Some basic questions for beach veterans ...

[Argentium]

Hey beach hunters ! I am trying to assist a friend who will soon be wintering in the St.
Augustine beach area in Florida . He is wanting to try metal detecting the beaches, and i
told him I would seek opinions as to a reliable detector in the $800 - $1000 price range.
Also, what are some basic facts , and useful hints regarding beach hunting for gold rings
Thank you ! Argentium.

 

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[Silver Surfer]

Tell him Snobirds need to stay home and hunt their own damn ground.... LOL.... Just had to say that...

 

[Smudge]

The basic facts are these:

1. Any metal detector can hunt the dry sand at the beach.

2. Most metal detectors can detect the wet sand on the beach, but on many you will need to turn the sensitivity down, which means you will lose a lot of depth. An MLF detector like Minelab should not have that problem.

3. Unless you have a waterproof housing, do not get the control box wet. Most coils are waterproof, so that will not be a problem.

4. Nothing can match the depth of a PI detector, but PI detectors offer no discrimination, so you will dig everything.

As to which metal detector to buy, first make a list of the features you know you want. I would then go to Kellyco and print the list of water detectors they sell, because they carry just about all of them. Stick to the well known brands and avoid their Viper or Cobra brands. Then come back here, log in, type the name of each detector in the search box above and go though the posts relating to that detector. You'll figure out the right one for you.

Good luck!

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Tell him to go to this link and read the beach and water hunting section......The entire website has great info, but if he wants to water hunt be sure to read the beach and water section...It is the saved website for the Goldenolde............

http://www.nmhra.netfirms.com/pulltab/

 

[Sandman]

If he plans to stay in the hobby he has to do his reading before hand.
http://www.nmhra.netfirms.com/pulltab/

I could recommend the name of detectors, but he can learn from the manufacturers websites which ones fit his needs.

 

[Eric4229]

Just curious...I live in Jacksonville and have been wanting to get out and try the beaches. But I thought that all St. Augustine was off limits to detectors, or is that just St. Augustine proper? Are the beaches allowed between the dunes and surfline?

 

[Diver_Down]

I live in the Old City and hunt the beaches of St. Johns county mostly. With over 40+ miles of coastline in the county, there is plenty to offer. The only beaches that are off limits are Fort Matanzas National Monument and Anastasia State Park (depends on who you ask and who is patrolling).

 

[Argentium]

Thank you Smudge , and thank all of you who responded , I certainly will look at the recommended
link . Argentium.

 

[erikk]

Tell him Snobirds need to stay home and hunt their own damn ground.... LOL.... Just had to say that...

 

[Can Slaw]

After the summer we have had here this year...if he wants to find gold rings, he might want to bring his own.