Beach metal detecting is both fun and profitable at the same time, and in fact these are the two reasons why many beginners start with treasure hunting on their local beach. Beaches are usually allowed for hobby detecting, and can offer a wide range of various finds. Of course, to search successfully, the treasure hunter need to choose one of the metal detectors specially for beach sand (source).
While most metal detectors do perform decently on the beach, those with specific features can offer more productivity. So, a relevant metal detector is a must, even for a newbie. Also, it is important to know where to search, what types of search exist, and so on.
Locations For Detecting
Rules vary in different jurisdictions, but generally, beaches are allowed for metal detecting, at least at certain seasons or certain hours. You can detect on the seashore, but also you can give a try on river banks, around the lakes, and on other freshwater bodies. You will need a metal detector with waterproof coil at least, for freshwater detecting in shallow waters. If you want to go deeper, you will require IP67, IP68, or IP69 waterproof rating metal detectors.
If you prefer seashore for treasure hunting, you will require a metal detector with some decent Discrimination feature, or better with the salt water search mode. The reason is that both wet sand on the seashore and sea water are highly mineralized, and therefore often give false signals. Decent Ground balance feature will also be helpful. Also, if you detect on the seashore, you will most probably need some high quality headphones, because the noise of the wind and the waves can interfere with your audio signals interpretation. If you prefer to search on a crowded beach, a headset will at the same time protect you from the noise, and prevent you from making too much noise yourself, attracting unneeded attention.
Types of Beach Detecting
While the location may be the same – local beach – treasure hunters can engage into different types of detecting, and these different types suggest different search conditions, skills, methods, and equipment!
Wet sand detecting takes place on the “tanning” area of the beach, in other words, the area where the tide never reaches. To search in that area, the treasure hunter can get away with a waterproof coil only, some diggers and shovels, and a headset. The metal detector should have a decent Ground Balance and Discrimination, but no specific skills are necessary from the detectorist themselves.
The next level of complexity is shallow water detecting, and this activity takes place from the limit of tidal water to the point where some diving needs to be done. To operate in this area, the machine should have IP68 or IP69 water protection rating, probably offer hip or chest mount for the control box to lessen the burden for the operating arm, and should feature some powerful Discrimination to reject false signal from salty water.
The last level of complexity for underwater detecting is deep diving, and this level requires way more complicated equipment and skills. Deep diving suggests highly specialized underwater metal detectors with additional features, requires higher than average skills from the detectorist, suggests a team to work together on treasure hunting, and usually means additional licenses and permits by the relevant authorities.
Laws and Rules
The rule of thumb is that, in most countries, beach metal detecting as a recreational activity is allowed and no special permit is needed. Some jurisdictions require personal license, or personal permit by the local management, etc.
Depending on the legal situation, the detectorists may face a list of limitations, for example, detecting may be allowed only in the recreational area, or only in the swimming area, or only around the docks, or only in certain hoursmonths (read more at detecthidtory.com).
Many jurisdictions will require the detectorist to show their finds to the beach management, and report lost personal belongings like someone’s jewelry, watches, or smartphones, to the police. Every treasure hunter should find out more about rules that apply in their particular jurisdiction.
Potential Finds and How To Manage Them
To make beach metal detecting not only an entertaining and recreational activity, but also a profitable hobby, the detectorist should be aware what finds to expect, and how they will manage the items. If every item found should be reported and given away, no profit is expected. If finds can be kept, at least items like modern jewelry, we can already talk profit here.
In fact, beaches and underwater search can bring all types of unexpected items, from smartphones, watches, and modern jewelry, to old coins and jewelry, relics, and even real hoards. To manage each type of item properly and with profit, the detectorist should be aware what items are classified as treasures, how to manage potentially valuable historical finds, and for what items the finders keepers rule works.
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