Hi all!
I've been interested in the metal detecting hobby ever since I was a kid, but I never acted on it. I blame it on those old gold mining & sluicing shows that used to be on TV 15+ years ago.

I found a pretty neat Youtube channel a few days ago, and it has really brought my interest back.

So what kind of machine would you suggest for me? I'd like something waterproof, as there are a lot of rivers, creeks, ponds, and lakes around here I'd like to scour the banks & shallows of. There are also a few spots I'd like to check that are only accessible by canoe/kayak. This in addition to old parks, schools, churches, farms, & RR's...which are abundant. I think there's also some civil war camps & battle locations nearby. Looking at aerial photo's from 1949 look promising

I'd like to keep it under $300. Closer to $250 would be better, but don't mind going a little more as long as it's worth it.

The only brand I've done a little research on so far is Garrett. Off to take a look at the others...