So for the area I have to dig It would not justify spending a lot of money. Could I build a mini dredge with a small battery powered pump that I would be able to carry and work by myself?
I have seen small 12V pumps and if I am feeding it through a small 3/4 to 1 inch hose couldn't I keep it small and manageable?
The area that I would work has very few large rocks as it is mainly granite slab and mostly pea gravel and smaller but it holds gold and I know dredges have been in the area.