How to Find Seaglass on the Maine Coast

Jasper Beach in "downeast" Maine

Collecting seaglass is a great hobby for many reasons, one of which is just having the opportunity to comb the beautiful beaches of Maine. Having a smooth piece of glass in your pocket to finger when you're stressed instantly soothes the soul, so collect lots of it. Maine offers many opportunities for beachcombing if you know where and when to look.

Things You'll Need

• Container

Instructions

1. Find the right place. Looking for sea glass is useless if you aren't in the right location. Sea glass isn't everywhere; you have to know where to look. Penobscot Bay and Cobscook Bays are just a few of the great places to find glass. These small bays within the larger bays are usually ripe for the picking. If you are in a location where there are smooth flat rocks, there is probably sea glass around. That's because the rocks and the tide are responsible for smoothing the rough edges of glass as well as rocks. A beach that isn't well known will have more opportunities and an island is optimum.

2. Go at the right time. The best time is from an hour or so after high tide until low tide. The tides have brought in or uncovered glass and you can expect to find glass all the way from the high tide line to the water. You may also find pieces of pottery or china, some of which might be valuable.

3. Look carefully. Walk slowly and be aware of the sun's reflections--your own shadow could cover the reflection of glass enough that you might not see it. Try walking into the sun, and take off your sunglasses, which could also block the reflection.

Tips & Warnings

• An area where there were once was a factory, hotel or a cargo port will hold the best opportunities for finding sea glass. For example, Eastport used to be the second busiest seaport in the U.S. and housed 14 sardine factories. The beaches are a goldmine for sea glass.

• Be very careful when picking up glass--some of it may have sharp edges that could leave a nasty cut.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish