Metal Detecting in the Great Lakes

[Toecutter]

When detecting public beaches and Im out in the water where would I have the best luck? on the sand bars, in between the sand bars, or does depth matter, just wondering what some of you guys might recommend, I would mostly be in lake Huron around the Thumb, I will be keeping it waist deep or so might use a mask and snorkel guess it depends how it goes...

 

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[sturrat]

I am on the west side of Michigan and detect strictly water. The great lakes change so frequently you just have to stumble upon a good area. Look for cuts down to the hard pack. If you start finding lead and coins there will be gold there

 

[Toecutter]

I never swam on the west side, do you guys have sand bars?

 

[CASPER-2]

hunt the new spots with heavy traffic for the new stuff
do some research to find the spots no longer used for the old stuff
waist deep to shore (unless you have no competition in your area) is the road well traveled
i have ton of guys that wear waders and do waist to shore - i usually hit waist to over my head
many dont - but i always tell water hunters to use mask (even if you wear them around your neck or on top of
your head ) and snorkel if they are comfortable doing so
1) it helps you see the bottom (hopefully in most spots) this will help you see good spots and bad objects to avoid
2) you will find old bottles and paper money possibly - i have found over $300 in bills over the yrs on bottom
and have a couple dozen old bottles - some worth a few bucks
3) if you have small objects fall thru your scoop - you will find it is easier to retrieve them with a mask
i have found over 40 stud earrings at cleaned out spots that i could see many scoop marks around the spot
telling me it kept falling thru others scoops
4) you can see hidden dangers - fishing line, broken glass etc.

 

[CASPER-2]

older articles ive written - mostly have to do with salt water but there are a few fresh water tips in there
so some may help - others may inspire
https://www.flickr.com/photos/casper-2

 

[Toecutter]

Thanks Casper, I will check out your articles...

 

[sturrat]

There are usually two sand bars with troughs in between. The key thing is finding lead and old green coins. That's where the jewelry will be.

 

[Toecutter]

There are usually two sand bars with troughs in between. The key thing is finding lead and old green coins. That's where the jewelry will be.

Thank you sturrat that will help alot!!

 

[49er12]

Anything on Lake Erie which side is best considering occupying areas of interest do any old shipwrecks relics wash close to shore