When a clammer spots a hole, or "dimple" in the sand, she or he will utilize a three-foot long piece of four inch diameter PVC pipe, capped with a handle, to help capture a clam. The trick is to then position the pipe over the top of the dimple and begin pushing the pipe deep into the sand. Placing a thumb over the tiny exhaust hole drilled into the top of the pipe creates suction on the trapped sand and water below. Pulling upward brings a column of beach sand trapped in the tube.

Removing a thumb from exhaust port allows the sand to fall free. With luck, a shiny brown clam shell will be extracted from the sand.