Beach Metal Detecting: 5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Hunt
Posted by Jody on August 17, 2014
Today’s Featured Writer is Glenn Stock.

Beach Metal Detecting on the Gulf Coast
Beach metal detecting is a fun outdoor hobby that can also be very profitable. What makes it so great is the opportunity to explore new areas along with the anticipation of a great find. Beaches are some of the most popular places to explore. You not only get the chance to find lost valuables but you also get to enjoy the great beach weather.
Many a beach metal detecting hobbyist has paid for his/her metal detector, and more, from just a few hours or so of metal detecting. You can too!

Metal Detecting on Galveston Beach at the Seawall (Across from Fort Crockett Park)
Tip #1: Slow down and have fun.
Remember, this metal detecting hobby is all about having fun. It’s easy to move too fast and just skim across an area believing there are no treasures below the sand – but slowing your search down will improve your odds of finding something. There are times when it may take you forever to find just one thing, but making sure to slow down and appreciate the hobby makes it all the more worthwhile.
Tip #2: Timing
Picking the best time to search the beach is an important factor in getting the beach to reveal its hidden treasures. The perfect time is when most everyone has left. This gives you a greater area to search, and you won’t have so many interruptions, either. When there aren’t as many people around, you can explore closer to the shore and even more remote areas, greatly improving your chances of discovering something valuable. Get up early. Making an early start (before anyone else arrives) is another great time to explore the beach.
Tip #3: Get Dirty
Don’t be afraid to sift through the sand; you have to get your detector close enough to sense something. Often the most prized treasures can be buried just below the surface. So get your hands dirty and start going through everything.
Tip #4: Be Prepared
Time can fly by quickly when you are intensely focused on finding that treasure. Make sure you pack something to eat (high energy bars are good) and also something to drink to keep those energy levels up throughout the day. Also remember to pack a hat, sun-glasses and some sunscreen to protect you from getting sun burnt on those hot days.
Most of all, be sure to be courteous and respectful of others. When everyone shows each other respect, everyone has fun, and the hobby never becomes a burden. Beach metal detecting isn’t only for discovering hidden treasure but also for fun and adventure, so go on, get out, and have some beach metal detecting fun in the sun.

Beach Metal Detecting
About the Author: Glenn Stock has, for the last 20 years has been detecting along the Gulf Coast beaches and shallows, along with old historic homes site, civil war camps, parks, fairgrounds and just about any other place throughout the South that’s not covered with pavement. In between detecting trips he manages and writes for TreasureHunterDepot.com and is employed by The State of Texas. Follow Glenn’s tips and check out the following link to stay ahead of the curve: Beach and Shallow Water Metal Detecting.
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This entry was posted on August 17, 2014 at 4:28 PM and is filed under Beach Treasures - Beachcombing, Featured Guest Writer, Sand and Shoreline, Tallies & Tips. Tagged: beach, Beach Metal Detecting, beachcombing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
11 Responses to “Beach Metal Detecting: 5 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Hunt”
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Jody said
Glenn, many thanks for sharing your beach metal detecting tips! I’ve always thought it would be great fun to find old Spanish coins from a long-ago shipwreck. Digging up someone’s special lost treasure and being able to find them to return it seems like a lot of fun too!
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife said
Great tips and something I’ve never considered doing, although there could be treasure anywhere, right?
Jody said
I’ve been seeing more and more folks metal detecting on the beach these days. I’m thinking I’d need to live closer to the coast if I decided to make the investment in the equipment!
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife said
I would wonder about the dilemma of finding jewelry and stuff. Do I try to contact an owner or is it finders keepers?
Jody said
That’s a great question. I would turn the find in to the lost-and-found. I’m sure that police departments have policies on how long they keep those types of things. If it’s not claimed, I’d most likely make a donation to a favorite charity. I personally couldn’t do it any other way. ~Just my two cents.
Enchanted Seashells, Confessions of a Tugboat Captain's Wife said
Me too! cos every time I wore it, i’d be thinking of someone like me who lost something they treasured.
Jody said
🙂 Exactly!
Judy said
Enjoyed this post — I see a few searching our local beach in the early mornings and always wonder what kind of things they are finding. I tried to talk with one — but he didn’t seem too friendly – or maybe he spoke limited English. I’m going to check out the links now.
Jody said
Thanks, Judy. I have had the same experience. Sometimes we’ll find a really friendly and talkative person out for a day of fun on the sand. Sometimes it seems that we’re interrupting someone’s very important work day!
bigkosydar said
I keep meaning to take a metal detector with me here on the oregon coast but somehow i never get around to it.
E.G.D. said
Well, what with all the treasure sitting right there on the surface… ^_^