Make A Living Alongshore...Digging Clams

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As you can see, there was a continual change as the market moved up or down. We followed no man's compass course and fished in no one's wake. Yes, it took a lot of gear and a lot of know-how (that's the reason for this book). No one can tell you where, and when, and how to fish. But if you'll sit up and listen a little .. . if you'll realize there are other ways to make a living than just hanging on the end of a quahog pole-or going on welfare-you may not make more money . . . but you'll have a lot of fun. And you won't have to wear any man's tie or take off your hat to any other. We escaped the city during the "Great Depression", and you might just be headed that way. We found that if we couldn't always sell what we caught, at least we could eat it. It might be useful for you to keep that fact in mind.

FISHING FOR PROFIT

"Meat fishing" has only one valid formula: money made minus money spent equals profit earned. No other consideration is pertinent. If the time involved matters to you, then you should get a nine-to-five job, pay your withholding tax, and go fishing for the fun of it.

You will have to know at what time you caught fish this morning in order to know when you should be at the beach tomorrow. But the fish don't know. No fish wears a wristwatch. The fisherman who goes out earliest, works hardest, and stays longest (and this holds true for any kind of fishing) will eventually catch the most fish and thereby make the most money . . . luck, skill, and the weather notwithstanding. If you and I and another fisherman go one day, and one of us comes in with the most fish, that's probably luck. But if one of us comes in consistently "high line"day after daythat's not luck. That's hard work and long hours. Furthermore, it's fine to share your fishing with your buddies-and that's the way it should be if you're fishing for fun-but if you're fishing for market, keep your mouth shut. If you have to brag, wait until next winter when the fish have gone.

If you're new at the game, you'll probably have to go where the gang goes . . . until you learn your own water and your own stretch of beach. Pay attention to whether or not you catch fish, where you catch them, how many you catch, what the weather conditions are, what lures or bait you use, what time of tide and day it is. Write it all down in your little black book until it becomes second nature for you to catalog it in your mind.

When searching for your own spots, remember that the news in the paper or on the radio is usually at least a day old. Even the gossip you pick up in the local tackle shop is about yesterday's fish . . . which may have moved before you can get there. However, you should study both the printed news and the local gossip for clues. If you go to the beach looking for likely spots, go at low tide. If possible, look down from a sand dune or other elevation with a pair of polarizing sunglasses.

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