Beach and Water Treasure Hunting Articles (Part 1)

There is a wealth of information from a wide range of sources dealing with beach and and water treasure hunting. For the sake of convenience, I am also going to throw beachcombing into the mix since it is so closely aligned with the other two pursuits.

Treasure Hunting

Unfortunately, some of the best info regarding beach and water hunting is no longer in print and it will take a bit of effort and research on your part to track these old articles down. Some of the magazines they were first printed in no longer exist but others are still going strong, so there is hope after all!.

(Note: Be advised that many of these old treasure magazines can be purchased from various sources online. J.R.)

Many of these informational bits may add up to good finds for those treasure hunters willing to track them down, so let that be your "guiding light."

Alaska

"Montague Island Glass Balls," Treasure, July 1986. (For those of you unfamiliar with the glass ball fishing net floats once used throughout large parts of the small-scale fishing industry, these babies can command top dollar these days. Remember that before you walk away shaking your head in disgust.)

"The Strange Treasure of the Islander," Treasure, September 1984.

California

"1764 Coins Found at the Beach," Coinshooter (ing?), 1985.

"100 Pieces of Silver in 3 1/2 Weeks," Western & Eastern Treasures, August 1983. (Just as an aside, there were days during the big Southern California Pacific storms of 1982-1983 when I recovered this many pieces of silver in a few hours of beach hunting, not to mention large amounts of gold jewelry. Nope, not bragging, just telling it like it is so that you know it can be done.)

"Beach Bonanza," Western & Eastern Treasures, February 1981.

"Beach Hunting Methods," Western & Eastern Treasures, March 1987.

"Beach Hunting Southern California," Western & Eastern Treasures, September 1986.

Metal Detectors

"Beachcomber's Gold," Western & Eastern Treasures, September 1993.

"Beachcombing for Treasure," Treasure World," March 1974.

"California Beach Hunting," Western & Eastern Treasures, May 1993.

"On the Beach," Western & Eastern Treasures, November 1992.

"One of the Best Beaches: Santa Monica," Lost Treasure, August 1989. (Santa Monica area beaches, including those directly adjacent to Santa Monica Pier, have long been known in 'insider' beach hunting circles as some of the best in SoCal for jewelry. It's my understanding that Warren Merkitch and other early beach hunting and beachcombing 'pioneers' made a killing at Santa Monica and at other nearby SoCal beaches way back when.)

"Storms, the Key to Fabulous Treasure Hunting," Treasure Search, October 1976.

"Winter Storm Advantage," Western & Eastern Treasures, December 1991. (These last two entries tell the tale: for you West Coast beach hunters those big Pacific storms are the key to unbelievable treasure hunting success during the right conditions.)

Delaware

"Bonanza at Coin Beach," True Treasure, February 1973.

"Beachcombing Delaware Beaches," Treasure, January 1984.

"Delaware's Treasures," Western & Eastern Treasures, February 1979.

I think that's enough to get many of you started out there. I'll have more beach hunting and beach combing info for you soon.

Good hunting out there!

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Beach and water Metal Detectors: Fisher's '1280-X' and Garrett''s 'Sea Hunter Mark II'"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2010/10/beach-and-water-metal-detectors-fishers.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Beach and Water Metal Detectors: Fisher's "1280-X" and Garrett's "Sea Hunter Mark II"

(Top: Fisher's "1280-X"; Bottom: Garrett's "Sea Hunter Mark II.")

In this post I'll be talking about two different beach and water (underwater) metal detectors, Fisher's "1280-X" and Garrett's "Sea Hunter Mark II." Both of these machines are what I would term "mid-range" detectors from both a price standpoint and their overall function and capability.

Treasure Hunting

Fisher's "1280-X" ($690-$725)

The"1280-X" employs what Fisher likes to call "ready to go" operation. Essentially what this means is that the overall operating function of the "1280-X" has been condensed and simplified so that you just turn the machine on and get to hunting, with little if any adjusting or fiddling with switches and dials. This makes Fisher's "1280-X" an attractive machine for those beach and water treasure hunters who are just starting out as well as those who have more experience under their belts.

You can use the "1280-X" in both fresh and salt water environments up to depths of 250 feet or, you can swing the "1280-X" above ground to cover beach areas. The specialized quartz circuitry and battery power of the "1280-X" allow it to be operated for as long as 75 hours before you need to deal with new batteries.

Light and Well-Balanced

Fisher's "1280-X" has an easy to use control housing with turn knobs that control sensitivity, discrimination, and volume. Fisher claims that the "1280-X" is one of the lightest and most well-balanced beach and water detectors of its class, and I cannot find any fault in this claim. I've used other models of Fisher machines for many years and have never found anything negative with their overall construction or capabilities.

The "1280-X" comes with either an 8-inch or 10.5-inch searchcoil, depending on your needs. You'll pay a bit more for the "1280-X" with the larger searchcoil, but you'll also find that it will perform better at depth. However, if you decide to stick to shallow water or beach hunting, the 8-inch coil is more than adequate.

Garrett's "Sea Hunter Mark II" ($875-$750)

Once again, let me remind you that the newer Pulse Induction (PI) machines out there are typically going to be extremely versatile and highly sensitive to a wide range of targets. Garrett's "Sea Hunter Mark II" PI machine is no exception to this rule.

Little or No Loss in Sensitivity

The "Sea Hunter Mark II" employs a very useful “Discrete Trash Elimination” feature that is literally hell on junk targets. At the same time the "Sea Hunter Mark II" operates with nearly no loss in overall sensitivity.

This is, of course, a real asset when you are trying to recover those smaller pieces of gold and silver jewelry in high-trash areas. Conversely, in low-trash areas (beach, shallow water, or underwater) the "Standard PI" operating function of the "Sea Hunter Mark II" means that you'll be hunting at the optimum level for coin and jewelry recovery.

Various Depths and Locations

Both operating functions ("Standard PI" and "Discrete Trash Elimination") are suitable for hunting in beach, shallow water, or underwater locations. Garrett's "Sea Hunter Mark II" is especially adept at handling the highly mineralized or salt-laden environments typically encountered while beach and water hunting.

The "Sea Hunter Mark II" is often sold with both an 8-inch and a 10-inch searchcoil (which I recommend if you're an experienced beach and water treasure hunter looking to work various depths and types of locations). This Garrett machine also can be used in one of four physical configurations including a short stem variation called the "Scuba Mate."

That's it for this round. Be safe out there and, as always, good hunting to you.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Beach and Water Metal Detectors: Garrett's 'Infinium LS'"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2010/10/beach-and-water-metal-detectors_19.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Beach and Water Metal Detectors: Garrett's "Infinium LS"

(Garrett's "Infinium LS" beach and underwater detector.)

Garrett's "Infinium LS" ($1,100-$1,200)

Garrett's answer to the Minelab "Excalibur II" is its "Infinium LS" beach and underwater metal detector. In my view, the "Infinium LS" is pretty much equal to the Minelab machine in terms of overall price and function.

I'll have to admit here that I am partial to Garrett metal detectors since they have formed the backbone of my treasure hunting (including beach and coin hunting) gear for over 30 years now. At the same time I know there are many other good detector manufacturers out there, including the Whites and Fisher companies. The reason I know this is that I've used both brands (Whites "Goldmaster" series and the Fisher "Gold Bug 2") numerous times in my electronic prospecting endeavors and both brands are solid.

96 Operating Frequencies

But I digress. Like some of its competitors, Garrett's "Infinium LS" is completely submersible up to 200 feet in depth. At the same time, the "Infinium LS" can be employed to good effect in both regular beach hunting and shallow-water hunting.

The "Infinium LS" is a very powerful, Pulse Induction (PI) type metal detector that operates with...and get this...a total of 96 frequencies! Yep, you heard right. Whether this many operating frequencies are actually necessary is open to debate, but the "Infinium LS" definitely has won the frequency battle over other machines in terms of sheer numbers.

That said, the greater the frequency range of a given detector the greater capacity it has to detect a wider range of targets in a more diverse range of environments at various depths (higher sensitivity overall). So there is a real "method to the madness" in having this many operating frequencies in the Garrett "Infinium LS."

An Extremely Sensitive Deepseeker

The "Infinium LS" comes equipped with a standard 10" x 14" PROformance searchcoil and headphones that are also completely submersible. One nice thing about this type of searchcoil is that changes in depth or temperature (water or outside) will not cause it to fluctuate or "drift."

Treasure Hunting

These days PI operating systems are pretty much standard for the higher-end, extremely sensitive and deepseeking detectors being sold out there. The fact that the Garrett "Infinium LS" is a PI machine that employs 96 frequencies is probably one of the most impressive aspects of this machine in my own humble opinion.

Another Beneficial Aspect

Another beneficial aspect of the "Infinium LS" is its Automatic Ground Tracking" feature which allows you to pretty much lock in an optimum ground tracking function no matter the terrain (above ground or underwater) that you might be working. Fluctuations in ground mineralization have long been the bane of many a treasure hunter (and electronic prospector) so this is no small thing. Stable operation like this can really save you time as well as one hell of a lot of frustration. Trust me on that one.

The "Infinium LS" also has a nine-level discrimination function as well as the usual "all metal" hunting mode. There are going to be very few instances where you'll be hunting without some sort of discrimination so having multiple discriminator functions is a good thing indeed. And, harking back to the detector days of yore, Garrett's "Infinium LS" also has an auditory (sound) discriminating function.

(Note: This latter feature sort of takes me back to the days when I was swinging my old Garrett BFO and using my ears to discriminate targets as "good" or "bad." Times sure have changed since then brothers and sisters. J.R.)

That's it for now. Be safe out there and good hunting to one and all.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Beach and Water Detectors: Minelab's 'Excalibur II'"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2010/10/beach-and-water-metal-detectors.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Beach and Water Metal Detectors: Minelab's "Excalibur II"

(Minelab's "Ecalibur II" beach and underwater detector.)

As I mentioned in my previous post my next focus here at "Treasure Trove Dreams" would be in the form of descriptions/reviews of state-of-the-art beach and water metal detectors. Again, never underestimate the monetary potential of becoming an experienced beach or water (including underwater) treasure hunter.

Minelab's "Excalibur II" ($1,100-$1,300)

In recent years Minelab metal detectors have gained increased status in many treasure hunting and electronic prospecting circles, and are considered by many treasure hunters to be the best detectors out there today. I can't speak to that claim specifically, but there is definitely substance to such claims.

Being considered the best by many means that Minelab detectors don't come cheap. In fact, just the opposite is true. Minelab detectors are some of the priciest on the market these days and unless you are prepared (or able) to shell out one, two, three or more thousands of your hard-earned dollars a Minelab probably isn't for you. But like they say, "you get what you pay for."

An "Intelligent" Detector?

In promotional materials Minelab's "Excalibur II" beach and underwater detector is described as an "intelligent" machine that employs 17 different operating frequencies (from 1.5 kHz to 25.5 kHz) to get the job done. I don't know about the intelligence thing, but having the option to employ a wide range of operating frequencies can be a distinct advantage for any treasure hunter, especially when it comes to dealing with the highly disruptive or mineralized conditions that seem to crop up when you least expect them to. Coincidentally, some of these operating frequencies can increase your ability to detect event the smallest pieces of gold jewelry (small hoop earrings, gold studs, etc.).

But here's the real kicker with the "Excalibur II's" operating frequencies: all 17 freqs operate simultaneously with multiple signal response tones. In my understanding, this means that the machine adjusts the frequencies itself depending on the existing conditions and target nature. No more clunky manual switching from frequency to frequency...perhaps this is what Minelab means by the "Exaclibur II" being an "intelligent" machine.

Fully Submersible to 200 Feet

It doesn't matter if you're a dry land beach hunter, a shallow-water treasure hunter, or a deep diver, the "Excalibur II" has all three bases covered for you. In fact, the "Excalibur II" is fully submersible (including its specialized headphones) up to 200 feet. This "waterproof" capability is a real asset if you're a beach or water hunter for obvious reasons. (Back in the day when I was working So Cal beaches with my trusty old Garrett "Deepseeker II" I'd have to wrap the housing with securely taped clear plastic!)

Treasure Hunting

The Minelab "Excalibur II" is shipped with with a 8" Double "D" coil containing two windings for locating very deep targets. Honestly, this sort of search coil is very versatile and can be very sensitive as well. However, if you're looking to hit a large, deeply buried underwater cache you might consider employing the "Excalibur II's" 10" coil (you'll have to buy it separately though).

Only Two Operating Modes
There are only two operating modes to futz with on Minelab's "Excalibur II," “discriminate” and “pinpoint." You know, I like this sort of simplicity of function in a detector. All you have to do is set the controls to one position or the other and you're off and running to start picking up those gold rings, bracelets, or Spanish gold escudos. Sounds good to me!

Yes, Minelabs may be expensive machines compared to many on the market today. But I am sitting here thinking that were I still working those So Cal beaches I'd love to give the "Excalibur II" a try. With what I know about beach and water hunting and a machine like the "Excalibur II," I think I'd be kicking even bigger butt and taking even more names. There it is...

Good hunting to each and every one of you.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "No Better Way to Get Started in Treasure Hunting"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-14-and-18-karat-rings-like-some-of.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Treasure Hunting Questions and Answers: Part 5

As I've mentioned before, periodically I post answers to the most frequent questions sent me by readers of "Treasure Trove Dreams." Here is the 5th installment in this series of posts:

"Do you consider hunting for coins and beach hunting as treasure hunting too?"

I do indeed, although perhaps on a smaller scale than cache or trove hunting. Many big-time treasure hunters started out swinging a metal detector in parks or schoolyards, or along beaches after big storms. Though no big timer, I myself started out this way, using an old Garrett beat frequency oscillator (BFO) detector, a technology that underlines just how old I am getting these days!

The very first time I used that clunky old BFO I found a 14 kt. white gold engagement ring with a small diamond setting. I was "hooked" after that. I went on to researching old home and carnival sites and working those, as well as following Warren Merkitch's footsteps in Southern California beach hunting, where I was very successful for many years. From those smaller treasure hunting enterprises it was a logical step to move into researching/hunting buried caches and troves.

So I don't care if you're searching for the Lost Dutchman, a posthole bank, lost jewelry in shallow water, or coins in an old park. It's all treasure hunting, my friend. Treasure is treasure...

"Do you know of any treasure tales in my home state I can research? I live in Iowa and I don't think we have much."

I'd have to disagree with you my friend. Aside from numerous small-to-midsized caches that have been uncovered accidentally while plowing cornfields and other farm land, Iowa has quite a few larger treasure legends you could research.

These include the following:

The Lost Cemetery Cache

The Kelly's Bluff Treasure

The Lost Ivers Caches

Nelson's Lost Gold

The Murder Caches

The "Junction" Treasure

These are only a few troves and caches that may be awaiting recovery in Iowa. Remember though, good research is the key to tracking down any or all of these. Good luck!

"I live in Southern California pretty close to some popular beaches. When's the best times to hunt those?"

The very best time would be from November through March when the big Pacific storms roll through. Often these storms will strip tons of loose sand overburden from those beaches and the jewelry and coin recoveries can be absolutely fantastic. Trust me, I know. Get on those beaches right as the tide begins moving out after one of those storms. Look for any exposed bedrock or stretches of larger, cobbled rock and pockets of oxidized iron.

In "normal" or summer conditions where all that loose sand covers the beaches detecting will be of minimal value to you. I recommend building yourself a Merkitch "sifter" and using it on those beaches early in the morning BEFORE the crowds get there and the heavier items like newly lost coins and jewelry sink too deeply into the loose beach sand.

That's it for now. Good hunting to each and every one of you out there.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Lost Gold and Silver in Bell and Breathitt Counties, Kentucky (Part 2)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2010/10/lost-gold-and-silver-in-bell-and.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Lost Gold and Silver in Bell and Breathitt Counties, Kentucky (Part 2)

(Breathitt County, Kentucky.)


Breathitt County is the location of the second Kentucky treasure I want to bring to your attention. Here's how this tale of lost silver and gold goes:

"Pete" Akeman's Lost Cache

Peter ("Pete") Akeman had been a Union soldier earlier in the U.S. Civil War, but by the Fall of 1864 he was no longer serving in the ranks of the Grand Old Republic. Details are scarce in determining whether Akeman had been permanently furloughed to Breathitt County, Kentucky due to injuries, illness, or other reasons, but one thing was certain: Confederate sympathizers in the County found his presence there irksome if not downright disgusting and disloyal.

Treasure Hunting

At some point Akeman picked up on the negative "vibes" coming his way and decided to take measures to protect both himself and his property, which was located within 3 miles of the mouth of a local stream known as Miller's Branch. Akeman armed himself and just in case, stashed over $800 in silver and gold U.S. type coins either near or underneath a large, flat rock that lay on a ridge behind his house.

(Note: This ridge is said to be an existing terrain feature that lies a scant 2 miles or so from the Barwick, Kentucky U.S. Post Office, somewhere between the communities of Jackson and Hazard. Most of this area is private property unless I miss my guess, so be careful about trespassing, blowing your cover, or getting caught digging up someone else's real estate. J.R.)

Confederate Partisan Rangers "Visit" Akeman

Although regular Confederate States Army (CSA) units were not likely operating in Breathitt County at this late stage of the Civil War, various and sundry Confederate "partisan ranger" irregulars probably were. If these Kentucky partisans were anything like their counterparts in Missouri (i.e., "Bloody" Bill Anderson, William Quantrill), they could be quite vicious and brutal in dealing with Union soldiers or sympathizers. By the way, much of this violent behavior was due to Union atrocities committed against their families and friends.

Eventually Confederate partisans in Breathitt County came to "visit" Akeman at his home. After a brief exchange of gunfire they captured Akeman, ransacked and burned his home, and depending on whom tells the tale, either strung Akeman up over a sturdy tree limb or bound him to a tree and set him afire, burning him to death.

A Small Part of Akeman's Cache is Found

Some years after the Civil War had ended a small group of relatives searched high and low around Akeman's property for his savings which they knew he had hidden prior to being murdered. On the ridge behind the site of his house, Akeman's relatives managed to find about $10 in silver coin and a solitary Quarter "Eagle," or $2.50 gold piece. The rest of Akeman's stash eluded them however.

So there you have it. Find Akeman's old home site and the ridge behind it and who knows? With a good metal detector and a thorough search you may turn up a small fortune (at today's prices) in silver and gold U.S. type coins.

Be safe and good hunting out there.

(c) J.R. 2010

 

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com