Rookie Advice

[3DBee]

Good evening all,

Looking to get into this as a hobby. Specifically detecting in the shallows/shores of North Florida beaches. Want to get started with a Deus2 and scoop with carbon fiber handle. Needing your advice on just about everything.

Where to buy: Good equipment needs a reputable dealer.
What else to buy....recommendations on what to buy/use.

For example...pin pointer, bag to stash finds, utility belt, SPF shirts/hats, sand shoes, wet suit or shorts etc. Something to put trash finds in. Camel back for hydration. Anything an actual inexperienced user like me might not even know about

You get the gist. I want to find some good stuff and keep the beach clean while making sure I'm not over extending myself. Any advice to get out there stay comfortable and healthy, help clean trash and make it back home in one piece.

Thanks all and I welcome any advice.

3DB<

 

[hoser]

First, welcome to the forum. You are at the right place to get you questions answered. Search the beach and water hunting forum here. Lot of seasoned pirates there to help you out. Good luck & happy hunting.

 

[Beachhunter]

Welcome aboard! My advice is take your time when buying metal detecting accessories. Purchase as you find a need.
Best of luck!

 

[markinmichigan]

I carry a small tool bag to hold my garrett carrot (soon an accupoint) and plug tool, side pockets for finds, trash in the main compartment. KISS. Good luck and keep us posted.

Mark in Michigan

 

[Cherry Picker]

Welcome from Dodge City.

No beaches here in southwest Kansas so I can't help you much, but there are a lot of good dealers here on FMDF and detectorists more than ready to give some advice.

 

[CalReg]

Welcome! Besides the detector and scoop, you'll need a bag to hold your finds/trash. You can find a nice waist attached bag on Amazon. The one I have has a holder for a water bottle and multiple pockets to keep extra stuff (batteries, food, etc.) While I do have a pin pointer (Garrett Carrot), I don't really use it on the beach. If you check out on YouTube some of the beach hunters, they use their scoop or foot to locate and isolate then locate their finds. Another thing you might want to consider is water proof shoes, boots or even waders. I'm considering waders as I've been hit more than a few times by sneaker waves. Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[John Madill]

The MI-6 pinpointer is a great choice for the Deus. And a finds bag with a mesh bottom is great for the beach.

Try to find a brick and mortar store, it is nice to be able to handle different scoops, etc. and you might find some lightly used items with a good discount.

 

[Retiredsailor]

Good evening all,

Looking to get into this as a hobby. Specifically detecting in the shallows/shores of North Florida beaches. Want to get started with a Deus2 and scoop with carbon fiber handle. Needing your advice on just about everything.

Where to buy: Good equipment needs a reputable dealer.
What else to buy....recommendations on what to buy/use.

For example...pin pointer, bag to stash finds, utility belt, SPF shirts/hats, sand shoes, wet suit or shorts etc. Something to put trash finds in. Camel back for hydration. Anything an actual inexperienced user like me might not even know about

You get the gist. I want to find some good stuff and keep the beach clean while making sure I'm not over extending myself. Any advice to get out there stay comfortable and healthy, help clean trash and make it back home in one piece.

Thanks all and I welcome any advice.

3DB<

I always go to Kellyco metal detectors, they give good advice and always answer the phone

 

[3DBee]

Thank you all for the safe advice and warm welcome. I will be looking into all your mentions. I definitely want to do my part and remove any harmful debris. Will have to see about a clove that wicks water away while protecting. Any other suggestions are very much welcome.

3DB<

 

[Surf Master]

Deus 2 , or Manticore , I know Myers Detectors in Tampa FL. - the Manticores are in stock , He is running his Black Friday Special NOW , never had a D2 but I own a Manticore , as far as a scoop Xtreme 316 ss with CF handle 10 year warranty is a winner , no other scoop manufacturer in the USA- offers 316 ss- in scoops , including Titanium , happy hunting , Earl

 

[3DBee]

Thank you everyone. Just thank you. I have some health issues as a 20+ year vet and really need this. All of our advice will save me trial and error money.

Aside from the detector/ scoop what would you use for a typical beach day. Sand shoes, shorts, long sleeve SPF shirt, hat? What utility belt and how do you keep your phone dry. And how do you fight off the swarms of bikini clad ladies while wearing all this manly gear ᕙ⁠(⁠⇀⁠‸⁠↼⁠‶⁠)⁠ᕗ lol.

Seriously, thanks everyone & Happy Thanksgiving.

3DB<

 

[The Lama]

Welcome! Besides the detector and scoop, you'll need a bag to hold your finds/trash. You can find a nice waist attached bag on Amazon. The one I have has a holder for a water bottle and multiple pockets to keep extra stuff (batteries, food, etc.) While I do have a pin pointer (Garrett Carrot), I don't really use it on the beach. If you check out on YouTube some of the beach hunters, they use their scoop or foot to locate and isolate then locate their finds. Another thing you might want to consider is water proof shoes, boots or even waders. I'm considering waders as I've been hit more than a few times by sneaker waves. Good luck and happy hunting!

I would be careful about wearing waders i would for sure be dead if i did, multiple times when hunting in storms i've been swept out or almost swept out when digging in ankle deep water and then the next wave slams a four foot wall of white water and pushes you up slope but sometimes pulls you back out then i have to body surf the next one in which is ok in shorts and a sweatshirt but waders would fill up like a water balloon and no way could you swim out of that,on the bright side i've yet to drown my Apex although a redwood tree did snap my cz in half right in front of Tom

 

[SeabeeRon]

I would be careful about wearing waders i would for sure be dead if i did, multiple times when hunting in storms i've been swept out or almost swept out when digging in ankle deep water and then the next wave slams a four foot wall of white water and pushes you up slope but sometimes pulls you back out then i have to body surf the next one in which is ok in shorts and a sweatshirt but waders would fill up like a water balloon and no way could you swim out of that,on the bright side i've yet to drown my Apex although a redwood tree did snap my cz in half right in front of Tom

Good advice Lama! Years ago I had a relative that drowned clamming while wearing waders! Those waves can sneak up on ya!!

 

[yatahaze323]

For a SPF shirt I've bought these Denali shirts https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C4LJV66 they're thin and not too expensive, good for when its warm out.

For a hat I started to wear a wide brim sun hat with a neck flap, it won't work well with headphones but if your using the deus backphones probably would.

 

[The Lama]

Good advice Lama! Years ago I had a relative that drowned clamming while wearing waders! Those waves can sneak up on ya!!

That's sad to hear, little things you don't think about can get ya

 

[3DBee]

Thanks again everyone. My "Self-gift" Christmas list has grown for sure. Really appreciate everyone chiming in.