What is Best Beach Scoop in & out of Water?

[Tim-PY]

[size=medium]I'm sure this may have been asked before, What would be the best choice for a salt water beach scoop that would be used for in and out of the water. Anything with a reasonable price that can handle a work-out? Thanks[/size]

 

[Bigfoot]

Hi Tim. I can't answer to store bought scoops. I make my own. There are several good scoops out there. To find one that will take a beating will cost ya. In and out of the water is another challenge. Damp sand does not sift out of a scoop very well. Hole size has to be considered as well. Here is a pic of the ones I have made. All are stainless steel except the one on the left. Finding the right one is up to the person using it. Check and see if there is a club in your area you could visit, see what they like the best. I live in central Florida, if you are in the area you could try out a couple of mine to see what works best for you.

 

[Chi Town Bruce]

n/t

 

[Tim-PY]

[size=medium]What size holes do your scoops use for sifting? Are you on the east or west coast? What is your price range? I haven't detected for some years now and never used a scoop. I plan on using one for wet, dry, and in water. Some scoops seem to have pretty large holes, I was wondering about finds slipping through. Thanks for your reply! [/size]

 

[Bigfoot]

I hunt mostly on the east coast. As for hole size. 5/8 seams to work the best. Small items do slip through the holes. I have put mesh in the bottom of some of them, but don't like it. I don't sell my scoops. If someone were to find one I don't use, they could have it. I might except a tip I hope others who read this don't think, WOW free scoops.

 

[Tim-PY]

[size=medium]Thanks Bigfoot, appreciate the reply, hope we didn't start a PM rush to you for a scoop! I am planning on a FL trip, hopefully very soon, wanted to leave on the 15th but keeps moving ahead. I am waiting on some mail order items needed for the adventure and I am trying to find a used hightop truck cap for my Ford Ranger. I am waiting on a handsoop with 1/2" holes to arrive but surely need to have a long handled one as I'm 6' 2". I was amazed at the prices some go for! I am waiting on a phone call to see if I will be visiting Mary Esther, if not I will be only on the east coast, haven't decided how far down to go before working my way back to NY. Used to live in Titusville, worked for Mims Industrial Steel back in 81, I was a laborer cleaning scale and splatter off of the three story structure that NASA has on their launchpad, watched the first shuttle launch from my lawn, and also worked the crane and loaded a bunch of steel that Disney bought for a huge project they had going in 81, maybe the Eppcott center? Thanks again for the reply, I'll have my laptop with me so I can keep posting, send photos back home, and HOPEFULLY post some finds! [/size]

 

[Bill N.]

Bigfoot, where in Cent. FL? I am in Ocala. And am geting ready to start checking out the beaches on the west coast to start. Right now with the ACE250 on dry sand then move into a water machine and wet.

 

[Ron Lord]

Hi Tim ,I use a Miller scoop. I use this scoop for the passed 25 years . You can buy it at dixiemetaldetectors.com , they call it the ATH shark scoop,sells for $140. This scoop will dig a hole faster than any other scoop on the market. With the long shaft scoop it is hard to dig because you have to reach out far the handle,with the carved handle it's easy to dig a target.I have hunting in Fl. waters for 30 years. So it's up to you weather you want to dig easy or hard.So have fun dig fast and enjoy life. Happy huntting, Ron Lord, Naples FLa.

 

[Tim-PY]

[size=medium]Thanks Ron, Appreciate the advice! Less dig time, more find time! I'll take a look at these, Tim[/size]

 

[Bigfoot]

Bill. I am in Lakeland.

 

[Bill N.]

Cool. Not to far away. I may have to try to get with you some time and try out some of your scoops. If the offer is open to those in the area?

 

[Bigfoot]

Yes, the offer is for all. It will have to be by appointment. I have to work, and other commitments.

 

[Bill N.]

I know all about the work thing. LOL Will shoot you a line at some point and see what works for both of us.

 

[Bigfoot]

Thanks Bill. My last post might have left some people wondering what we were talking about. Here is the deal. I have a few scoops that I made. They are what I call, my trial scoops. I am willing to let anyone in my area, stop by and try one out. If you find one you like you can have it. Thats right No charge. If you feel you must give me something for my efforts. Thats OK. I am sorry for those who are not near or going to be in the Lakeland, Florida area. It is first come first serve. You will have to contact me, to set up a time that is good for both of us. If you look at the picture above, the 2 scoops on the right are not included in this offer.

Tim-PY I will hold a scoop for you. I have one I think you will like.

 

[Bill N.]

Sent PM. Hope not to late.