First gold with the Excal II but...

[Goldak]

...it wasn't easy. Didn't know if I should try the beach or go to the lake because of the storm conditions. I didn't really think that we would have much beach erosion and I did find a big heavy silver ring at this lake last week so I opted for the fresh water. I wound up hunting in about the most challenging conditions that I can remember.
It was cold, rainy and windy and the water level was higher than when I hunted there a week ago. I'm sure it was snowing a few miles up the road from me- not the ideal conditions for a water hunt. Usually, there would be a line of cars waiting to get into the park when it opened but on Saturday I was the only one.
I was using my new (used) Excal II for the third time in the water. I decided to hunt in all metal (pinpoint mode) and dig every signal. The targets were plentiful enough and I believe that the frequent digging was the thing that kept me "warm" enough to continue on.
There was lots of trash and a few coins here and there but about 3 hours into the hunt I got a small, but solid, signal in about belly deep water and scooped out a little 14K gold ring. I sure love seeing that clean yellow color in the bottom of my basket!
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It was a little reassuring to know that the Excal II can find the smaller gold rings. The silver ring I found later in the hunt was even much smaller. To be fair I think that when it comes to fresh water, my Fisher 1280-x Aquanaut can hold its own against the Excal II. The real test for this Excal II will be in salt water conditions where the Aquanaut is lacking. I'll have that chance this Wednesday if not sooner. HH!
__________________
Fisher 1280-x, 1220-x, White's Dual Field, Minelab Excal II

 

[Furious T]

Nice rings...due payment for all the hard work. Congraulations!

 

[tvr]

Lot of digging for 3 hours. Nice work! ... and glad you got some gold for all the work.

 

[Goldak]

Thanks! Actually, the hunt was about 6 hours. I just found the gold ring after 3 hours. Still, you are right- I did a lot of digging. I'm still learning the sounds of this detector and I didn't want to take a chance on passing up something good so I dug every target. Yes, I too was glad, and relieved, to come away with some gold. That is always the goal. HH!

 

[ratpack]

Good going. When I am in all metal I too dig everthing. Many times I have found gold in AM. Listen for the faint sounds thoes are the ones that will surprise you

 

[mickfin]

WTG Goldak yes a Ring puts a spark in the Hunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mickfin

 

[goodmore]

You should know what a bottle cap sounds like. Digging every signal is up to you. I would rather leave them in the ground.

 

[sandman256]

The time to use the Pinpoint (all metal)mode is when in salt water. Being since a hair pin can last decades in fresh water means you could spend to much time digging iron signals. You bought a great detectors with a good Iron Mask feature why not use it to the best advantage.

 

[Willee - Texas]

Now that you have removed so much trash you should go back over that place and listen for the stuff you missed.
You put in the work so you should reap the rewards not the next hunter that goes there.
I would hunt that same area until I could find no other signals in ANY mode.

Bet you find a lot more gold there.

 

[ivanll]

Now that you have removed so much trash you should go back over that place and listen for the stuff you missed.
You put in the work so you should reap the rewards not the next hunter that goes there.
I would hunt that same area until I could find no other signals in ANY mode.

Bet you find a lot more gold there.

Very sound and excellent advise

 

[Goldak]

Thanks for the responses guys! Lots of good suggestions here that I will definitely consider. HH!