Beach Combing with metal detectors

Text A beachcomber is someone who "combs" (or searches) the beach, and the intertidal zone in general, looking for things that have value or utility to that person or to other.

What Is It All About? Beachcombing can actually be divided up into two categories. Those that spend vacation time or just free time to scour the beaches for treasures, or those that choose this as a lifestyle. Either way, it is all about searching and digging the rocky or sandy shores for those items which are of some value. Since much of the worlds population live inland and away from the coastline, this pastime is usually a weekend or vacation activity. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it as a fun and relaxing activity.

Serious beachcombers will tell you that the best time to hit the sandy shores is right after a storm has rolled in, or an extraordinary high tide. Objects usually wash up onto and into the sand when they are caught in a storm that pushed them to the shore. The best time to arrive is just after the crowds of people begin to leave for the afternoon. It will be easier if you don't have to work around such objects as beach blankets, umbrellas and sunbathers. Some times even the swimmers and sunbathers leave things behind that can be added to your treasures.

Metal detectors are a popular tool for this hobby. These devices come in all shapes, sizes and capabilities. Typically, the more you spend on a metal detector the better the quality. At some point on the cost scale, metal detectors become water proof which is an important feature when beachcombing near the water. Shop around for the best price and which models give you the capabilities you’re looking for.

In addition to your metal detector you will surely want a few other tools to make your beachcombing pastime more productive. These might include:

Headphones for your metal detector

Sand scoop

Some type of sand sifter A probe, (a long screwdriver like tool)

A bucket or sac for holding your treasures

A garden trowel or small shovel for digging

Magnifying glass

The tool list is not a long one and certainly not expensive, except for the metal detector. And, don’t forget, you can use your metal detector and tools to detect treasure in parks, campgrounds and picnic areas when you are not hanging out at the beach. Look around, anywhere you see people hanging out is a potential treasure site. As you find objects during your treasure hunting trips jot down what you found, when and where. Keeping a treasure log is a great way to increase your satisfaction with this pastime. After awhile, you will get a good sense about the places and type of places that get you the best results. So that’s what beachcombing is all about.

Hit the sandy shores, relax and have fun finding your treasure with a Bounty Hunter metal detector.