Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Monitor the weather in the beach areas where you are interested in treasure hunting. The best time to drag sand at a beach is right after a storm with high winds and tides. All kinds of articles will wash in on the waves or be shaken up and moved around in the existing sand for easier locating. Gather your equipment and head out to the beaches immediately as there are many other beachcombers who will want to beat you to the best areas.
Dig up the sand loosely with your shovel after you locate a promising spot for treasure hunting. Stake out a 10-inch-by-ten-inch square in the sand and drag your large rake back and forth both north and south then east and west over the area. Watch for jewelry, coins or other unusual items. Many beachcombers believe the finds will be historic relics from an ancient galleon, but the more common finds are current items that recent visitors to the beach have lost or dropped.
For more defined digging, get down on your hands and knees and rake the area thoroughly with the smaller rake. Keep your eyes out for anything that sparkles or shines but also understand that some finds will be encrusted with months of dirt and grime. Watch for unusually-shaped items and for anything that may hang from or become entangled in the rake tines.
Dig into the sand with your small trowel or your larger shovel and transfer the soil to a homemade sieve to separate the loose grains of sand from other buried items. This sieve is as simple as wire mesh nailed to a wood frame and should be at least 3 feet square. The size of the mesh should be smaller than the smallest coin. Take your small rake and rake over the sand in the sieve, then separate the trash and natural items from the treasures you may find.
Pick up any findings, wrap in soft rags and place in the plastic container. Cleaning and estimating the value of items can be done when you arrive at home -- calling attention to your successes will lure other treasure hunters into your area.