Sanibel Island Resorts

Most of us consider searching for shells as simple as child’s play, especially on Sanibel Island, Florida, know around the world as the best place to collect shells. Because the islands are oriented east to west, they form a natural scoop for shells washing up from the Caribbean and growing in colonies just offshore (Not to mention those cute little coquinas that burrow in the sand when they’re revealed by the low tide) With more than 400 species washing up on the sand at one time of year or another, it’s pretty easy to find the most common specimens. But there are tricks to being more successful to the point that I now have a large and varied collection beyond my wildest dreams. And when you stay in a condo at Ocean’s Reach, http://www.sanibelbeachflorida.com ,you’re just 25 steps from the richness of the beach. Cardinal law for Lee County shelling: take no live shells – mollusks and echinoderms. Other than that, have at it. Just heave the live guys back out to sea.

Low Tide

Your shelling time is most fruitful at low tide and as the tide is going out. High tide brought a rich new selection of shells, and low tide reveals them. For some, shelling at low tide means shelling with the flashlight. I’ve seen lights bobbing along the beach at say, 4 AM. Then there are the place to look starting at the edge of the receding water. Then look in the tidal pools. Look under the windrows made by wave action. But you’re not only going to look at the area of the beach revealed by low tide. You’re also going to examine the older tide lines higher on the beach. Sometimes treasures show up there that were overlooked by previous shellers.

Pick your beach

Generally speaking, the smaller shells are at the Lighthouse end of the Island and the larger ones toward the Captiva end. I’ve picked up my largest calico clam on a beach way west on West Gulf Drive. And up on Cayo Costa, a rental boat or shelling guide away, the island that is mostly state park. But I’ve found some larger specimens of, say olives, right in front of the condo. And cockles of all sizes are everywhere.

Sanibel Stoop

Well, no, it’s not some kind of weird series of motions like, say, the Chicken Dance. It’s the bent-over position you will begin to assume when you get intent on shelling. You’ll unconsciously begin doing it.

Tools

There are diverse opinions about what is necessary. Some favor a small, netted scoop on the end of a short rod, sort of like a mini-fish net w/smaller gauge holes. While this works for a one week experience, over time, digging into the sand to unearth shells wears the netting out. The metal rim to which it’s attached is not the strongest, either.

Another choice is a metal scoop on the end of a 3-4′ rod. This works pretty darn well. You have to consider whether the larger investment is worth it to you.

A must-have is a bag from Bailey’s Grocery/Hardware store in which to collect your shells. http://www.baileys-sanibel.com/ Why? Because Bailey’s has thought to print Sanibel’s most common shells on the bag. It’s a handy way to ID your takings. One caveat – if the blue ink on the bag is wet, it’ll stain whatever it touches. A lot of folks just buy the laminated shells of Sanibel ID card. You get the color and shape that way. Of course you can always purchase a shell book for the area or for North America and have a giant resource at your fingertips. You can always stuff your findings in your pocket or an empty milk container or a sand pail. Once you have your collection you can see just how great it can become by going to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum http://www.shellmuseum.org Fantastic collection and interpreters to answer your question.

For shelling or just walking on the beach you’ll probably want shoes. Because shelling beaches are loaded with – shells. Sharp little broken shells that hurt when stepped on by bare feet. Inexpensive mesh-topped slippers with a plastic sole are available for sale all over the island. Or if you have Teva-style sandals that can get wet, you’re set.

Container, scoop (optional), some kind of field guide, protective shoes. Toss in suncreen to protect from the bright tropical sun and you’re set. Maybe even hooked.

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