X Terra 70 Set Up for 1st timer with short time window to detect

[Chick]

Hi Guys,

I was recently given an X Terra 70. I have only used it a couple of not so successfully times. I realize that there is no substitute for practice. But an opportunity to detect a drained lake bottom has just opened up. There is a very popular swimming area next to the dam. The lake was drained (first time in ten years) to clean out the silt. It is finally dry enough to get on it. They will start cleaning it up within the next few days. So I have to act quickly.
The bottom is nothing but black muddy silt, but now it is hard crust on top and kind of gooey below. I know there is an abundance of coins, and jewelry down there. I am sure that the depths of the targets will vary greatly.
I need help setting my detector up so I can be as effective as possible with the short time I have to get out there. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Chick

 

[Shenandoah Digger]

I'd run it in all metal, sensitivity as high as you can go, and dig everything over a 10 on the meter. Or you can dig all non ferrous so you don't miss any small gold, but you'll dig a lot of trash also. Be careful when you break the crust to dig a hole that you don't sink in up to your neck. Depending on the conditions, maybe you shouldn't go alone. If you get stuck in some places like that, every time you attempt to pull one foot out you're burying the other one deeper.