Quahog Fishing Season Calendar in Rhode Island
Many people in Rhode Island enjoy fishing for quahog. Quahogs, for those who do not know, are small hard shell clams that can be found in Rhode Island predominantly, but also in any area along the Atlantic Coast. These animals dig down into the sand where they feed on plankton. Smaller quahogs are commonly called "little necks," while the larger ones are known as "cherry stones," to avid fishermen everywhere.
Quahogs can be fished for any time of the year, but they tend to be easiest to acquire in the late spring and early summer months.The fishing that is done for them is not traditional in nature. Instead, fishermen must trek out into the ocean or to the bottom of a bay. Typically, the fisherman will stand in waist deep water at low tide and use a special instrument, known as a rake, to gather the quahogs. Skiffs may also be used by some fishermen for easier access to the quahogs and the ability to collect more of them at a time. Of course, some people also just use their hands and feet to gather up the little clams. They should be stored in a bucket with a minimum amount of saltwater until they are ready to be cleaned, prepared, and eaten.
Quahog fishing in Rhode Island can be done by anyone, though those who hope to massively sell the clams may require a license. Whether or not licensing will be needed will depend upon the amount a person plans to catch, when that person plans to do the fishing, and several other factors. Checking with the local fish and wildlife group in the area of Rhode Island is always a good idea. Some people will simply enjoy fishing for Quahog for fun, while others will do it for profit or for a delicious meal that can't be beat.