fresh water clams

[Paully]

I've got a buddy who likes eating mussles... are the ones you see in lakes around here good to eat?

[ketchenany]

According to the to Guide Eating Ontario Sport Fish – Page 12 . . .

 

Clams

Although freshwater clams are often readly available in many Ontario water bodies, it is advised that they are not consumed. Clams are filter feeders and therefore they are usually low in chemical contaminants, but for some reason, they can harbour harmful bacteria and other pathogens. If they are not suffeciently cooked, they may cause health problems, such as food poisoning.

 

Hope this helps.

[Dano]

The ones we tried were like rubber. I wont do that again.

[quickme]

I tried it once (on a dare) and it was NASTY. Not something you would want to eat.

[pike slayer]

i remember my buddies grandpa use to pick them out of the speck pond at the bush camp and just eat them raw. mmmmm mmmm NOT!

[muskeybugged]

Yeah the are, just stay away from the bearded variety!

[highdrifter]

Yeah the are, just stay away from the bearded variety!

 

IS THERE ANY OTHER KIND??!!!

[EC1]

Had it once before, they don't taste as good as the saltwater ones...And well, you've read it! You shouldn't be eating them according to the Ministry.

[GBW]

I did it, the trick is have one pot of salt water boiling and another pot with water, white wine and chicken broth boiling too. Get them cooked 80% in the salt water then change them over. they wern't bad but I'm not going to do it again. rather just buy some...

[fishing]

The ones we tried were like rubber. I wont do that again.

If a meat tenderizer was used, (or just use the back of the kitchen knife to hit it) it will be much better.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meat_tenderizer

Edited April 30, 2009 by fishing

[Fudd]

I dunno about eating but they are my preferred bait for specks,perch and eyes when i can get them.

[Dara]

I dunno about eating but they are my preferred bait for specks,perch and eyes when i can get them.

 

 

How do the fish get the shells open?

[GBW]

How do the fish get the shells open?

you take the inside out and use it as a trailer or jig it. I'm going to try it for sure this year...

[Fudd]

How do the fish get the shells open?

 

ummmmmm you are not serious?

 

You open the shell and use this insides. I just use a smallish hook with baitholder barbs. It is easily the best bait going for most fish. I am truly amazed how many people don't use "local bait". Grasshoppers, clams, minnows, leeches etc anything you can find in the river/creek/lake is by far the best bait you can get. If i go to a creek to fish, for say specks i never take bait, just my rod and some hooks. I find using what fish actually eat tends to work.