The Essential Beachcomber

The Eleven Basic Rules of Shelling Etiquette  by Jan McSween   (borrowed from the Sarasota Shell Club's December 2010 newsletter) 1.) Shell by yourself. Solo  shelling means more for you. 2.) If you must shell with a  companion, walk in opposite  directions. 3.) If you must shell with a  companion and walk in the same direction,  walk faster than your shelling companion. 4.) If you must shell with a companion and  walk in the same direction at the same speed,  observe the 6-ft. radius rule (also known  as Shelling Circles) to ensure the equitable  distribution of finds. Anything within six feet  of you (in any direction) is yours. That’s the  good news. The bad news is that the same  goes for your companion. This necessitates  maintaining a minimum distance of 12 feet  from your shelling companion at all times. 5.) If you notice something of interest in  your companion’s shelling ci...

Shelling & beach combing are like any other hobby or interest. There are different levels that one can pursue. There is the casual sheller that is oblivious to whether or not the tide is high or low, the moon full or new, or the pretty brown speckled shell they just picked up is a 1 in a 1,000 find.  The next level - the serious sheller has equipment - shell shovel, mesh bags, & aqua shoes. Names like tellin, donax, & murex just roll off the tongue. Mean low tides are celebrated with the enthusiasm of Mardi Gras as the parade of shellers head to the beach. I would liken it to a person who starts drinking wine. You like that nice little California Chardonnay but you sense there must be more. After attending a few wine tastings you discover the regions of Italy & France and all the little vineyards they don't sell in Publix.   Then one day you read your first copy of the magazine Wine Spectator and you start to develop skills of nose & legs that h...