Shelling

One of the best things about the beach is shelling! Shells vary from beach to beach, but they're all beautiful.  Whether you're new to shelling or have been combing the beaches for years and years, I think we can agree on the fact that shelling is completely addictive.  I have compiled a list of some Dos and Don'ts of shelling that might be useful for a new sheller to make the most out of any beach trip.  If you have anything to add, I'd love to hear from you!

DO bring a mesh shelling bag or other type of reusable bag.
Many shops near beaches sell these.  I prefer the mesh bags because they allow sand and water to fall out, making it much easier when it comes time to clean the shells.  Plastic grocery bags seem like a quick, easy fix, but they have many downfalls.  Not only are they detrimental to wildlife should you accidentally drop, lose, or leave behind your bag, but they don't offer the advantage of filtering out the sand and water like the mesh bags do.

DO check the tide chart.
Some places, like Sanibel Island in Florida, offer fantastic shelling all day, but the BEST shelling is at low tide.  The water recedes and beautiful treasures line the shores.  Tide times vary daily, so if you're planning a beach vacation and want to do some serious shelling, I recommend printing out a tide chart and highlighting low tide times.  If you're lucky, your vacation might include a negative low tide or a full or new moon.  On our last trip to Sanibel this past April , we were lucky enough to experience negative low tide almost every night, with a new moon as the icing on the shell cake. We found beautiful lace murex shells, whelks, paper figs, and an uninhabited horse conch measuring about 14".  New/full moon + negative low tide= World Series of Shelling.  You can find tide charts for most areas here.

DON'T take live shells.  
A few days ago as I was perusing Instagram, I came across some very disturbing photos that a fellow "shell collector" posted: handfuls upon handfuls of live starfish that he kept to add to his collection.  Most beaches prohibit the taking of live shells, but very few have signs or other postings alerting visitors to that fact, so many beachgoers may not even be aware that it is frowned upon unless they've done their research.  We've all been there: you've found the most beautiful lightening whelk (or shell of your choice) rolling in the surf.  It's perfect- not a crack or piece missing.  The color is fantastic. You're already imagining how it will look on display in your home. Then you pick it up and - surprise! - there's a squishy little creature inside that has called this shell home.  Many are tempted to remove the creature and keep the shell anyway. DON'T DO IT! Every creature has its purpose and place in the ecosystem, and taking its life so you can take the shell is not only bad karma, its bad for the environment.  Return the shell to the ocean and give that little guy a fighting chance, and maybe, just maybe, nature will return the favor by presenting you with a bigger, more beautiful shell.  

DO wear sunscreen.
When you're engrossed in shelling, minutes turn to hours in the blink of an eye.  Protection from the sun, no matter what beach you're on, is of utmost importance.  Follow the instructions on the sunblock and pay attention to how your skin feels. Visit SkinCancer.org for comprehensive information on  types of sunscreen, UVA and UVB rays, and why it's so important to protect your skin.  In addition to sunblock, it's recommended you wear other types of protection from the sun's harmful rays. Sun hats, neckerchiefs, and UPF clothing are great options.  Many big box sporting goods stores have begun carrying full lines of UPF protective clothing that are lightweight, stylish, and effective.  Gaiters/fishing masks (shop here for gaiters) and long sleeved UPF shirts are light enough to be worn in warm temperatures during the day, and are also effective for protecting your skin from painful bug bites at dusk and dawn.

DON'T give up.
If you're not having much luck in a certain spot, try a new one.  A few hundred feet can make a big difference in what you'll find.  If you're not finding much along the shore, try wading out a bit. Wear water shoes and shuffle your feet- the shoes will protect your feet from sharp, broken shells, and shuffling will alert any stingrays or other creatures that you are there, so they will not be as startled.  By shuffling your feet you may also uncover some shells that would not otherwise be visible.  Try using a shelling net- most beach side stores will sell these, and there's a reason for it.  They allow you to scoop up a pile of shells rolling in the surf and search for treasures that you might not have seen otherwise. 

DO have fun!
Shelling is like a treasure hunt- you never know what you're going to find. If you're not sure what type of shell your new treasure is, check out this seashell identification guide provided by Seashells.com.  Another great site to check is The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum identification guide for Southwest Florida seashells.  The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum has been open to the public since 1995 and is a true gem of Sanibel Island.

Beautiful 14" horse conch we found on Sanibel Island, Fl.