Need some tips!

[SCDigginWithAK]

Hey guys! I've been metal detecting for 4 years now and wanted to switch things up for a change. I'm looking into buying a pan from a local gold prospecting shop. What all will I need? I know I need at least one pan (I'm looking at a 10 inch), a gold snuffer bottle, and a vial. Is there anything else? What tips can you give me on panning? Like where in rivers/creeks are the best spots? I'm guessing the bedrock and gravel areas. I don't know if this exactly the right place for this. I couldn't decide between here and general discussion so I came to the pros!
Thanks- Andrew (I'm never in this section haha)

 

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[wingmaster]

I would get a 14" pan as the bottom on the 10" pans are very small which doesn't allow much room for separating the black sand from the gold.

 

[SCDigginWithAK]

I would get a 14" pan as the bottom on the 10" pans are very small which doesn't allow much room for separating the black sand from the gold.

Ok thank you! What else would I need?

 

[KevinInColorado]

Really get both a smooth (and I mean smooth) 10 inch pan and a nice big 14 inch...I like the Proline "Professional" but others are ok too. You also want a 1/2 inch classifier that fits into the 14 inch pan. Before you know it you'll want a sluice too.

For final processing of your heavy material at home I suggest a kitchen strainer to take out the big gravel and a 50-mesh classifier. Panning classified material is SO much easier.

Here in metro Denver there is a lot of iron sand so a decent magnet is also wise. May or may not matter where you are tho.

 

[SCDigginWithAK]

Really get both a smooth (and I mean smooth) 10 inch pan and a nice big 14 inch...I like the Proline "Professional" but others are ok too. You also want a 1/2 inch classifier that fits into the 14 inch pan. Before you know it you'll want a sluice too. For final processing of your heavy material at home I suggest a kitchen strainer to take out the big gravel and a 50-mesh classifier. Panning classified material is SO much easier. Here in metro Denver there is a lot of iron sand so a decent magnet is also wise. May or may not matter where you are tho.

Thank you very much. I will definitely look into those. I'm looking at some pans that a shop around here makes. It has 4 "stages". One for big gravel. One for little, one for black sand. And the other getting it out. I'll be heading to the shop in a week to talk with the owners and buy the items I need. Thanks again!

 

[benny]

Don't forget bucket, shovel, scoop, and prybar.

 

[ALewis]

Just wait...
I started with a Pan, garden spaid, and an eye dropper,
Then got 2nd pan, snuffer bottle & vial, looked for "spot's", and finally started seeing some color !
Got Home depot bucket & real shovel....Then even more tools.
Built a sluice, Fluid bed, only way to go,just my opinion....started seeing real color....

Got a Good backpacking frame pack. Camping gear has followed. Several trips this summer.
First spot was about 1 mile upriver, now i've been as far up as 5, 6 miles.

I have had best recovery from gravels bars, but can be fun wondering around the river / creek trying to decide where the heavy gold would/could settle....

Good Luck....