Getting Started - Shelling
By Andrea Cooper, CZM

• The very best time to go shelling is at low tide.Tide times are in the newspaper, or available online. Personally, I like to get there before low tide and be there when it’s “dead low.”
  
  
• No live shellfish EVER, please! Let’s let them enjoy their beautiful houses in peace.
  
  
• Always take a pail or bag. You think your pocket or hand will hold them, but you're wrong.
  
  
• Purchase a shell book or borrow one at the library. This is especially important if you have children. They love being able to identify their shells! One of my personal favorites is: Peterson First Guide to Shells of North America (paperback) by Roger Tory Peterson.
  
  
• Shells (such as clams) make excellent soap dishes, ring holders, jewelry, and other beautiful and useful items.
  
  
• Don’t glue them into those touristy silly creatures you see in gift shops. They hate that. Trust me, they told me.