Floating Sifter FAQ — Shark Tooth Sifting Questions Answered

Straight answers to the questions we get most from shark tooth and shell hunters. Have one we didn't cover? Contact us — we're real people in Englewood, Florida.

What is a floating sifter?

A floating sifter is a hand-built sifting screen mounted in a buoyant frame that floats on the water's surface. You scoop sand and shell from the bottom, dump it on the screen, and the water washes the sand away — leaving shark teeth, fossils, and shells behind. Because it floats beside you, there's no bending, no holding a heavy screen, and no lost finds.

How do you find shark teeth at the beach?

Work the wash zone — the strip where waves meet the sand — and the shallow water just past it. Shark teeth collect in shell beds and gravel deposits. Scoop from those deposits into a floating sifter, shake gently, and look for glossy black, gray, or brown triangles. Early morning after a storm or strong tide is the best time.

Where are the best beaches in Florida to find shark teeth?

Florida's Gulf Coast between Venice and Englewood is world-famous for fossil shark teeth. Venice Beach, Caspersen Beach, Manasota Key, and Blind Pass (Middle Beach) all sit on fossil-rich deposits. Our sifters are handmade minutes from Manasota Key — this is our home turf.

What size screen should I choose: 1/4" or 1/8"?

Choose 1/4" (standard) if you want teeth and shells without collecting every tiny fragment — it sifts faster. Choose 1/8" (small) if you don't want to miss tiny teeth like sand tiger and lemon shark teeth. Serious hunters often own both.

Do your sifters really float?

Yes — every sifter is built with marine-grade foam flotation and tested before it ships. It floats level on the surface even loaded with wet sand and shell.

Are floating sifters good for kids?

Yes. Because the sifter floats, kids don't have to hold a heavy screen — they just scoop and shake. Our Small One-Handle and Travel Size sifters are sized well for younger hunters.

How long does shipping take?

We ship fast and free from Englewood, Florida. Most orders arrive within 3–5 business days in the continental US.

Are your sifters handmade?

Every sifter is handmade by us in Englewood, Florida — the same sifters we use ourselves on Manasota Key. We've sold hundreds across Etsy, eBay, and FloatingSifter.com.

Can I use a floating sifter for anything besides shark teeth?

Absolutely — shell collecting, sea glass, fossil hunting, gem mining, river panning, even garden soil sifting. If it involves separating treasure from sand or gravel, a floating sifter does the job.