Research is the key, you can start at the library. I know there are hundreds of places in the Baton Rouge area, I have been to several when I was at LSU. Remember there is no such thing as a hunted out area, technology has made so many leaps in metal detectors over the years that it been shown it is impossible to find everything.
I started metal detecting with $35.00 Jetco and search an old plantation near my house. I found a gold pocket watch and a few other items. I purchased a newer Jetco went to the same place and started finding old coins and an anvil. We cant all afford a ground penetrating radar setup, buy the best you can afford. By the time I stopped I had the best setups Garret had to offer.
Charles Garrett was or is (not sure if he is still alive) an engineer who happened to be a treasure hunter and was always pushing the limits on his detectors.
Whites was another brand that some of my friends used. I am not trying to push any one line of detectors, ask your friends what is best.
Join a local club it is more fun with friends.
Johnny
I do not know what is out there now. but I know it has to be better then what I had in 2004.