Sanibel Florida Beach Hunting

[NexusX]

My wife and I are going to Sanibel Florida in a couple months and would like to get some advice. This will be my first beach hunt. What areas should I search. Should I do low or high tide or both?
Can you take your MD as carry on luggage?
Now I will something to do while she picks up sea shells.

Dan

[Buster]

I believe you can have your detector as carry on...Pris and EPC said something about that a few weeks ago..I would hunt the beach area. That would be a good place..You will need a scoop for sifting sand to get your finds..That you can check with our sponsors on...I would hit the beach at low tide also..If your coil is water proof you can put it in the water, but not too far...Also don't hold it up in the air after being in the water because water could travel back up the shaft and hit your control box... You should have a good time hunting for sure,..you can check some of the back posts on beach hunting for more advise...Happy Hunting...Buster...

[bdahunter]

You've got a lot to learn but you have a couple of months to do it so no worries. Start by readin the Beach Metal Detecting forum including all the old posts.

Cheers,

BDA

[Steve in PR]

Don't know too much about the area as far as MDing goes, but, I know it is really pretty there!

I think that the tide differences (2 feet) are not as great in these areas so it won't make a lot of difference, however, it is alway preferable to go at or before low tide.

[MinelabMan]

I've heard of others taking their detectors as carry-ons, just pack your digging tools in your regular luggage.

I usually do low tide in the wet sand and into the water, high tide may be a good time to do the dry sand where people set up their chairs, umbrellas, etc. If there's volley ball courts, rental areas, etc they would also be good places.

[johnj45586]

Read posts on this forum for good ideas. I have posted several times replying to people about good beach techniques.
I would really suggest dry sand detecting as a start. The day before look at the beach (take pictures if you have a digital camera) to see where the blanket line is.
Hunt early in the day, concentrate on where the population was the day before. Also near life guard stations is good.
Beaches tend to be extremely large areas to hunt by gridding. So you should figure out where the hot spots will be and hunt those.
If you like diving or snorkling then the wet MD might be the way to go on the side. But that may require making a contact in the area that can point you to where goodies "well" up. If you are a visitor it isn't likely you will have that knowledge or experience.
Dry sand permits a large range of scoops. Get something with holes that would capture a dime. Get a magnet to put in the center of the mesh/holes area to capture iron.
I don't mind bending over so I use a deep fryer basket I picked up at the thrift store for 25 cents. But I am going to move up to a long handled sand scoop before summer because I am going into the wet sand.
Have a great time walking on the beach in the sunshine and invigorating ocean breeze.
Happy hunting

[gordiesgirl]

Sanibel Is a very historical place, Could find pirate gold, There are tons of shells all over the beach, sanibel is the seashell capital of the united states. Have a great time, and good luck.

[NexusX]

I really like going there but wanted my own thing to do while my wife is on her quest for the more rare shells on the beach. She has brought enough home now to start her beach. That brings up a question. With so many shells on the beach, how will it affect the MD? In some areas the beach is covered with a layer that is pretty thick.
Dan

[prizm-pal]

Nexus... I stayed at Sanibel inlet rv state campground about 5 years ago...there was rumor hunters were finding gold coins that week..15 ships loaded with gold went down in bad storm...lots still missing....another cool thing to do there is watch people catch shrimp off the peir in the state park...they set up 12volt lighs and just scoop the in large net....all jumbo...and if you ask they may sell you a pound....was ten bucks then..but were best ever!... I sure wish I could go...maybe couple weeks have fun Chick!

[NexusX]

Chick,
Were you down by the Lighthouse beach area? We will be staying about midway west of there on the island. I thought maybe Bowman's beach area would be a good spot also.

John,
You said to take some pics the day before to see where the blanket line is. What is the blanket line? Is it the highest point on shore where the tide has pushed the sand up?

Dan