How do i find good spots to go fossil hunting- and how on earth do i determine if a rock has a fossil within, or IS a fossil?

[75millionyearsago]

Mostly the title! I live in northern New Jersey- i’m aware that NJ used to be heavily submerged, and is host to many locations where you can find marine fossils such as ammonites, trilobites, and other small marine invertebrates- however, i have no clue as to how i can effectively search for and find fossils. I’ve gone to some dried river beds, dug in the banks, layered rock, and panned- but i realize that i dont quite know what i’m looking for. How do i determine if there is a fossil within a rock? How do i find good hunting locations? What are some of the key giveaways that a rock may contain a fossil or series of fossils? And how can i identify sedimentary rocks properly, so i know i’m looking at the right types? 

[Kane]

This is where research will pay off -- reading some general books on fossils, but also geologic maps and scholarly articles. 

 

Of course, a good chunk of learning is by doing. You may wish to join a local rock/fossil club, and join in on any planned trips with their seasoned collectors. 

[75millionyearsago]

3 hours ago, Kane said:

This is where research will pay off -- reading some general books on fossils, but also geologic maps and scholarly articles. 

Good idea! Do you have any personally recommended books on fossils, that could help me identify them? 

[jpc]

I started with this book in the early 80's.  It is out of print but pretty cheap used, so it seems.  It is a great itro to many apsects of this hobby/lifestyle.  

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fossils-for-amateurs_russell-p-macfall_jay-c-wollin/1112830/item/5096973/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pmax_high_vol_frontlist_under_%2410&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_ajBhCqARIsAA37s0w1WKOpeAbuL8e1Va6zQESJDvy3wKne9_A8aB3E1dp1DinMjJr9ivQaAhkbEALw_wcB#idiq=5096973&edition=3680643

[FossilNerd]

You might try looking at some of the pinned topics in this very section.  
 

links to a few: