Right from the first time I heard of metal detecting I was intrigued, but never thought I would be in it to the extent I am now! This is most certainly not a bad thing, just amazing at how certain journeys take you on a ride which gathers momentum and don’t seem to stop!
I had always seen the odd detectorist down at the beach and around the parks and wanted to give it a go and from my conversations to many who are looking to get into the hobby, they too have thought the same. A lot have also had either their parents or grandparents into the hobby in some way and have been exposed to metal detecting in their earlier years. I had not had any family member metal detect before, but my father was keen on fossicking. So now that my career is nothing but metal detecting and prospecting in some way, I can say nothing but good things about the industry.
Me and my Father Mario getting ready for a day gold prospecting
To get the most out of this hobby you need to set yourself up so you have all the right gear and have a positive attitude about your ability. Even though that attitude won’t find you the gold in the ground, let’s leave that to the detector, it will go a long way in establishing your techniques and ability to hear those faint signals. Of course the latest and greatest detectors are the way to go if you want to get serious, however, we all work to a budget and knowing what you can spend will certainly get you the best unit you can afford. The only thing you can’t buy is time, so you have to make this happen yourself and by doing so you will find that your ability, knowledge and enjoyment will increase with every hour spent out in the field.
I encourage anyone who is thinking of starting or who has just started in this hobby to persist even when you come home empty handed sometimes, because a detector in the cupboard finds no rewards. It is one of the few hobbies which actually find you money to pay off your investment and can even do so many times over and while doing so you can enjoy the lifestyle – walking outdoors, seeing new places and historical areas and also meeting others with the same interests.
Whether it is Gold Prospecting or Coin & Relic hunting, there are rewards for those who can afford the time. A recent coin hunter discussed their need for a good quality underwater detector and was quick to use it out in the shallows. He has since found an excellent array of jewelry which has certainly made him very happy. Now not too many will tell you exactly where they have found their rewards but if they can do it, so can you and I.
Trevor Ferraresso
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