Bob Bailey's Metal Detecting Site

Beach Metal Detecting contiued ******

The secret with shallow water detecting is to search the areas that would have been the bathing and swimming areas when the tide was fully out. If you are on a beach where the tide does not go out far, search the areas near the shore where bathing and swimming took place. In both cases study those old photographs to find out where the bathing and changing huts areas were. When Three 9 carrot gold rings you get a signal that you want to dig, mark where the target is by holding the loop of the detector down on the sea bed.  With the target under the centre of the loop, slide your foot so that the sole of your foot is by the side of the loop, and in-line with the centre of the loop.  When you are sure your foot is in the correct spot, move the loop away and bring your digging scoop to the side of your foot where you have just moved the loop from. You then draw the scoop back until the digging edge is opposite your heel, pressing down all the time so that the digging edge does not move from the side of your heel and is level with it. 

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While pushing the handle of the scoop as far forward as you can, place your foot on the back of the scoop and send it into the sand.  Pull the handle back to you and lift the scoop up, letting the water wash the sand away through the holes in the scoop.  Hopefully the target will be left in the scoop. If not repeat the procedure. As I said, I have never really taken to this sort of detecting, but a lot have, and with some very impressive results. Detecting on beaches can be an interesting and a rewarding way of passing many a happy hour on a family holiday, for both children and adults alike.

Never go on a beach detecting when the beach is crowded, let the other holidaymakers enjoy their holiday. Do your detecting in the evening.  During the day, do what they are doing, relax and enjoy your holiday. After all, that is what you came on holiday for isn't it? Do not let all the relaxing stop you from making a mental record of the busiest areas of the beach though. Lots started beach detecting when on holiday during the late 1960's and early 1970's, I know I did.  When I first started, I never thought I would find much inland. How wrong I was! The beach is still a good place to start your detecting.