By David Harris
There is a group of women I’ve come to know on Bolivar Peninsula that I call the “Shark Tooth’n Gals”. As the sun rises above the horizon, they’re getting ready for a daily stroll on the beach to look for their own special treasure. It is not a fast paced activity, it’s more of a meander; heads always down with that solemn stare. All of a sudden they stop, scan the ground and kneel down, and with a slight brush of a finger, grab a tiny relic – wipe it off – place it in a jar or zip lock – take a look around – then stand up and off they go again, never whooping or hollering just strolling down the beach.
Shark teeth are common along the Bolivar beaches, but you have to take your time and know what to look for. Some like to walk at the waters edge, other like to stay out of the water and look at the previous high tide line. It’s a slow paced event but one that will keep you tan, out on the beach, and at the end of a weekend or vacation, reward you with plenty of items to show off to friends and family.
Many regulars use shark teeth to make necklaces, pendants and earrings. Others may put them on felt in a frame and hang on the wall. A whole bunch stay in a glass jar on a coffee table for visitors to admire. There so many things you can do – it is your treasure to decide where they go and how you are going to enjoy them.
As you can see, shark teeth are not easy to find. You have to take your time and look, scan the shell wash areas and be patient. Shark Teeth come in all sizes, from the ones you can barely see to others that stick out like a sore thumb.
Shark tooth’n is a great pastime when you are enjoying Bolivar with family and friends. Walk the beach, enjoy the sound of the water, and discover your own treasure.
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(This article published 2/23/2015)
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There’s definitely a great deal to know about this issue.
I like all the points you have made.
Excellent site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any forums
that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get suggestions from other experienced individuals that share
the same interest.
old fingers kicking in… *shell pockets
Wonderful article and brought back this great memory of our collection — now somewhere in East Bay, I guess, or maybe on Smith Point? We had so many, good friend Mary Jo Kruse took a lot of them and created a montage of wave-like patterns that she framed for us to hang. Sure wish I hadn’t left it at the beach. Don’t know that I’d call them “common” now – at least not like they used to be when we’d come home with handsful. Once Bill offered to give the kids a quarter for each one they found. They came home with a washed-up shark’s head – hundreds of teeth in there! No, he didn’t pay off. He said in a shark’s mouth they weren’t “seasoned yet” so they didn’t count. Thanks for the memory!
Great article David. I still haven’t found a shark tooth as yet. As soon as its warms up I’m going back to the beach.
great story so informative. I was a Park Ranger at Galveston Island State Park back in the 80s. 99.9% of my collection came off the park. the rest from mostly west beaches. my friends and I decided to print a small manual “The art of finding Shark’s teeth” included in it were maps, identification charts and, and all sorts of info.
My best luck was always looking in shell packets on low tide. fall and winter being my best seasons but also found some great ones high up on the beach after a good storm. shark tooth hunting will always be a favorite pastime for me..once hooked your caught..
good luck……
Where can i get your manual ty