Sifting for shark teeth!!
Location Location
Location Location
I've been dreaming of finding shark teeth for quiet awhile and we finally made to the West coast of Florida right in the middle of the shark tooth capital of the world!!! Venice Beach! Does Location matter? possibly, maybe based on our success... yes!
*a few people sifting for shark teeth at Manasota Key Beach
Beach or Creek
Location Location
I guess that depends on which is closest to you. We have sifted in both and to me there is a slight difference. One of the reasons is quantity of teeth found. While in the Venice Beach area we found over 500 teeth in 4 days and we were beginners. At the creek, we found about 35 total teeth over a two day period. Both were fun and such an awesome experience. So make sure you give both a try.
Helpful Tips
Developing at "eye" for shark teeth is for real!! Dark, triangular and shiny, three characteristics to keep in mind. They can be anywhere. In a gravel bed, amongst seashells, along the water line, in the bottom of a creek, in the sand. Also, talk to others who are hunting, some are super helpful and want you to be successful too and they will share best spots or techniques.
Tools
Many tools work for beachcombing of any kind but shark teeth is more about that sifter. We have come to realize that dragging less is more so a floating sifter and something to dig up material is really all you need. Oh, you need something to keep your "teefs" in. When at the beach, those waves can give you a real workout.
What will you find?
SHARK TEETH!! and other fossils depending on your location. Some teeth will be broken some will be tiny and some will be perfect specimens. For us everything is a keeper unless we just can't tell if it's significant or not. Other fossils include fossilized bone, seashells, ammonites, crinoids and marine invertebrates.
Homework
Seems like you need to Google and gab to get any information about locations or great spots or formations or just about anything. Hardly anyone is forthcoming about where they find treasures so you have to pick out clues from the Facebook group posts or forums and or the hundreds of YouTube videos then map out possible locations. It's w
Seems like you need to Google and gab to get any information about locations or great spots or formations or just about anything. Hardly anyone is forthcoming about where they find treasures so you have to pick out clues from the Facebook group posts or forums and or the hundreds of YouTube videos then map out possible locations. It's worth the time and effort to find a decent spot before setting off on your fossil finding adventure.
Beauty all around
Beauty all around
Beauty all around
This is definitely something that I'm working on. Taking the time to stop and look at my surroundings for the natural beauty as well as the safety factor.
Learn More
Beauty all around
Beauty all around
There are several websites to help you ID your finds.
The Fossil Forum
Fossil Guy
Youtube has many many channels
Plus several books found on Amazon:
Shark Tooth Hunting on the Carolina Coast by Ashley Oliphant
Florida Fossil Shark Teeth Identification by Robert Lawrence
Shark Tooth Hunting a Beginners Guide by Robin Stalsby