Hope to be just outside of Richmond, VA. very soon, (buying a house). At that point we will be very close to the beach. Well, much closer then when we lived in New Mexico. I must confess I know next to nothing about what type of scoop I should use for shallow water hunting. Would sure appreciate some words on what you are using. Thanks
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Beach scoop
- Thread starter xwyokid
- Start date
GeorgeinSC
Well-known member
We all have different tastes in what we want as a detector, scoop, digging tool etc. I went with the T-Rex 9.5 inch wet sand scoop and it does an excellent job for me. There are a number of well made quality scoops. My advice is just make sure that your scoop is a minimum of 6 inches. I tried a five inch scoop and it worked good for the sand but it just did not cover enough territory when used in the water.
Other important things to consider is:
The handle shape for leverage
The strength of the connecting joint between the handle and the bucket (gussets) for the twisting motion when breaking the bucket free of wet sand.
The need for some type of assist handle to control the lifting and carrying of a full bucket of wet sand.
Good digging edge on the lip of the scoop.
Overall the weight, balance and ergonomic ease of using the scoop one handed without having to lay your detector down, or bend your back, or strain your wrist or pull
your rotator cuff.
A lot to consider but that's why my scoop looks a little strange.
It's designed to be able to dig vertically for maximum depth.
I stand on the back of the bucket and use my body weight to drive the bucket down vertically.
15 inch long bucket, 6 inch width and height, holds 10 lbs of wet sand.
Total weight with full bucket is 15 3/4 lbs and carries like a suitcase with one hand with the bucket lip up and no spilling of sand.
The handle shape for leverage
The strength of the connecting joint between the handle and the bucket (gussets) for the twisting motion when breaking the bucket free of wet sand.
The need for some type of assist handle to control the lifting and carrying of a full bucket of wet sand.
Good digging edge on the lip of the scoop.
Overall the weight, balance and ergonomic ease of using the scoop one handed without having to lay your detector down, or bend your back, or strain your wrist or pull
your rotator cuff.
A lot to consider but that's why my scoop looks a little strange.
It's designed to be able to dig vertically for maximum depth.
I stand on the back of the bucket and use my body weight to drive the bucket down vertically.
15 inch long bucket, 6 inch width and height, holds 10 lbs of wet sand.
Total weight with full bucket is 15 3/4 lbs and carries like a suitcase with one hand with the bucket lip up and no spilling of sand.
Saddlebags
New member
I will show the scoop I made years ago later today.
Saddlebags
New member
I was hoping to show a photo of my sand scoop.
OldBeechnut
Well-known member
One of my favorite is RTG Aluminum with SS tip, light and digs well in the VB sand....You will have many hunting places near and you want to travel light as possible.
I always wondered why scoops cost so much for what is essentially a modified shovel, then, after a guy tries to make one, I understood!.
..a good scoop is CRITICAL for your hunting success..almost specifically for the area you are hunting too...gravel, rocks, sand...you may need to get several..you dont want to be carrying a heavy tool when you are working the dry on those big surf days when you cant get in the water, and a small light rig is no good digging targets in the water......so you need at least 2 models, a quick light dry sand tool, and a good water scoop with a wood handle that floats upright...
..
Mud
..a good scoop is CRITICAL for your hunting success..almost specifically for the area you are hunting too...gravel, rocks, sand...you may need to get several..you dont want to be carrying a heavy tool when you are working the dry on those big surf days when you cant get in the water, and a small light rig is no good digging targets in the water......so you need at least 2 models, a quick light dry sand tool, and a good water scoop with a wood handle that floats upright.....Mud
Hey Mud, where did you get the components for your scoop? Like, the scoop part? And I guess you get a handle from the hardware store? I've quickly discovered I bought the wrong one, for me. It has a curved handle, and I wish it didn't. It just seemed good while looking at it on the laptop, lol.
I did a search on the internet for "ice scoops" it took me to a site in Chicago I think..they sell all sorts of commercial kitchen supplies... I think this is a 54oz aluminum ice scoop...it could be 64oz..i cant remember...I boutgh two of them for about 30 bucks...I had some scrap aluminum flat stock I got from a scrap metal buyer a long time ago for a project...a Drill, a jigsaw, a hacksaw, a couple of U bolts and a handle from the hardware store... I sort of dovetailed and keyholed all the components together, If you look real closely you can see what I mean... then I took some of that Alumaweld rod you can sort of solder with a propane torch all the stuff together, even though it was tight the way it was constructed...I also tinned the tip of the scoop with alumaweld, since its much harder than regular aluminum, and wont wear out or bend at all..
...Its held up very well after 3+yrs of pretty heavy service..I can dig real quick deep holes underwater in the fine sand by using it like a hoe instead of a step and scoop shovel type thing...the bummer is spilt shots and .22 shells fall through the holes, but not a ring or any coins, so I guess Its alright... .the alumaweld joints broke, but the thing stays together the way it was built...I'm gonna make another out of that extra scoop...maybe today...takes a few hours is all...if I do I'll take pictures of the separate components and cuts....I might try to do a cleaner job too, since the first one was quick and fast to see if it was a feasible design... I have to do a repair on my water headphones which took a crap this am...luckily I had a backup rig and at least found some stuff up on the dry...
Mud
...Its held up very well after 3+yrs of pretty heavy service..I can dig real quick deep holes underwater in the fine sand by using it like a hoe instead of a step and scoop shovel type thing...the bummer is spilt shots and .22 shells fall through the holes, but not a ring or any coins, so I guess Its alright... .the alumaweld joints broke, but the thing stays together the way it was built...I'm gonna make another out of that extra scoop...maybe today...takes a few hours is all...if I do I'll take pictures of the separate components and cuts....I might try to do a cleaner job too, since the first one was quick and fast to see if it was a feasible design... I have to do a repair on my water headphones which took a crap this am...luckily I had a backup rig and at least found some stuff up on the dry...
Mud
Wow, thanks for all that info! I'm unsure what to do at this point. I only have two weeks till we leave and money is a little tight now. I guess I shouldn't have put that Springfield 1911 .45 ACP on lay away at the shop yesterday, lol. I know the Mrs. wasn't impressed with the "investment".
Well sure, she would rather spend money on Polish Pottery or Longaberger baskets, or Beanie babies, but who can pass up a good deal on a 1911? 
Although I can understand the Missus' attitude regarding the .45ACP...its a bit heavy for girls, if it was a nice 5 shot S&W Detective Special or LadySmith, you would be golden!
You get a halfway decent scoop and you might find enough Gold or Plat to pay for that 1911 in one trip! Thats what Credit cards are for! All you need is one great big chain...some focused effort to make it happen, and a little luck and the right weather..all of which I wish for you!
Mud.
Although I can understand the Missus' attitude regarding the .45ACP...its a bit heavy for girls, if it was a nice 5 shot S&W Detective Special or LadySmith, you would be golden!You get a halfway decent scoop and you might find enough Gold or Plat to pay for that 1911 in one trip! Thats what Credit cards are for! All you need is one great big chain...some focused effort to make it happen, and a little luck and the right weather..all of which I wish for you!
Mud.