Metal Detecting has become increasingly popular over time. There are many types of metal detectors available that range in price from $100-$1000+. Most beginners prefer handheld models but offer options like magnetic detectors. Metal detection is a hobby that requires patience, persistence, and knowledge. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
Treasure hunters have used metal detectors for decades.
Beach metal detecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to follow a few tips to ensure the best results:
- Research local laws and regulations: Before you start metal detecting at the beach, it’s important to research the laws and regulations in your area to ensure that you are allowed to metal detect at the beach. Some beaches may have specific rules or restrictions on metal detecting, so it’s important to be aware of these before you start searching.
- Choose the right metal detector: Metal detectors designed for beach use typically have a higher frequency and good ground balance to help improve their sensitivity to small, shallow metal objects. Consider choosing a metal detector for beach use to ensure the best results.
- Adjust the settings: Make sure to adjust the settings on your metal detector to optimize its performance for detecting metal at the beach. This may include adjusting the sensitivity, ground balance, and discrimination settings.
- Use a search coil suitable for the beach: The search coil is the circular device at the end of the metal detector’s stem to locate metal objects. For beach metal detecting, it’s best to use a search coil specifically designed for detecting small, shallow objects or has a smaller size to help increase sensitivity.
- Scan slowly and methodically: When using your metal detector to search for metal at the beach, it’s important to move slowly and methodically. Sweep the search coil back and forth in a sweeping motion, and cover the entire area you are searching.
- Look for areas with a high likelihood of containing metal: Metal objects are more likely to be found in areas with a higher concentration of people, such as near beach access points or areas with a lot of foot traffic. These areas can be good places to start your search.
- Please wear appropriate clothing: When beach metal detecting, it’s important to wear clothing that is comfortable and suitable for the beach. Consider wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, and wear shoes suitable for walking on sand and in water.
- Use proper digging tools: When you locate a metal object with your metal detector, it’s important to use the right digging tools to carefully and respectfully remove it from the ground. A small trowel or digging tool is typically sufficient for this purpose.
- Respect the beach and the environment: Be sure to respect the beach and the environment when metal detecting. Do not leave any holes or damage to the sand, and be sure to dispose of any trash or debris you may find.
- Have fun: Above all, remember to have fun when beach metal detecting. This is a hobby that people of all ages can enjoy, and the thrill of finding a hidden treasure can be a rewarding experience.
What Is The Most Fun Thing About Metal Detecting?
Beaches can be enormous places. How do you find something valuable at a beach? Which parts of the beaches are most likely to contain artifacts and treasures? There are three primary types of beaches: dry sand, wet sand, and the shoreline and beyond.
Each has its characteristics and potential for finding objects. For example, dry sand tends to offer fewer opportunities for collecting items because the surface of the sand is constantly moving. Wet sand provides many possibilities for artifact recovery since the sand is often covered with water during high tide.
Finally, the shoreline and beyond give access to the ocean, offering the possibility of recovering sea shells and other marine life. So, depending on the time of year, location, and purpose, any number of factors could affect the likelihood of uncovering treasures along a particular stretch of coast.
When Is The Best Time To Use A Metal Detector On The Beach?
Beach detection requires knowledge of the underlying geology of the shoreline. Dunes form naturally along coastal regions but become unstable over time due to wind action and waves washing away topsoil. These eroding sands often expose bedrock beneath the surface, creating cut banks.
Cut banks provide ideal targets for locating buried objects like coins and jewelry. They are also excellent locations to detect shallow water currents using a hydrophone. Hydrophones work well at low frequencies, below 500 Hz, and are sensitive enough to pick up subtle changes in ocean current activity caused by storms.
Storms And Flooding
When detecting metal, sometimes the deeper the item is buried, the better the results are. That means finding buried treasure. Cuts are exposed parts of the sea bed that were once covered by water but now expose the ocean floor. Because these cuts usually contain lots of sand, they reveal valuable treasures.
For example, millions of dollars of jewelry were uncovered during Hurricane Sandy after being swept into New York City beaches. And in 2011, a man discovered a $1 million value of coins off the coast of Florida. He had been metal detecting for years but found it difficult to uncover anything of great monetary value. His coin find was significant and worth his effort and time.
Erosion occurs naturally due to tidal action; however, it can affect any coastline. For example, the shoreline near my house was once covered with trees, shrubs, and bushes until they were washed away by storms and waves. Now there is nothing left except bare earth and grassy areas. Erosion usually occurs along beaches, riverbanks, lakesides, dunes, and cliffs.
During heavy rainfall, erosion worsens since large volumes of water flow into rivers and streams, causing increased currents and faster flows through channels. These factors increase sedimentation rates and erode land surfaces. Sediment deposition tends to occur during storm events after calm weather. Storm surges deposit sediments onto coastal shores and inland waterways.
Tidal ranges vary greatly depending on location. However, for those living within 10 miles of the ocean, the range is typically between 4 and 8 feet above sea level. All of these changes can bring treasures in, expose previously hidden items, or cause some lost artifacts to be carried out to sea, further into a lake, or downriver.
Another critical thing to remember when visiting a beach is to avoid going there when it gets crowded. Wait for the crowds to clear out; that way, you won’t miss any exciting finds or have to detect large groups of people.
Does Anyone Have To Give You Permission Before You Use A Metal Detector On A Beach?
Beaches aren’t just for sunbathing and swimming anymore; they’re becoming frequent places to hunt for treasure. Most beaches are open to metal detecting, but many owners restrict access due to the damage caused by heavy equipment and digging.
Be sure to check local laws before heading into the sand.
For example, some state parks prohibit metal detectors entirely. On privately owned land, ask the owner if they allow metal detection. Also, note that beach areas near military bases, airports, nuclear power facilities and industrial zones often ban metal detectors outright.
Which Kind Of Metal Detector Should You Use On The Beach?
Metal detecting has become increasingly popular over recent years due to its affordability and ease of operation. However, many modern metal detector models cannot operate effectively on salty water surfaces like those found along coastlines.
Saltwater detection equipment works better on sandy soils than rocky ones. Several types of metal detectors are available today, including single-frequency VLF (Very Low Frequency), Pulse Induction, and Multi-Freq. Each machine works differently, and each offers unique benefits and drawbacks.
If looking for freshwater treasures, look no further than lake shores and riverside areas. These locations offer better results since there is little chance of finding metal objects buried deep within the water column. However, these sites still require effort and time to find anything worthwhile.
Metal Detectors
Detecting at the beach involves various techniques depending on the treasure’s location. For example, if you find something buried in the sand, you’ll probably dig around until you hit metal. Once you’ve done that, you’ll likely want to remove any loose dirt surrounding the object before exploring further.
Sand scoops are helpful here since they allow you to quickly sift through the loose material. Pinpointers are practical, too but don’t forget to wear proper footwear and bring plenty of drinking water along. Dehydration is a major concern, particularly during hot weather. And finally, pack a trash bag and a plastic container for holding items you’d like to save for future research.
Metal Detecting On The Beach Is Worth It
Beach detectors are used primarily to detect metal objects buried within the sand or beneath the surface of the ocean floor. These items are often lost fishing hooks or aluminum debris, but they could just as easily be coins, jewelry, or precious metals like gold.
Beach detection requires patience and persistence. To find something, you must listen carefully to the sounds of the metal detector, as beeps can be caused by incoming waves or mineralized soil.
