Getting Started Metal Detecting

I would recommend a detector that is multi purpose, unless you only go to the beach or in the lake. That means it is meant for detecting all terrains such as sand & dirt, plus all metals from aluminum to gold. Now don't go submerging your multi purpose detector deep into ocean or lake water unless it specifies that it can withstand that. The multi purpose detectors tend to be able to handle splashes of water but not full submersion. A good brand at a good price is the Bounty Hunter line on Amazon. A decent detector should cost you around $150 and up. Most importantly if you want to have a good time get a detector that can discriminate between metals! Or else you will be digging up pull tabs and screws only to end up saying "screw this".

Sure you could detect with just a detector but you won't have as much success compared to someone who is equipped properly. Most importantly depending on where you are detecting you will want a shovel for dirt and/or a scoop for sand. Another important item in my arsenal is my pin pointer, you would be surprised at how hard it is to locate in object in the ground with just a detector. The pin pointer is hand held and does exactly what its name says, pin points the object in the ground after your detector has gotten the general signal. Headphones can really help you get a better signal in a loud environment though it is best to get some designed specifically for detecting. Some other items that aren't as important but make the job easier/healthier include a pouch to keep your stuff & some gloves to avoid bacteria in the ground.

• Throw away junk items you find for good karma also you might detect the same spot in the future
• Go slow in a sweeping motion back and forth with the detector hovering about an inch above the ground
• Try areas with the grass worn down due to high traffic, curbsides where people get into their cars, under old trees & any other plots of land where many people have gathered or still do; the older the better

More experienced detectors can actually look for specific objects. The main categories include.

• Relic hunting: Old artifacts such as items from past wars that are found usually on old plots of land where such events took place.
• Coin shooting: This one is obvious... looking for coins. Where you look may determine if they are old or new coins. The main thing I look for is old silver coins.
• Cache hunting: If you find one of these then you must have good luck. These are rare. Basically a container full of old coins, since these are an older tradition there is a good chance they might be silver or gold!