Got any tips for a beginner in California??

[California_Diggin]

I am a college student in Fresno, CA and I honestly love this hobby and have for years. Used to work in a really nice pawn store as their sales rep for White's metal detectors and other prospecting supplies. Sold gold/silver bullion and old coins as well. Anyways in between classes I have been trying to go out an do some detecting and prospecting. I just have a few questions that I am sure a few of you could answer.

1. Does anyone know of some good places to start gold panning or using a sluice box near the Fresno area? Camping is my favorite so I also don't mind traveling. I am not expecting you to tell me your best places. Any beginner place will be fine. (So far I have been to the San Joaquin River near town and it only yields extremely small gold specs, still fun though =P)

2. If i were to be looking to buy a nice decent size sluice box, what would you recommend?

3. Any other general tips would be great!


I plan on doing this hobby for a long time. Once I graduate college here soon my father and I are going to England on one of those trips and detect the fields hoping to find some awesome history! He will take my E-Trac and I plan on buying a CTX 3030. Anyways thanks for the information!




This was me out there today in the freezing water. Only got to spend about thirty minutes out there but it was mostly just to give my friends a chance to knock panning for gold off their bucket list.

 

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[goldenmojo]

I know to use the riffles. Like I said right underneath the photo I was simply out there to show my friends really quick so they could check it off their bucket list.

Ha. In that case you should have made them all get in the freezing cold water with you for a real bucket list experience..............

 

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[California_Diggin]

Ha. In that case you should have made them all get in the freezing cold water with you for a real bucket list experience..............

Yeah they were both pretty wimpy and not really wanting to get their feet wet. I guess that is a clear indicator that they do not have gold fever haha

 

[CharlesP]

I recently joined American mining rights association and really enjoy both supporting the cause and the access to the claims above greely hill. You can also work the mariposa creek in mariposa. . It runs right through town and down by the fairgrounds.

Tip. Sample the hell out of a spot before you commit to working it. Faith is for finding God, not gold.