Metal detectors have been in the world for centuries, invented by Graham Bell in 1881.
FYI Graham Bell is the same person who created one of the greatest human inventions, the telephone. Somebody may not as widely use metal detectors as telephones, but they are a valuable invention for outdoor enthusiasts like us.
This article will discuss useful beach metal detecting tips to help you use the suitable metal detectors and use them right. These tips include:
- Get a permit.
- Choose a suitable metal detector.
- Take your time.
- Spot the towel lines.
- Get a detecting journal.
- Limit your search in open spaces.
- Don’t let the rain stop you.
- Keep an eye on rocks and vegetation.
- Take safety precautions.
- Carry the right supplies.
Now let us get into it. Below is the 10 beach metal detecting tips.
1. Get a Permit
First, get a permit to metal hunt. If your area does not require a permit, you can begin the treasure hunt. However, if it is a private beach, ask for permission from the owner. The right way is always the best.
2. Choose the Right Metal Detector
Some metal detectorists minimize their investments when choosing a detector, but you should be aware that cheap is often expensive. You should take your time, research, and choose a worthy machine that will get the job done. For example, if you search for metals on a beach, you should choose a detector with a beach mode.
Choose a machine that will not be affected by the soil or sand on the beach. In most cases, the more expensive a beach metal detector is, the better it is likely to be. It is not uncommon to search for a place to explore and uncover a metal if you use the best beach metal detector.
3. Take Your Time
Don’t be in a hurry to start your metal hunting. Take your time and research by asking questions. Observe what others are doing and when they do it the most. Note whether they are searching more in the water or sand.
It is also vital to understand the tides when treasure hunting. During the high tides, the potential of finding metals is always higher than during the low tide. However, you should be aware that the wave may come back in at any time, so be cautious.
Studying your target beach will make it easy for you to know where you should focus once you start hunting.
Kindly note that it is not always easy to find the metals you seek. The probability of getting a lot of junk is high, and you should still be prepared to bag them too. Getting rid of the junk is good for the environment, and it also makes work easier for you and other detectorists. In most cases, you will find more trash than what you seek.
4. Spot the Towel Lines
A towel line is simply where most beach users place their towels. Most people spend more time in these areas, applying sunscreen, which makes their fingers wet and slippery. When one’s fingers are slippery, the likelihood of slipping objects from their bags is higher.
In such areas, you will find coins, phones, beer cans, jewelry, and more. The better the quality of your detector, the higher the likelihood of landing more treasures.
5. Get a Detecting Journal
This journal will not be your typical journal for noting your life events, but a journal to keep track of the areas you have already searched and what you uncovered. Record the date, time, sand’s conditions, tides, and your findings. With such information, you will have a pretty good idea of when and where to start your next treasure hunt trip.
6. Limit Your Search in Open Spaces
The expansive open space on the beach can be confusing, leaving you wondering where to start your hunt. Well, don’t let the open space disturb you, because that’s the last place you should be thinking of starting your search. Such open areas are accessible for anyone to notice things even without detectors, meaning your likelihood of getting anything is low. If you have to cover the area, save it for last.
7. Don’t Let the Rain Stop You
Don’t wait until the storm is over to start your treasure hunt. Most experts suggest that during the storm is one of the finest times for treasure hunting. The rain and the wind will likely smash up the sand, removing the debris and exposing the treasures you are seeking. If you go after the storm, other detectorists will notice the treasures before you do.
However, make sure to search the tide and not in the water. Also, avoid going out if there are lightning and storms. It is not worth it putting yourself at risk.
8. Keep an Eye on Rocks and Vegetation
If there are some rocks and vegetation near the beach, there is a high chance of finding goodies there. The waves are likely to bring the goodies here, and they will be tucked away in crannies once the water starts moving out. You could find lost jewelry and loose change in such areas hassle-free.
9. Take Safety Precautions
Beach metal detecting is not necessarily a dangerous adventure, but it does not hurt being slightly careful. Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to head back. Also, carry with you the necessary gear for protection, including drinking water and sunscreen if necessary. Finally, only hunt in water if you are confident that you are a great swimmer. Otherwise, wear a lifejacket.
10. Carry the Right Equipment
Make sure you carry everything needed for the hunt, not just the metal detector. You should include a digging tool, a treasure sack, trash sack, and spare batteries for your detector. That way, you won’t need to waste a lot of time if your detector runs out of battery. The digging tool will make it easy for you to dig in the sand, which is not always easy. Or you can use the sand scoop. Check out our guide on the best beach sand scoops.
Conclusions on Beach Metal Detecting
Beach metal detecting never gets out of fashion. New treasures are washed ashore each season, and beachgoers lose items daily, so you will always have something to find. Once you get a permit and a good metal detector, make sure to follow the above beach metal detecting tips for a more comfortable and better experience. Enjoy!
