First Time Submerged with CTX 3030

[DaytonaGold]

I've been itching to do some surf hunting but waited for warmer weather and calm surf in order to do so. Today I attempted it, while it was a lot of fun I did find it to be a bit difficult. I went along side of the local pier, the tide was extremely low so I ventured out pretty far thinking I would find lots of goodies. However, this was not the case, I did get a target or two but found it difficult to retreive the targets, the moving surf posed a problem and the visibility of the water was cloudy. After a couple of hours I"ll admit I got discouraged and went back to the shoreline, it was a bust there too.

Can anyone give me some useful tips for hunting in the surf? I really want to pursue this type of detecting but want to know what is required.

thanks ya"ll...HH !!!

 

[Howard Snell]

I usually place my foot at the edge of the coil marking the spot then dig with my scoop. And I use a gigantic scoop so I don't loose targets. But some targets are so small your going to loose them anyways.

 

[DaytonaGold]

Thanks for the tip, I have a TRex scoop and love it.

 

[tvr]

Takes practice. You need to locate the target and mark it with your foot then get the scoop in. When I have the detector in my right hand and scoop in the left (which is most of the time) I'll mark the the back right side of the coil with my right foot then move the coil and place the scoop tip by the instep of my foot then sink the scoop. That gets me close enough much of the time. I'll use the detector shaft and scoop to lean on for balance when needed. I try to keep feet planted wide enough apart for good balance.

The waves will push you off targets, sometimes they can be found again, sometimes not. Daytona water is not as clear as further south, but is clearer than what many people hunt in further north. Some places I've hunted, if I was calf deep, I couldn't see the coil.

Practice and work at it.

Several forum members get more water time than I do. I hope they will add some of their tips.
Cheers,
tvr

 

[DaytonaGold]

Wow, great info and thank u. I will definately keep at it, it really is a lot of fun.

 

[nolanation]

I just started water hunting with my CTX too, and have been marking with my foot as well. I put my CTX on a lanyard, so I can let it go, and then use both hands to scoop my target. I bought a TREX scoop as well. Did you get the 8" dry?

 

[Water wizard]

It does take practice. A good way to learn quick is to hunt in water with no waves for the first few goes. Even try dropping some small coins and recovering them. Don't look in to the water, try and do it all 'blind'. X the target first. Listen for changes in signal which means the target has moved. Ring pulls are the hardest to recover. They can go round ND round when your scoop the water out...... Stick with it, good luck

 

[GunnarMN]

most guys like the 8" coals for the surf as it has less dragg, talk about burning calories swinging in that will really knock off the pounds. pace yourself .

 

[DaytonaGold]

I was wondering if the 17" coil would be ok in the water?

 

[DaytonaGold]

I have the 9 1/2

 

[nolanation]

I have the 9 1/2

 

[OldBeechnut]

You need to do some drysand hunting with your eyes shut, or go at night and no looking down, all by the feel of the scoop against the foot and the angle needed to retrive. You can really sharpen up your recovery time by doing this, then go out deep in the water with your scoop only and pratice wave watching and scooping. You have to be agressive on targets, get them on the first scoop. Pratice makes almost perfect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jsBdKKqV3A

 

[tvr]

You need to do some dry sand hunting with your eyes shut ...

Ah ... the Zen of water hunting; coming from a master!

Nice video. Is that GravediggerMax in the dark colors? If it is, looks like retirement has been good to him; getting fit and trim!

Wave period ... seemed to be about 5 to 5.5 seconds in the video. It is nicer working the longer wave periods. When it gets down to 4 seconds and under, it is easy to get knocked over.

... or go at night and no looking down ...

Isn't that shark feeding time? But then the Zen master might be as one with the sharks too!
Cheers,
tvr

 

[GoVidGo]

A good sandscoop is the key. I hunt the shallows on the beach in the Atlantic with my AT Pro, and had the same problem initially.