By Linda Tancs
In the mid-20th century, Pismo Beach, California, deemed itself “The Clam Capital of the World.” In its heyday, the Pismo clam and the Pacific Razor clam made up most of the catch by clammers in the state. In fact, the largest Pismo clam recorded in California came from Pismo Beach and was 7.37 inches across and estimated to be 26 years old. Decades of overharvesting devastated the industry, but there’s been an unprecedented recovery with thousands of small clams reappearing on the beaches around Pismo Beach. A valid sport fishing license is required to take Pismo clams for anyone 16 years old or older. You must also have with you a measuring device to measure clam size; anything under 4.5 inches must be reburied. The legal limit is 10 clams, and they cannot be taken at night. Every October you can celebrate the Pismo clam at the annual clam festival, featuring clam chowder competitions and a clam-themed parade.
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