Well, yes and No. I bought the Gold and Sand about three years ago but haven't used it yet. It's always in my truck as part of my equipment just in case. But, here's what you might come-up against. A. this model has a leather doo-hicky that would work better if pre-soaked so it will swell-up and seal better. B. I've considered tying the bucket to my belt with a lanyard, I guess. Once material starts weighting it down, even full of water, it might wonder side ways and in any current take off. C. I'd expect more pull resistance if I went to one of the narrower tips. D. There's probably a D but I can't think of what it is.
Now, some pluses. 1. It's considered 'non-mechanical'. So, on those federal and State rivers that don't allow dredges and the like, here yeah go. 2. They do work and supposedly it spits material out after each pump with its check valve. Mine came with a lid that fits a 2 1/2 /3 gallon bucket. Frankly, I wouldn't want to hump a 5 out of a creek full of wet material over slippery rocks or very far, period. 3. The model I have has a bunch of tips for different materials and situations.
Honestly and even though I've not used it yet. I don't regret the purchase. I've had several old timers who fly-in on hunts asking to take it with them because it doesn't take up much room and is light. It doesn't pack well together, where you've got the log pump, then a hose probably attached to the lid, then a bag of tips. And you'll need a couple buckets. But, yeah I'd recommend one. Believe Gold and Sand has a new model. It's longer and I think has a sight pipe attached to look down into the water with. Not sure how well that would work in the sun. Guess you would have to stick your face down on it and scope out the bottom. I wouldn't order one with a viewer. But that's just me.
Hope this helps.