Advice on hunting swimming area after lake drawdown

[Rmeav8r]

I’m going to detect the swimming areas at a local lake that is on drawdown now. They lower the lake by opening the dam in the coldest month here in NW Florida to frost kill the grass and allow for dock maintenance. I’m not a water hunter but I’ve recently got the Nokta Simplex I’m going to use. I’m an experienced dry land MD’er with very limited beach time. Any tips for a first timer at swimming areas? It’s going to be mostly sand and silt from the lake bottom, probably a 3 - 4 foot drop in water level. I’m planning on wearing rubber boots and staying relatively dry. Thoughts for a newb? Google earth shot before water is lowered.

Thanks!

 

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[Irishgoldhound]

If you’re just wearing rubber boots it’s not going to allow you to get out too far unless the 4 foot drop does let you get out quite far. The most productive area can be around the docks. If you can get out that far with the water level drop then I’d try around there first. Work from the shoreline out to as far as your boots will let you and then back up to the shoreline again in a snake like pattern covering entire area. You’ll need a good water scoop. Good luck.

 

[RTR]

Might wanna use these > https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cab...cW4fGj4Yvjo62Jxo6xQaAjH9EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Could be 2 ft. of muck down there

 

[Rmeav8r]

Thanks, I’m hoping to hit it today. The docks and floating platforms are dry or close to dry now.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Check your state laws on felt soles b4 you spend the money on a good pair of waders. More and more places are banning felt bottoms because of transfer of bacteria and water species than can survive inside the felt.

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Perhaps I'd recommend waders. The major issue you'll face is how deep you sink into the silt, and just boots won't sufficiently help you. I'd also recommend having a friend along to help pull you out of the muck!!!

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

GL+HH....!
That Simplex will do it...!
Have a waterproof pinpointer too...!

 

[Rmeav8r]

Well, I hit the water today. I didn’t go too deep since this place is very shallow, I was about 50 yards from the original water line and was just below the knees. I used the SP24 small coil and it seems to work great in the water. After a learning curve I was able to pick up about a dozen coins, a large earring or necklace medallion, lots of bottle caps and a dozen or so fishing weights. I’ve got a few more weeks to work on it before they raise the water to the normal level. I can get within about 10 yards from the far edge oh the swimming area.
I came home after about an hour and a half, tired, wet and muddy....but totally enjoyed it!

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Well it sounds like their is a good chance for gold with all those fishing sinkers. Hunt it out cause I’m sure there is some yellow hiding in there.