleaning knife and cooking equipment
Fishing regulations and license (if required)
First-aid kit
Proper shoes and spare socks
Sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 15) and insect repellant
For comfort, safety, and being prepared for the weather conditions, consider rain gear, a bandanna, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
License
Anglers 14 years and younger do not need a fishing license, though catch record cards are still required for certain species. See the regulations for additional information.
Purchase a license and print it out and place it in a ziplock bag
Select "Recreational Login"
WDFW Phone
360-902-2464
NOTE that Federal and state law require everyone 15 and older to provide their social security number before purchasing a license, whether buying in person, online, or by phone.
Rules
eregulations.com Washington State Sport Fishing Rules
eregulations.com Statewide Freshwater Regulations
Clamming Gear
Clam Gun
You'll need a clam digging tool
Clam Shovel
Clam Gun
Digging tools may be shared, but the digger must have their hand on tool when digging
Clam Net
Each person harvesting will need their own net/container
License
Everyone age 15 and older needs a license
Purchase a license and print it out and place it in a ziplock bag
Select "Recreational Login"
WDFW Phone
360-902-2464
NOTE that Federal and state law require everyone 15 and older to provide their social security number before purchasing a license, whether buying in person, online, or by phone.
Rules
On all open beaches, the daily limit is 15 clams per person
Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container
All diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition, to prevent waste
All diggers 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach
eregulations.com Sport Fishing Rules (shellfishing too)
eregulations.com Razor Clam Rules
eregulations.com Other Clams
Marine Toxins
This isn't gear, but check before you go.
Washington Stare Department of Health Shellfish Safety Information
Razor Clam Recipes Ingredients
Look up your recipes, print them out and go get some ingredients
License types
Combination License
Allows you to fish in freshwater and saltwater, and harvest shellfish (including razor clams) and seaweed.
Freshwater License
Allows you to fish in freshwater areas only.
Saltwater License
Allows you to fish in saltwater areas only.
Shellfish/Seaweed License
Allows you to harvest razor clams, red rock crab, coastal Dungeness crab (but not Puget Sound Dungeness crab), goose barnacles, mussels, octopus, oysters, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, shrimp, softshell and hardshell clams, squid, and seaweed. No catch record card is required.
1-3 Day Combination License
These short-term licenses work just like a combination license and require the purchase of other endorsements where applicable. They are NOT valid for game fish for the eight-day period beginning the fourth Saturday in April, unless you are active-duty resident military personnel. These licenses must be used on consecutive days.
Razor Clam License
This license (available as an annual or three-day temporary license) allows you to harvest razor clams. You do not need this license if you already have a shellfish/seaweed or combination license. No catch record card is required.
Fish Washington License
This license represents a one-click option for an annual combination license with the Puget Sound Dungeness crab and two-pole endorsements included at reduced cost.