One of the benefits you can get from buying a metal detector is that you can get a lot of sun. Instead of just lying there getting a tan, you can get your metal detector out and enjoy your time at the beach.
Another benefit is that you can find a lot of items that are valuable. The beach is the place to go to for metal detecting as so many people lose coins, rings, and other valuable items.
Keep reading to get more metal detecting at the beach tips.
Tips for metal detecting on the beach
Metal detecting is a lot more than just buying a metal detector and walking along the seashore. There is a lot involved if you want to turn this hobby into a lucrative one. Here are some tips to help you make this hobby profitable and fun:
#1. Buy the right metal detector- There are a lot of these on sale but not all are good. Your metal detector should be either made for saltwater for saltwater beaches or a freshwater model for freshwater beaches.
Then if you want great ground penetration to make sure your detector comes with pulse induction.
#2 Avoid large search coils-While you can cover more ground, You can also get a lot more false positives. The smaller the coils the better your search. These small coils can hone in on objects a lot better than their larger counterparts.
# 3. Always have a sand scoop- These little devices are perfect for you to dig up any treasure you may find. They let the sound out quickly while keeping your discovery inside the scoop
# 4. Refine your search- Buy what is called a pinpointer to help your search go faster and better. Once your metal detector beeps, you can use the pinpointer to narrow your search area. This cuts out wasted digging with your scoop.
#5. Learn the tides- A very important piece of information for the beach you are working at. Those tides can be deceptive and before you know it, you can be in high water.
To play it safe, you need to keep an eye on the tides and start working your way back to shore before it is too late.
Metal detecting in Florida beaches
There are many people that flock to Florida beaches to do metal detecting. They want to be the next person to make a buried treasure discovery.
There are many people that flock to Florida beaches to do metal detecting. They want to be the next person to make a buried treasure discovery. To do this right, you should follow the upcoming tips and make sure you have an edge over your metal detecting competitors:
#1. Learn the laws of the state- Florida has laws governing where and how you do your metal detecting. The state says they own anything buried for over 50 years. Knowing the laws will keep you out of trouble.
#2. Plan a grid method- Map out the area and sweep one grid at a time. Just take one step per swing and cover the ground step by step. The grid option keeps you from getting confused and doing one area more than once.
#3. The hide tide mark- That is where the sand is softest and it is usually a good spot where people lose their keys, coins, and so on.
#4. After a storm- Another good time to go metal detecting on the beaches in this state. Storms tend to move artifacts around and make them easier to find. The storm usually moves those valuable items closer to the beach
#5. Look for lots of shells- This can be a clue for the location of a strong undercurrent. That strong current usually moves loose items toward the beach and doesn’t bury them deep in the sand.
# 6. Get out early- Since Florida beaches are very popular for swimmers, they are very popular for metal detecting enthusiasts. Get out early and beat your competitors to the sand and any possible treasure.
Metal detecting in Virginia beach
As in Florida, you will want to check to see what regulations govern metal detecting in this state.. Usually, their regulations govern the state and federal lands and you may need a permit from the individual parks and beach areas before you can do your metal detecting.
Also like in Florida, you need permission from the owner of the property before you start your hobby on private land. If you do not have permission, then you can be charged with trespassing and theft.
There are specific areas where you can do your metal detecting without a problem but you need to check with the specific state and federal parks, etc.. first to find out where you can use your metal detector.
The Department of Historical Resources may be able to help you with those locations and regulations.
Metal detecting finds on beaches
One of the aspects of metal detecting that makes this hobby so popular is what can be found. There is a wide range of metallic items that will trigger your metal detector and set it off. Here are some items you can find when you try this hobby out:
- Wedding and other rings
- Bracelets, necklaces, chains, and medallions
- Old coins
- New coins
- Anything made of metal
As you search for these metallic objects, you may also find paper money, shark teeth, and other valuable non-metallic items. The thrill of what you can possibly find is great motivation to take this hobby seriously.
You may not find a lot of buried treasure, but you will have fun and be excited about what you do find.
Some final words
It is never too late to pick up metal detecting as a hobby. When you follow the tips for metal detecting on the beach you can make this hobby even more fun.
The thrill of adventure is not gone and you can find it in metal detecting on the right beaches. Just make sure to follow the local laws.