really? even with clams? i did not know that.
okay then. what's the difference between using a whole smaller clam vs. a piece of larger one?
educate me, fellas! 
If you are using clams, ideally you want to have around the same size as what is in the surf. Surf clams are pretty large in size, anywhere from 4-6 inches, sometimes larger. The "meat" that comes out of them is just a little bit smaller. IMO, you will want to use the entire clam and not cut it up for stripers. That would be the only difference between a whole smaller clam and a piece of a larger clam. I have never cut up my clams. The surf clams are pretty tough too and stay better on hooks. A smaller clam may very well fly off during casting!
Will the smaller clams probably catch bass, very well might?! However when they are feeding like they are now, you will lower your chances of hook ups. Sort of like fishing plugs and lures instead of bait...like I like to do! Much less rate of hook ups, although not impossible
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