Surf & Sand

By Ozzie Osborne
For many of us, the water hunting season is about to kick off. And, like thousands of other folks we'll be heading for the water.  Though some detectorists don't think so, surf and sand hunting is more rewarding if you do a little research first. In large coastal cities, and small resort towns
who's population swells to triple in summer, there are beaches that are seldom used, or are only known by the locals. Here in P.C. Beach there are twenty five miles of beach. Many of them we refer to as "Virgin Beaches."
There is nothing wrong with these sections of beach,  they are very pretty, and clean. The problem is access. They are public beaches, but parking is either a long way off, or doesn't exist. Researching a beach is actually pleasant work. The best way is to find a beach side stand with an unobstructed view in both directions, and sit and watch. Make notes, mental or pen and paper, of where the most number of towels and blankets are spread out. Are there any beach side night clubs in the area. Many clubs hold contests and events on the beach behind them, and the crowds can be very big. These beaches will also have more trash to deal with. Walk the beach. Get yourself a large ice tea, and head out walking. Try to do this at low tide. Then do it again at high tide. At low tide, try to note any shallow troughs or sand bars just off shore. Look for areas where the sand has been sucked out and forms a small creek bed heading straight out. These are cuts, and are a good area to hunt, and are good in stormy weather. Many waterfront condominiums claim the beach's behind them are private. It is important that you make sure that the beach that you want to hunt is a public beach, and that metal detecting is permitted. There are many beaches designated as National Seashore's, and these area's are off limits to detecting. Hunting in seaside state parks varies. Some allow you to hunt the beach, but you cannot go inland past the base of the sand dunes. Others don't allow detecting of any kind. Be sure you check with the ranger office at the entrance gate before you start swinging your machine. Take a parasail, or helicopter ride. These low altitude views are great for a quick assessment of crowded spots on the beach.  Many beaches  have vendors offering these rides, but they are a bit expensive. A boat ride, rental or private, down the beach is also a good way to get some ideas and see how many places have swimmers in the water. Over the years I have made friends with many of the vendors that operate the jet ski rentals and have found them to be a great source of leads to lost valuables. There is usually someone renting chairs with umbrellas near the water. Check to see if the chairs have been moved forward or backward, these are excellent sites. Check the entertainment section of the local paper. There are usually a few events staged on or near the beach each summer. These can be anything from surfing contest to art festivals. Local bait and tackle shops carry tide charts that are normally free to the public, and are a quick reference for good hunting times. Many beach resorts have info available by mail that show the beaches of there area. These are usually free upon request by mail and are worth the price of a stamp. Many of the bigger and older beaches have a colorful history. There is usually a lot of info on these at the public library, or on line. The internet is another valuable source of info, sometimes it can provide a one on one exchange of information that is invaluable. So whether your going on a beach vacation, or are lucky enough to live in a coastal area, research is still something you need to do .Good hunting, Ozzie.---OO  OsGone@aol.com