I would like to share 40 years finds hunting Lake Erie shore lines and folks and those interested and live by the Lake have so much to learn. I would only hunt the areas South of Buffalo NY to Westfield NY. In the early 1980s the lake water level was high. The area around me had this water treatment facility that sat on the lake shore line ... I was called by my buddy who said I must come to his house, he lived on the lake. In the water were 4 kids they were using shovels. They were finding gold rings, silver coins and Spanish reals. I could not believe it. To slow things down they showed me what to look for with lake conditions. They schooled me on conditions, slate, and sand conditions. They have been doing this type of locating in the same area for years .. They found over 30 reals, a 1795 silver dime sold for $2500.00 they found many many rings. No DETECTOR !! SO I paid attention to what to look for and over the years I learned alot and added a lot on what to look for. I know for a fact I have found more silver coins on the shores of Lake Erie that anyone. Its a strong statement but here are some of my better days, Over 800 coins with a shovel, Reals to new money, crosses rings, and many many silver in one day. Seven silver half dollars and loads of silver coins. Twenty seven (27) gold rings in two days and 21 sterling, 1655 Spanish Cob, Bending down and picking up a seated half, barber Half and so so much silver lying on the ground. . I have found over 180 gold rings from the lake. Its all about conditions. I can look at the shoreline and I am able to tell if the conditions are right . Granted some areas that have alot of activity were great producers but all areas had a good find or two. I showed people on what to look for but they dont live close to the lake like me. If conditions are right on my way to work .. I blow off work and I can be certain I will find 1-4 gold rings. The best find was found by my dad. It was a gold chain 46 inches long with large links weighted 3.5 ounces of 18K and it was very old. We also found on the shore a 14k Gold pocket watch ... Guts were trashed but gold is gold. I was going to wright a book about detecting and this was going to be a chapter with pictures and explanations. Anyway if someone is serious and lives near one of the great lakes the process I use may help if you have the same conditions as I. Send me an E Mail tell me a little about your area and some history of hunting the beach. I may share a few tips with you
and tell you what to look for., Remember this . People traveled the sand beaches to settle the OHIO valley, they played, swam and camped on the beach and yes they lost a lot on the beach. Many Many ships were lost and near me the water is only 30 feet deep these ships came onto shore and broke up spilling everything in the sand and shore. Folks its still there waiting for me or you to find it.. If you have some knowledge about a potential Shoreline site send me an E mail and we will talk ... With some pictures I may be able to help. Jim
