What to consider before getting into detecting?

[Hickory Joe]

I've been prospecting local creeks and rivers for years with pan, sluice and crevice tools. I find typical flood gold, flecks and the occasional picker. I'm yet to find any nuggets and have been thinking that metal detecting might be the only answer to my craving.

I feel I'm ready to take my prospecting to the next level, but I want to reach out before I make a very expensive purchase (I've had my eye on the GPX 4500). What considerations should I be aware of before jumping into this expensive hobby? How steep of a learning curve is there for using a PI detector?

Primarily, I plan on detecting tertiary river channels in the Sierra Nevadas. I have a handful of spots that I have always been curious about, but have had no means of productively finding anything without a detector.

Any enlightenment or insight before pulling the trigger on detecting would be much appreciated.

 

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[redcobra8u]

Your on the right equipment for what you want to do. The GPX is one of the best. Like any high end machine, there is some learning curve but a little reading and some time in the field, if it's there, you'll find it. You might want to post the same question in the prospecting section. There many knowledgable people there, probably in your area too.

Good luck.

 

[Terry Soloman]

MOST IMPORTANT: Buy your GPX from a dealer that offers at least a one day lesson in the field with your new machine. If you KNOW how to ground balance and set the machine properly, you'll find gold.

 

[Hickory Joe]

Thanks guys for the direction. I figure it would be best to invest in something good from the start.

 

[cudamark]

If you're going to hunt in the water, you may want to take a look at the Minelab SDC2300, the Garrett ATX, and the AT Gold machines. They're waterproof. You dunk any of the others and they're dead.

 

[Hickory Joe]

If you're going to hunt in the water, you may want to take a look at the Minelab SDC2300, the Garrett ATX, and the AT Gold machines. They're waterproof. You dunk any of the others and they're dead.

I was looking at that model, it definitely caught my attention. I hear it does really well finding small gold too. I don’t know if it would be the best choice for ancient river gravels though. There’s countless spots that I’d love to have a submersible detector; this will have to be next on my list. I can see this being a very expensive hobby; I better find some good gold to make up for it or else I’ll be in the dog house.

 

[Honest Samuel]

Yes, you need a detector to find gold. Good hunting and good luck.

 

[RustyGold]

Look at the Minelab Equinox 800 when it's released. Sounds like it would fit the bill. Good luck!

 

[xr7ator]

Be prepared to dig a LOT of stuff that is not what you're looking for.

 

[Wrecka]

Consider your sanity

 

[worldtalker]

If you have not patients...FORGET IT!

GOD Bless

Chris

 

[Hickory Joe]

Consider your sanity

Lol!!! I️ lost my sanity a long time ago[emoji15]