Hitting Holts Landing

By Paul W. Ross
Special to the Coastal Point

	Coastal Point • PAUL W. ROSS The fishing pier at Holt's Landing State Park is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.

On this trip, we are going to head west to one of the hidden jewels of the Delaware State Park system: Holts Landing State Park. (See “How Do We Get There?” for directions. It is about a 20 minute drive west of Bethany Beach, depending on traffic.)

Holts Landing State Park is located on the Indian River Bay. It is the perfect spot to launch your boat. There is an excellent boat ramp with ample parking for your trailer. Of course, canoes and kayaks are a good bet here, as the water is shallow outside of the dredged channel and is well sheltered.

Fishing, crabbing and clamming are the name of the game. A conversation with one of the fishermen on the pier suggests using squid as bait and a good sinker to get the bait to the bottom. All sorts of fish can be caught here, I am told. Something cold to drink and a chair to sit on are a good idea.

There is always crabbing. Stop by your local supermarket and pick up some chicken backs, packaged as “crab bait,” to bait your line. All you need is a line with a weight, clip for the bait, a crab net and patience. Remember, they have to be 5.5 inches across for a “keeper.”

Clamming is a different matter. You need to find a clam rake or spade. Check the tide, as it is easier to work in shallow water. One person I talked with finds the clams by feeling with their feet. The experts float a small clothes basket in an old inner tube to hold their catch. With a little work, you can get enough for a good chowder.

There are restroom facilities and nice picnic benches, if you have brought your lunch. The park is a “carry in, carry out” facility, so take your trash back with you.

For those of you who are into bird watching at the shore, keep your eyes open for an osprey. They are common along the inland bay area. It is quite amazing to see them dive out of the sky after a fish, dropping like a stone from the air. So far, I have identified more than 35 species of birds in and around the bay.

Dogs are welcome in Delaware parks, so bring your four-footed friend along for the day’s outing. Of course, dogs must be on a leash at all times, and make sure to pick up after them. Water for you and the dog is a good thing. Do check for ticks, as they like nothing better than a nice furry dog.

Of course, we need a recipe for clam chowder. This is an Eastern Shore recipe, and might be heresy (with the hot sauce and half-and-half) for those of us who have spent time in New England, but here goes:

Eastern Shore Clam Chowder

2 tablespoons butter

2 slices thick cut bacon, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 stalks celery with greens, chopped

4 sprigs fresh thyme (an equivalent amount of dried will do)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 teaspoons hot sauce, more or less, to taste

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 pint half-and-half

2 cups chicken stock

1 cup diced potatoes

2 cups clams, minced or chopped

In a medium pot, over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add bacon and onions, celery and thyme sprigs. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce and cook 5 minutes. Add flour and cook a minute more.

Add the half-and-half, and the chicken stock. Bring it to a bubble, then stir in the potatoes and clams. Bring the chowder back to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, until the potatoes are cooked and chowder has thickened to coat the back of a spoon.

Enjoy!

How do we get there?

Head west from Bethany Beach on Route 26 (Atlantic Avenue). Continue west through Ocean View and Millville, and west through the light at the intersection of Route 17 and 26. At Clarksville, watch for the signs to Holts Neck State Park. Turn right on Holts Landing Road. Follow this road in about 2 miles into Holts Landing State Park. The Park office telephone number is (302) 539-9060.