Metal Detecting is extremely easy to get into as a hobby, but at the same time it is an art as well. Any one can read a manuel and take their detector into the field and find normal clad coins and junk, but it takes a person with knowledge and patience to find the valuable things in life that leave you breathless as you pull it out of the ground. I have detected for years and I have learned several things that will hopefully aide you in your quest for treasures! First and foremost is the machine you use to detect. Their are several companies out there who have awesome machines, but I'm a die hard Whites detector user to say the least. I own three different machines by them and I am impressed with all of them and their capabilities. I know no one wants to hear this, but in order to find the deeper, more hidden treasure,you have to unfortunately dig a little deeper into your pockets for a worthwhile detector. I have a Whites 6000 DI Pro, A Surf Master underwater detector, and DFX detector. You might ask me why I have three? I shall explain. There are detectors that are great for searching all different types of soils, like the DFX, but certain detectors are specialized for certain areas, giving you the max depth you need to find a target. The 6000 DI Pro is great for Cache and relic hunting when in good soil conditions. The Surfmaster specializes solely for the purpose of underwater detecting.

Secondly when it comes to metal detecting you need the proper and necessary tools for retrieval. Depending on what you're searching for, different tools will be necessary. A little shovel, a pinpointer, and a belt are all I need when detecting. If you are familiar with retrieval methods then you might only need a probe with a dull end so as not to scratch your retrievals. I have become an expert using my little shovel to dig a hole,(a plug that is), and filling in it without there being any trace. When I have found a target I dig a plug, use my pinpointer to search the hole for me, and then I place the item into my belt and I fill in the hole. Now all you tough guys out there may be wondering why the need for a belt. I don't like it myself but I wear it out of respect for the hobby. In one section I place good items, while in the other section I place trash so that it can get thrown away.(You will be surprised how many people will let you detect their lawns when you show them the respect to throw out trash so that their kids won't play with it and hurt themselves!) When it comes to the pinpointer, only a few companies sell them. Once again, I have a Whites Bullseye 2 which vibrates when I'm near metal, and lights up the hole for me when it is hard for me to see.

Last, but not least, is doing your history homework to find the older, better stuff. Ballfields, and schools are great if you need a quick few dollars, but to find the really old stuff takes time and patience. It's not always easy, trust me, especially when all you want to do is go out and use your detector to find stuff. Doing your homework on the history of your town really does payoff in the end though. After hours of researching and then detecting, and you find that one old coin that is to die for is all worth it. Especially silver and gold objects, because they come up out of the ground like brand new. It's also wise to put a little time into the science aspect of mettalurgy and chemical reactions. Different soil types, have different effects on items. For example: I could find a wheat cent in a field three inches down and it could be in pretty decent condition. But if I found one at the beach where the air and salt from the water corrode, it may not be in that great condition.

All in all, do the math and take your time when getting into this hobby. It is an art and sometimes it can be frustrating. If it was easy though everyone would be doing it, wouldn't they? Detecting is great for the body and the soul. Nothing is better than going detecting and having quiet time to yourself while getting rich!