TownPermit Info & RegulationsNotesBarnstableBarnstable ShellfishingLarge tidal flats, year-round opportunities.BourneBourne ShellfishingSeasonal permits available.BrewsterBrewster ShellfishingFamous for long Cape Cod Bay flats.ChathamChatham ShellfishingGreat quahog and soft-shell clam grounds.DennisDennis ShellfishingFamily-friendly flats, good crabbing too.EasthamEastham ShellfishingRock Harbor & First Encounter are favorites.FalmouthFalmouth ShellfishingMultiple access points, both bay & sound.HarwichHarwich ShellfishingPopular for steamers and quahogs.MashpeeMashpee ShellfishingScenic spots, smaller flats.OrleansOrleans ShellfishingSkaket Beach is excellent for families.ProvincetownProvincetown ShellfishingOuter Cape option with bay access.SandwichSandwich ShellfishingOldest town on the Cape, traditional grounds.TruroTruro ShellfishingSmaller flats, peaceful experience.WellfleetWellfleet ShellfishingFamous for oysters, also great for clams.YarmouthYarmouth ShellfishingMultiple access points on bay side.  

⚠️ Tip: Always check for red tide and water quality closures before heading out — each town posts updates regularly.

👉 You could link this table directly from your Plan Your Trip section or create a new Permits & Tide Charts page.

✅ Would you like me to also make a downloadable PDF version of this table (so visitors can save/print it), just like the checklist?
 

• Why people love it (fun, outdoorsy, delicious payoff)
   
• Quick note on permits + respecting the environment
   

• Techniques (how to rake, dig, or feel with feet)
   
• Safety & etiquette tips

Heading out for clams on Cape Cod is easier than you might think — all you need is the right timing, a permit, and a few basic tools. Here’s how to get started:

• Best time: Low tide is perfect, when the sand flats are exposed.
   
• Season: Most towns allow clamming year-round, but always check your local regulations.
   
• Tip: Plan ahead with a Tide Chart so you don’t miss the window.
   

• Shellfishing permit (available from each town)
   
• Bucket or basket
   
• Clam rake or hoe
   
• Measuring gauge (to check legal sizes)
   
• Water shoes or old sneakers
   

👉 Download the full Gear Checklist before you head out!

• Raking: Use your clam rake to gently drag through the sand until you hear or feel a “clink.”
   
• Digging: Once you find a clam, dig down carefully with your rake or hands to pull it out.
   
• Foot Method: Some people shuffle their feet in the sand until they feel the hard shell beneath them.
   

• Only keep clams that meet the legal size requirements.
   
• Respect daily limits — take what you’ll eat, and leave the rest for tomorrow.
   
• Fill in your holes when you’re done to protect the habitat.
   

✅ This section is clear, beginner-friendly, and ties in links to your tide charts and gear checklist.
 

Cape Cod is home to some of the best clamming spots in New England. Most towns along the Cape offer shellfishing permits, each with its own rules and regulations. Here are a few popular areas to get started:

• Known for its sandy flats and family-friendly access.
   
• Skaket Beach is a favorite for beginners — easy parking and wide tidal flats.
   
• Permits are available through the Town of Orleans.
   

• Famous for its long tidal flats that stretch out into Cape Cod Bay.
   
• Crosby Landing and Breakwater Beach are great places to explore.
   
• A top choice for those who want plenty of space at low tide.
   

• Offers both bay and ocean-side shellfishing spots.
   
• Rock Harbor and First Encounter Beach are local favorites.
   
• Be sure to check regulations for each area before heading out.
   

⚠️ Note: Each town sets its own shellfishing rules, including permit requirements, size limits, and daily catch limits. Always check local regulations before you go.

👉 Find links to town permits and regulations on our Tide Charts & Permits page.

✅ This gives visitors both inspiration and practical info, while encouraging them to click deeper into your site.

👉 Do you want me to also create a table of all Cape Cod towns with shellfishing permits + quick links (like a handy reference chart) that you can either embed here or put on a dedicated “Permits & Regulations” page?
 

• Types of clams: quahogs, steamers, razor clams
   
• Photos or icons of each
   
• Fun facts (like size limits, how quahogs = chowder clams)
   

• Simple prep/cleaning tips
   
• Easy recipes (steamed clams, chowder, stuffed quahogs)
   
• Safety tips (avoid red tide, check shellfish advisories)
   

• Make it fun for kids (turn it into a treasure hunt)
   
• How to involve the whole group
   
• Link back to Gear Checklist
   

• 📅 Link to Tide Charts
   
• 📋 Download Gear Checklist
   
• 👕 Shop Kid’s Katch gear
   
• 📍 Link back to Explore page
   

• Keeps the page organized and scannable.
   
• Mixes practical info + fun storytelling.
   
• Builds SEO by covering “how to,” “where,” and “recipes” naturally.
   
• Creates cross-links to your other pages (Explore, Shop, Checklist, Tide Charts).