Hi all,
I was able to get out detecting in Lake Michigan New Years eve off the main beach in town and learned a lot of new things. First thing I learned is that putting on waders while in the car is a BEAR! Next learning experience was when I realized how buoyant waders are-my feet/legs kept trying to float out from under me while trying to walk-thought for sure I was going arse over teakettle before long! I learned very quickly that movement is very slow and tiring on the arms due to resistance of the water while swinging. I anticipated this, but didn't realize how much drag I would have. I did figure out a slightly different way to swing on a bit of an angle to be more efficient which made swinging easier.
It wasn't too long before I got a signal and then found out how difficult it was to actually find the target with the scoop in murky water! I also learned really fast that once the handle of the detector or scoop got wet it would immediately freeze making for a very slippery experience! It didn't take long before I apparently drew a small crown of gawkers taking pics and video of me in the water. My friend on shore had several people approach her and ask if she saw the nutcase in the lake. Her response was "yep, he's with me..." !
Unfortunately after a couple hours I found nothing but trash-not a single coin signal. My friend was told by several onlookers that they have detecting friends who have given up on this beach because it's pounded to death by every person with a cheap bounty hunter on up. At least I got some good cold water experience and can't help but improve in time. Just have to remember not to drink so much coffee before donning waders!
Well, off to try an inland lake!