Tips for Using Metal Detectors on Beaches
Using metal detectors on beaches is a great way to pass some time. Not only are you surrounded by a serene setting with waves crashing and seagulls overhead, you may even wind up finding something of value. Here are some secrets that may help you make some great finds.
The Gridding Method of Metal Detecting on Beaches
If you don't have a lot of experience in metal detecting, you may be surprised to know that there are specific terms associated with different techniques. One of these is gridding, which is a technique that detectors use to cover small areas of beaches. This is different from random searches where you look across larger expanses of sand. Griddling involves picking a well-traveled location and following a specific pattern. You could, for instance, start in one area and then head for the low tide line. Make one step over, turn around, and head to the area where you started.
Or, you could also try walking sideways at the high bank line, go about 15 feet, step over, and walk back. You could walk in a circular pattern instead, starting small and going in larger and larger circles. Whichever approach you choose to take, by gridding you are creating lines in the sand with your feet so that you know where you're searching so you don't re-trace your steps.
The Saltwater Hunting Method of Metal Detecting on Beaches
This is another known technique that takes advantage of low tide to access areas of the water that are difficult to get to otherwise. The challenge to this method is that you may have a hard time pinpointing any possible targets. You will also need a waterproof metal detector.
One of the advantages to this approach is that there is less trash the farther you get from shore. The chances of finding worthless pieces of aluminum such as bottle caps are lessened. This is where having a more sensitive device can come in very handy. Your detector may be able to locate tiny objects that others trying this method may have overlooked. Even if you don't find a lot by using the saltwater hunting method, there's no need to be concerned. The sand is always being shifted by the tide, so you'll have another chance to find something exciting.
Beaches are at their best in the summer because that is the time where more people are swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. This will always lead to more potential treasures to find. Go to the most popular areas first and start detecting either early in the morning or later in the evening. These are the times where you will have more room to look without having to worry about running into a lot of people.
The Gridding Method of Metal Detecting on Beaches
If you don't have a lot of experience in metal detecting, you may be surprised to know that there are specific terms associated with different techniques. One of these is gridding, which is a technique that detectors use to cover small areas of beaches. This is different from random searches where you look across larger expanses of sand. Griddling involves picking a well-traveled location and following a specific pattern. You could, for instance, start in one area and then head for the low tide line. Make one step over, turn around, and head to the area where you started.
Or, you could also try walking sideways at the high bank line, go about 15 feet, step over, and walk back. You could walk in a circular pattern instead, starting small and going in larger and larger circles. Whichever approach you choose to take, by gridding you are creating lines in the sand with your feet so that you know where you're searching so you don't re-trace your steps.
The Saltwater Hunting Method of Metal Detecting on Beaches
This is another known technique that takes advantage of low tide to access areas of the water that are difficult to get to otherwise. The challenge to this method is that you may have a hard time pinpointing any possible targets. You will also need a waterproof metal detector.
One of the advantages to this approach is that there is less trash the farther you get from shore. The chances of finding worthless pieces of aluminum such as bottle caps are lessened. This is where having a more sensitive device can come in very handy. Your detector may be able to locate tiny objects that others trying this method may have overlooked. Even if you don't find a lot by using the saltwater hunting method, there's no need to be concerned. The sand is always being shifted by the tide, so you'll have another chance to find something exciting.
Beaches are at their best in the summer because that is the time where more people are swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. This will always lead to more potential treasures to find. Go to the most popular areas first and start detecting either early in the morning or later in the evening. These are the times where you will have more room to look without having to worry about running into a lot of people.
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