Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
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| Large Heavy-Duty Scoop With Long Handle. |
I often talk about alternative techniques. There are times when metal detecting is not the best technique. But what else can you do?
I've talked about using the Merkitch sifter, which is something I've used. I've also talking about using a stationary sifter.
Above you see a big scoop (with standard shovel inside for size comparison) that can be attached to lengths of a handle made of PVC pipe that can be up to 30 feet or more. This technique is for scooping up submerged material, for example along a dock.
Below is a photo showing the scoop with a long length of handle.
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| Large Heavy Duty Scoop With Long Handle. Source: Manual of Finders Keepers Company. |
There is a knack to using the large scoop, and it requires some effort and strength.
The handle breaks down into sections and can be assembled on site.
You put the scoop in the water upside down, then turn it over and drag it so the teeth on the leading edge dig into the mud or sand.
It will bring up good and bad targets alike. It is good in heavy trash that would be very difficult to metal detect.
Another thing you can do when scouting new areas is put a coil on a extra-long pvc handle just to get an idea of what the bottom is like before you decide to do any heavy scooping.
It is often better to sift or scoop heavy trash areas rather than trying to pick through it with a metal detector. When you briog the material up and dump the big scoop out, you can quickly see the good targets as well as the trash.
I purchased mine decades ago. I don't know if you can purchase these big scoops ready-made today.
The main problem is the amount of effort required. It can be very productive if used in a good area - trashy or not.
Here is a post on the Merkitch sifter.
And here is a post on a stationary sifter.
Of course any of these techniques will get you non-metallic as well as metallic treasures.
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You might find this interesting. In a 1950s book for radio operators, some of the code words that you might know are presented. You probably know the code word Roger and what it means when used as a reply to a radiotelephone communication.? It means that all of the last transmission has been received.
How about Over. The transmission is over, and an answer is expected.
How about Out. Out means that the transmission is ended.
Now here comes one that might not be so obvious. - Wilco.
Wilco means a procedure was understood and will be complied with. In other words, will comply.
I read the above a day or two ago and thought it was interesting so wanted to find it again. The book opened right to the right page. You could call that coincidence, or mystical, or you could say the book learned. I looked at that page for a while the other day and opened that page widely for a little time, which it appears somehow modified the molecular structure of the page or binding. You could say that the book was modified by the experience (if you can call it that) like neural networks are modified in a way similar to how neural networks are modified by human experiences.
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The surf is small and the tides are small as well, but there is a developing system that might affect us in a few days.
Good hunting,
Treasureguide@comcast.net