Tips to catch finds in waves?

[Golden oaks]

I have been working in the ocean waves and get a few hits. But almost every time I scoop, if I don't pick it up in the first scoop, the waves relocate the metal. This has frustrated me to the point where I only have been working water less than ankle deep. Any pointers would be Greatly appreciated!

 

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[OBN]

Practice in the dry PPing blind folded, once mastered. Learn what your detector is telling you as far as depth on your targets, faints, louds. Needs, Big Scoop (SS720), weight belt, (or you can Boob)....... possible snorkle mask with a PP ball attached..time your waves, 4, 6, 8 seconds and determine the amount of time you have between, then time your digging to the waves. If possible get out past where the waves break. Where I hunt (Mid-Atlantic) there is a calm before the tide comes in, can change more or less, maybe 30 to 60 minutes before LT..all will come in line, but never will anyone master. And don't turn your back on the incoming.

 

[Midas_touch]

Diggin' her waves

I tredge out into the pacific quite often and I feel your pain. Typically I will determine wether the current is pulling objects out into the water or pushing them back onto the beach and I will dig with that in mind. If its pulling it into the ocean I will turn my back on the waves and dig or if it's pushing it up on the beach I will face the waves and dig. Timing is key as well and I will wait until the wave is past me before pulling it out with my scoop. After scooping I check the hole th my detector before I even bother checking my scoop. If I don't here a signal I'll use the next wave to clean out the sand to see what I've got. If I do here a signal I dump the scoop and dig some more. As far as finding where to dig I pinpoint and then leave the coil on the bottom and slide my left foot against the coil and use this as a reference on where to start digging. Good luck and I hope you find some goodies.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I do as OBN and time my digging to the wave or swell roll. I also mark my target with my scoop when wave is hitting me so I dont lose target, as long as my scop doesnt move I can get back on it quickly.....If the wave is moving the target and not moving you then there is a very good chance the target is can slaw or something else light....

What size scoop you using, if your using small scoop that could also be part of your problem?

 

[Jason in Enid]

TH gives good advice!

 

[dewcon4414]

I agree with TH.... especially about the scoop. Ive even found the RTGs when filling will push a target out with any wave action. Also the 90 degree where you bring it straight up can help with recovery.... but the down side is in neck deep water you have to drink some water because the handle is forward more. Like TH said its technique you have to learn and even then floater are floaters.

dew

 

[bigscoop]

I'm 5' 8", only 140lbs soaking wet, and surf hunt the beaches of Florida's surfing capital. Here's some more tips....

1) A large "heavy" scoop is a big advantage. The heavier the scoop the easier it is to get into position and keep it there. I use to use aluminum scoops but they simply move to easy in the currents which makes them harder to control.

2) Time your digging effort. I do this "a lot"....sometimes forcing my scoop into the bottom but then waiting until the swells have passed before trying to retrieve the target. If I get blown off location the scoop usually stays anchored in position allowing me to easily find it again, and the anchored scoop also helps me stay in position during the passing of swells. Usually there will be a slack period between swells, that's when you make your move. This is one time when patience is a true virtue.

3) Body position....I never attempt to snatch a target with my back to the swells. Much easier to hold location when you know what you're going to be working against.

4) Above all, and as others have already suggested, master the blind scooping method on the wet sand or shallow water before you ever attempt hunting in the swells. Where I hunt the water is so disturbed you couldn't see the bottom a great deal of the time so it's vital that you can center your target and then retrieve it blind.

5) Like everything else, the more time and effort you put into it the easier it will become, However, on the average day there will still be a fair amount of targets that never come easy. Just the nature of the elements you're hunting.

6) Gold, Platinum, Silver,...such as rings, chains, bracelets, earrings,....very dense items with small surface areas so they usually don't get moved all that easily. Coins, aluminum, scrap and slaw tend to move around on you much more easily.

PS: I use the large stainless Stealth scoop. Hated it at first but love it now simply because it is heavy and easier to control in the swells.