Land vs Water Metal Detecting: Which Type of Treasure Hunting Is Right for You? Metal detecting is one of those hobbies that feels a little like being a pirate… except instead of a ship and a parrot, you’ve got a metal detector and probably a sunburn. But the excitement is real. You could find old coins, lost jewelry, or even historical relics hiding just below the ground. One of the first things new detectorists have to decide is where they want to hunt . Do you stay on land digging up parks and fields, or do you head into the water searching for lost rings and coins? Some people even do both. Each environment has its own challenges, tools, and types of metal detectors. Knowing the differences can help you pick the right equipment and save you from accidentally destroying a detector in the lake (which is definitely not the treasure you’re hoping to find). In this guide we’ll look at: The difference between land and water metal detecting The best places to hunt in each environment...

How to Pick the Perfect Metal Detector Beginner to Expert Guide (2026) The first time I ever used a metal detector I dug up: • A rusty nail • Three bottle caps • About twenty pull tabs And honestly… I thought it was the coolest thing ever . Metal detecting has this weird kind of magic to it. One minute you're standing in a normal park. The next minute your detector makes a beep and suddenly you're digging something out of the ground that hasn't seen daylight in 50… maybe even 100 years . Sometimes it's treasure. Sometimes it's garbage. Sometimes it's a spoon from 1974. But the excitement of that next signal is what keeps people hooked. Before you start finding treasure though, you need the right metal detector . And if you've looked online for even five minutes, you already know the problem… There are a LOT of detectors . Beginner machines. Beach machines. Gold prospecting machines. Super high-tech machines that look like they belong on a spaceship. So this...

Growing the Hobby: Why Metal Detecting Needs Beginners (and How We Keep Them) Every hobby has that problem where everyone involved is already really into it… and anyone new feels like they showed up late to the party.  Metal detecting looks simple until you actually try it. You turn the machine on, swing for a while, hear a bunch of beeps, dig a lot of junk, and start wondering if you’re doing something wrong. That’s usually where beginners get stuck — and sometimes where they quit. The truth is, metal detecting isn’t hard, but it is confusing at first. And the only reason most of us stick with it is because someone helped us early on. Learning From People, Not Manuals When I started, I learned a lot from legends like Randy Gerylo and Digger Dave. They didn’t throw technical terms at me or expect me to already know everything. They showed me things while we were actually detecting — what signals were worth digging, what settings worked in certain spots, where the gems can be found...

  Behind the Name: The Windy Digger The name The Windy Digger comes from where I spend a lot of my time— Portage and Main in Winnipeg . You can say I worked that corner for just over 10 years... No and not that kinda worked! It’s often called one of the windiest spots in Canada. Is that officially proven by science? Probably not. But if you’ve ever stood there for more than five minutes, you already know the answer. The wind at Portage and Main doesn’t just blow—it commits crimes. It comes out of nowhere, funnels between buildings, freezes your face, and somehow always hits harder when you’re already cold. It’s the kind of wind that steals hats, flips umbrellas inside out, and makes you wonder why anyone built a city there in the first place. After a while, though, you stop fighting it. You just accept it and carry on. Working in that environment shaped my attitude. You learn pretty quickly that complaining doesn’t help. You show up, you do the job, and you deal with whatever t...

The beep that means treasure, not trash   When your metal detector sings its unique tune, it’s more than just noise—it’s a secret code waiting to be cracked! Understanding metal detector sounds can turn every beep and buzz into clues that guide your treasure hunting adventures. Join us as we explore the language behind the signals and invite you to sharpen your skills with our community events for all outdoor adventure lovers!  Understanding Metal Detector Sounds Every beep is a potential treasure , and learning the language of your device is key. Metal detectors produce tones that vary based on the type of metal detected. High-pitched signals often indicate valuable metals like silver or copper, while low tones might suggest iron. Familiarize yourself with these nuances to enhance your finds. Stay tuned for our next section on decoding these signals effectively! Tips for Decoding Signals Get ready to unlock hidden secrets by mastering your detector's alerts! When in search m...

  Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Your First Metal Detector: What You Need to Know Choosing your first metal detector can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. You want gear that’s easy to use and built to last, so your first finds bring pure joy—not frustration. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about metal detectors for beginners, helping you pick the perfect kit. Ready to start your adventure? Let’s explore how Ok John Metal Detectors makes your first metal detector purchase simple and exciting! Understanding Metal Detectors for Beginners Nokta Triple Score Starting your metal detecting adventure is like stepping into a world of hidden treasures. Let’s dive into the essentials you need to know. Basics of Metal Detecting Metal detecting is more than a hobby; it's a doorway to history. You hold the power to uncover coins, relics, and even lost treasures. The detector sends out a signal, and when it hits metal, it bounces back, creating a beep. This sim...

3 quick steps to boost your metal finds Keeping your metal detector in top shape all year round is key to enjoying every treasure hunting adventure to the fullest! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, simple metal detector maintenance tips can make a huge difference in your finds and fun. Join our community events to swap stories, share your own year-round care routines, and pick up treasure hunting tips that keep your gear ready for the next big discovery! Let's dive into some key maintenance steps to ensure you’re always ready to uncover hidden treasures. 1. Regular Cleaning & Care A clean detector is a happy detector! After each hunt, wipe down your equipment using a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Pay special attention to the coil and control box to prevent long-term damage. Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your detector but also ensures accurate readings. Remember, a little care now saves on costly repairs later. Keep your gear in pri...

Top 5 Tips Every New Treasure Hunter Needs to know So, you’ve decided to become a treasure hunter. Nice.  No map? No pirate ship? No problem. Metal detecting is basically modern-day treasure hunting… just with less rum and more holes in the ground. Whether you're chasing coins, relics, or that mystery beep that turns out to be a bottle cap , here’s how to get started the right way. 1. Getting Started (AKA: What Did I Just Buy?) Walking into metal detecting for the first time can feel like opening a spaceship manual. Start simple. Learn what your detector actually does before you go full Indiana Jones. Different machines are built for different styles, parks, beaches, old sites, so pick one that matches where you plan to hunt. Pro tip: If it has 47 buttons… you probably don’t need 46 of them yet. 2. Gear Up Without Looking Like a Fool You don’t need a truckload of gear, but a few essentials will save your sanity: A beginner-friendly detector (easy to use = more finds, les...

If you’ve been swinging the Minelab Equinox long enough, chances are your coil ears may eventually crack or break — and, let’s be honest, it usually happens after the warranty runs out . Don’t panic — this blog post walks you through how I repaired my 11" Equinox coil ears using Plastic Bonder JB Weld , a strong two-part epoxy. It’s a simple, inexpensive fix — and I’ve included photos for each step (which you’ll find below). What You’ll Need: Plastic Bonder JB Weld (2-part epoxy for plastic) Toothpick or small stick (for mixing and applying) Cardboard (for coil ear spacing and mixing) Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning) Paper towel or cloth Optional: painter’s tape or clamp Gloves (recommended) Step 1: Clean the Area Thoroughly Before doing any repairs, clean around the broken ear with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt, oils, and dust. Let it dry completely. Step 2: Mix the Plastic Bonder JB Weld Squeeze equal parts of the resin and hardener onto a piece of ca...

Alright, treasure hunters, listen up! This is your chance to find some hidden loot, flex your metal  detecting skills, and possibly become a local legend. The OK John Metal Detectors Token Hunt is officially ON, and if you’ve ever dreamed of striking it rich (or at least finding something cooler than a rusty bottle cap), now’s your time to shine! What’s the Deal? OK John MD has hidden 12 special tokens all around Winnipeg and some surrounding areas in Manitoba. These bad boys are buried in public parks, beaches, and other public spaces —basically, places where you can legally dig without getting chased away by an angry groundskeeper. Each token has a pre-determined prize attached to it, so if you find one, congrats! You’ve won something awesome. How Do You Win? Simple. You grab your metal detector, a shovel (not a backhoe, calm down), and a bit of luck . The tokens are out there just waiting to be found. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might just hear that swe...

Alright, fellow treasure hunters and couch adventurers! If you've ever fantasized about unearthing buried riches but can't be bothered to leave your comfy chair, I've got the perfect solution: YouTube! Dive into the world of metal detecting with these 12 epic channels that will have you itching to grab a detector—or at least click "subscribe."  Honestly, I could go on for days about all the awesome channels I love (seriously, my watch history is just beeps and dirt), but I’ll spare you the novel. Let’s get digging! So grab your virtual shovel and check out the top 12 metal detecting YouTubers to watch in 2025! 1. The Hoover Boys 🔎 Why Watch: These guys are like the Avengers of metal detecting. Their hunts are packed with old coins, relics, and great humor —all wrapped up in an epic quest for history. If you want a mix of knowledge, excitement, and bad jokes , you’re in the right place. 📺 YouTube Channel: The Hoover Boys 2. Nugget Noggin 🔎 Why Watch: This ...