AgAuPtRh
Well-known member
It goes without saying that some folks just have the "bug". The Treasure Bug. The thought of finding Treasure had me captivated for many years until I finally plunked down some money for a detector and a few tools.
My first purchase was a Tesoro Umax, a sifting basket and a goodie bag. No beach from San Francisco to Santa Cruz was safe for quite some time after that. The first time a ring showed in the basket my heart pounded like crazy. It was a 14k white gold mans wedding band.
Here's what I can offer for those that are going to try it.
Technology hasn't yet allowed us the exact science of finding just gold or platinum. Some detectors get pretty close but it's safe to say that whatever your detector sounds on you should dig it up. Because they are "Metal Detectors" you should be prepared to find things that have no value at all. Keep all of your trash and discard it when you leave or when you get home.
For the ocean beaches I keep a close eye on the tide charts and try my best to hunt as the tides are going out or at the low tide. If you have it, take the time to notice where people tend to park themselves on the beach. Some like to get right up close to the water and some like to sit close to the parking lot. Watching where people go is a good indicator where to search first. Sometimes the beaches get really crowded. In that case I do a search pattern that allows for not missing anything. I'll pick a starting point--say at the back side of the beach and walk slowly--in a straight line toward the beach. When I get to the water turn around and go back---about two feet over. So the swing of the detector on my second pass back overlaps the first pass. Back and forth---back and forth--straight lines to and from the water. Overlapping swings. A grid pattern I guess would be the best way to say it.
If you are hunting and area where the tide change is fairly noticeable and gives you a lot of beach to cover at the low tide cycle. Be prepared to hit a "pay Line". They can be a lot of fun. Pay lines run parallel to the surf line.
I've hit these before on well used beaches. The action of the waves seems to leave whatever people drop in a long line on the beach. Once you start find goodies--start searching in a line parallel to the water and see what happens. You could run in to a nice deposit of coins and rings. Not all the time---but I've had this happen several times.
Be prepared as well to answer questions. And be prepared for people to ask if you have found their ring yet---the big fat one with the diamonds all over. heh heh. And be prepared for people to come and ask for help. On numerous occasions I have been asked to come and find something. Keys, jewelry etc. My answer is always YES and no charge.
Always take fresh batteries.
Always hold on to the trash and throw it away when you are done searching.
Always fill in your holes.
I'll do another post on detecting in the water and then one for not using any detector at all.
I am always available to answer questions or offer help.
SteveK
My first purchase was a Tesoro Umax, a sifting basket and a goodie bag. No beach from San Francisco to Santa Cruz was safe for quite some time after that. The first time a ring showed in the basket my heart pounded like crazy. It was a 14k white gold mans wedding band.
Here's what I can offer for those that are going to try it.
Technology hasn't yet allowed us the exact science of finding just gold or platinum. Some detectors get pretty close but it's safe to say that whatever your detector sounds on you should dig it up. Because they are "Metal Detectors" you should be prepared to find things that have no value at all. Keep all of your trash and discard it when you leave or when you get home.
For the ocean beaches I keep a close eye on the tide charts and try my best to hunt as the tides are going out or at the low tide. If you have it, take the time to notice where people tend to park themselves on the beach. Some like to get right up close to the water and some like to sit close to the parking lot. Watching where people go is a good indicator where to search first. Sometimes the beaches get really crowded. In that case I do a search pattern that allows for not missing anything. I'll pick a starting point--say at the back side of the beach and walk slowly--in a straight line toward the beach. When I get to the water turn around and go back---about two feet over. So the swing of the detector on my second pass back overlaps the first pass. Back and forth---back and forth--straight lines to and from the water. Overlapping swings. A grid pattern I guess would be the best way to say it.
If you are hunting and area where the tide change is fairly noticeable and gives you a lot of beach to cover at the low tide cycle. Be prepared to hit a "pay Line". They can be a lot of fun. Pay lines run parallel to the surf line.
I've hit these before on well used beaches. The action of the waves seems to leave whatever people drop in a long line on the beach. Once you start find goodies--start searching in a line parallel to the water and see what happens. You could run in to a nice deposit of coins and rings. Not all the time---but I've had this happen several times.
Be prepared as well to answer questions. And be prepared for people to ask if you have found their ring yet---the big fat one with the diamonds all over. heh heh. And be prepared for people to come and ask for help. On numerous occasions I have been asked to come and find something. Keys, jewelry etc. My answer is always YES and no charge.
Always take fresh batteries.
Always hold on to the trash and throw it away when you are done searching.
Always fill in your holes.
I'll do another post on detecting in the water and then one for not using any detector at all.
I am always available to answer questions or offer help.
SteveK
![Penagic Pens, P-223A, Gel Pens Fine Point [0.5mm] Black Ink, Roller Ballpoint Pens Matt Design, Stationery Pens for School Office Supplies](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nT+Qatb3L._SL500_.jpg)
