When is the best time to go shelling
It kind of is like that saying about fishing "A day of fishing and not
catching anything is better than a day of work". Finding seashells is kind of
the same thing. As long you you are out and enjoying the beach, it beats working. If
you follow these guidelines though, unlike fishing, you should be able to avoid getting
skunked and bring some great seashell treasures home.
Tides- It is best to go shelling and
beachcombing around a low tide. With a low tide, more of the beach is exposed so you are
able cover more territory. A low tide can also open up the possibility of being able to
walk out to the sandbar. As the tide recedes it leaves washes of materials at different
levels along the beach. Exploring and hunting within each of these wash lines will provide
an amazing variety of seashells.
Low tide- Sandbar exposed
Moon Phase- This actually ties into the
tides above. On a new or full moon the tides recede more then on the quarter moons.
More of the beach will be exposed on a new or full moon due to this so if you coming
strictly to go shelling on Sanibel, it could not hurt to check the moon phase before
booking.
Weather- Good shelling is kind of a trade
off for good weather. The nastier and windier the weather, the better the shelling. When
the winds are high it helps to disrupt all the seashells out in the Gulf. They then have a
tendency to wash up onto Sanibel beaches. If the weather is real nice and calm there is
nothing to help bring the seashells onto the beach and they'll be content where they are,
a few miles offshore. After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane passes through the area the
shelling can be absolutely amazing on the beaches! It really comes down to which makes you
happier-- Good weather or Good Shelling. As a rule of thumb the weather is a lot calmer in
the summertime with few fronts passing through. That is why December through April are
usually the best months for shelling.