Bibliotherapy for fresh water searching?

[Tagamet]

I'm about to spend some time shifting my focus from land searching to water searching. I (hopefully) have an Excalubur 1000 being delivered tomorrow. I also have an Explorer 2. I'm located in an area of central PennA that has a very rich history, right on the West Branch of the Susquehanna river, Stretches of the PA canal and it's locks, and literally thousands of miles of freshwater streams. I'm hoping that much of the water will be accessable by wading.
Since I'm a total newbie at water hunting, I'm seeking good sources of reading material to get me started. Books, websites, magazines, whatever people think will help get me started would be greatly appreciated.
God willing, I'll be retired in June and may eventually get to the Atlantic shore to do some searching there too.
Thanks in advance,
Tagamet

 

[Steve and Bia]

Do you have a scoop? I found my stainless steel works really well in creeks. It's ability to penetrate the rocky surface is very helpful compared to my aluminum scoop that needs filing after a days hunt.

 

[Tagamet]

[quote Steve and Bia]Do you have a scoop? I found my stainless steel works really well in creeks. It's ability to penetrate the rocky surface is very helpful compared to my aluminum scoop that needs filing after a days hunt.[/quote]

I have a short aluminum scoop, but I realize I'll need a few different kinds since the bottom materials I'll be hitting will range from fist sized stones to mud/muck. These are just the kinds of issues I need to read up on.
Any suggestions on good sources for me to be reading to at least get some of the "book learning" part covered?
Thanks for the reply,
Tagamet

 

[Tagamet]

I know of some ponds that used to be swimming holes, but I think that there will be substantial vegetation on the bottom. How is THAT to be dealt with?
Thanks,
Tagamet

 

[Steve and Bia]

Well, I can't say I have an answer for either of your questions. I have not read a relic hunting book since "The Relic Hunter" back in the 70's. The only reason I read that one was because my Father helped write the book and I was pictured in it. As far as the vegetation goes, my scoop cut's right through it but it is tedious at times. Rocks are usually larger than the 5/8 holes and weeds can thread through the entire load in the scoop. To get around this use a floating screen to sift your scoop load or dump it on dry land and sift it. The best practice I've found is to scoop the target and check the hole. If you have a reading the target is still there so I dump the scoop load and scoop again. If I get no reading then I know it's in the scoop. I'll drop it on the shore and sift it out.

 

[kaptainkosmic]

Hunt these sites early in the year before emergant vegetation starts its annual growth. Its not a cure all but certainly cuts down the quantity of the problem. Happy Hunting Steve

 

[padigger]

Hey Tagamet,
I am about in the same change status as you are without having a water machine to date, retiring soon and working the Susque.

I think we live not too far apart, I am down at Muncy.

I was looking at getting an Excal also for this venture but not quite sure about the weight now that you mention it but then again maybe that would be an advantage on the river keepin my light in the water. I'll be getting something before too long!

We do the riverlot thing up along the Susque during the summer and all them boat docks are waiting to be checked out along with some campsites I already have permission to detect may produce something to keep me busy for awhile!

Will be looking forward to seeing your finds during the upcoming season and possibly getting to meet with you for a hunt sometime if you have no one else to hunt with

John