Whilst metal detecting on the beach is very popular, few metal detectorists actually venture into the ocean, but searching in shallow water can yield some marvellous finds. Many of the beachgoers lose their rings, watches and necklaces in the surf when they go swimming and it’s likely that there is more jewellery and other valuable items in the sand below the water than actually on the beach. There is also the chance of finding ancient coins from old shipwrecks, particularly on coasts where shipwrecks were frequent in the past.

Equipment for Metal Detecting in Water

In order to effectively hunt in water, the first thing you need is obviously a waterproof metal detector. There are a number of these available on the market for you to look at. You’ll also need a long handled rust proof scoop to get the treasures out of the sand. A plastic scoop is perfect. If you are hunting in calm, warm waters you probably don’t need any other special equipment, but cooler waters will require a wetsuit if you are spending long hours searching the water and you don’t want to slowly freeze to death.

Techniques for Metal Detecting in Water

Once you’re in the water, you use more or less the same techniques as on dry land, moving your detector slowly over the sand just as you would on the dry beach. If you detect a target, then you should immediately stop and place one of your feet immediately behind the target. This helps to mark the target. Now take a deep scoop of sand from in front of your foot. Move the scoop to the side and use your metal detector to assess whether or not the target is still in the hole, if it is take another scoop. Keep doing this until you are sure you have the target. This is the most effective means of digging items from the sand. If you stopped to empty the scoop every time, you might well lose the place where the target is. As you move the scoop through the water, the sand should simply strain out of the scoop and reveal your target – hopefully a shiny gold item.

Best times to Metal Detect in shallow water

In the ocean, its best to begin hunting as the tide is going out and a couple of hours before low tide. Most likely the area where you will achieve the most finds will be in the deeper water which you can only reach when the tide is at its lowest. Spring tides are marvellous times for searching as the tide will be at its very lowest then. It’s also a great idea to hunt after there have been some storms since these often reveal treasures through erosion and turbulence that pushes once hidden items to the surface.

Since fewer detectorists venture into the surf, you will also have more chance of finding some exciting treasure than you would on the beach.

Good luck with your treasure hunting.