( The above is courtesy of the The Guide to Shellfishing in Massachusetts Produced by the Massachusetts Shellfish Officers Association and the Barnstable County Cooperative Extension)

Mya arenaria, soft shell clam, steamer, longneck, long clam

Found between the tide lines or just below the low water mark, the soft shelled clam is 4 - 12 inches below the surface.  Dig soft shell clams cautiously to avoid spearing their fragile shells.  Legal harvest size is 2 inches.  Clams under 2 inches in length must be carefully replanted neck upright and covered with a thin layer of sand to protect them from exposure.  Too much sand will smother the clam.  Clams can be served steamed, fried, and in stew.  

Go to the Recreational Shellfishing Section