This tiny pocketbook of 72 pages serves as an introduction to treasure hunting, specifically for the metal-detecting enthusiast. I myself am a metal-detecting enthusiast, and it would probably take you only 3 minutes of talking to me in person to find that out.

I received this book inside a stack of treasure-hunting magazines and booklets that a friend recently gave me, and during those times when I need a break from studying but find it all rainy and gross outside, I’ve been delving in to see if there’s anything to learn. I’m no expert, so there’s plenty for me to learn! This book being as introductory as it is didn’t teach me much that I didn’t already know, but I enjoyed reading a whole lot of advice and tools of the trade that I already knew, because I had to teach myself the hard way.

Garrett writes that “The hobby’s a real joy and the reward of detecting is never knowing what you’ll dig up next!” (64) and I totally agree. I’ve found some great things over the years (you can find my monthly collections at my hobby site, HobbiesWithElliot), but honestly, it took me a long while to learn! In this booklet, Garrett recommends giving yourself 100 hours of swinging with your detector before you really get to know it. I can attest to that being absolutely true.

One reason that I was drawn to this book in particular was that my first quality detector was a Garrett. I bought my Garrett Ace 400 from a pawn shop in Illinois for Father’s Day in 2020, and I fell in love with hobby immediately. I’ve since upgraded to the Equinox 600 by Minelab, but I keep the Garrett in my car at all times, just in case someone wants to join me. It’s a great machine, and it’s found me some incredible items.

Charles Garrett’s an engineer and inventor, not necessarily a writer, but this little book was enjoyable to read, and in it he shares many tips that can help a beginner improve his or her game. He also shamelessly plugs his own line of affordable detectors, but we can certainly forgive him for that. Two tips that I found especially helpful at this stage in my career were these:

Getting impatient: The coins you are looking for and hurrying to find on the other side of the park may be right at your feet. Take your time and do a thorough job of searching. (39)

Blaming the machine: A quality detector will never “lie” to you. It will simply report what is beneath its searchcoil. It’s up to you to interpret the information. (40)

I’ve been into the hobby for about 2 years now, and only recently have I met a few other guys who are as into the hobby as I. Occasionally we’ll go out together, but more often than not, this has been a solo-sport for me. I enjoyed this quick read and plan to pass it on to another member of the next generation of treasure hunters. I trust that beginners like him (and perhaps you) will find some good advice therein.

©2022 E.T.