Do Metal Detectors Work Underwater?


Underwater Metal Detectors

Now that you’ve been using a metal detector on land for awhile, you are noticing or probably watching videos of famous YouTubers (like MentalMetal) dipping their machines in the water and finding relics, treasure, and homemade fishing weights. I know you are probably wondering, “Will metal detectors really work underwater?

Homemade Fishing Weight

The answer is yes but it depends on the type of metal detector you have and whether it’s 100% waterproof or just waterproof up to the control box. A lot of detectors are only waterproof from the coil all the way up to the control box. If you get the control box wet then you will be back on the market looking to buy a new machine. However, there are many metal detectors on the market that are 100% water down to about 10 feet. Of course there are more expensive detectors made specifically for diving but we aren’t referring to those machines in this article.

1951 Gold Wedding Band Found in The River

Underwater Metal Detecting Information.

If you are new to metal detecting, I’ve published an article about underwater metal detecting. Here is the link. It’s titled, “Underwater Metal Detecting – The Essential Gear [Guide]“.

The article includes everything you need to know about metal detecting underwater in lakes, streams, and rivers. The article includes a list of machines that are 100% waterproof and list 10 things that are essential for underwater metal detecting. To learn more about water hunting read the article now by clicking here. As far as how to metal detecting in the water, I’ve also put together some Underwater Metal Detecting Tips for Beginners via my YouTube video. I’ll link the video below.

This video only contains 5 tips. But If you are looking for more underwater metal detecting tips, I wrote another article to support the video. The article contains several more tips that I didn’t include in the video. To read the additional tips click here. Together with the video, the The Essential Gear Guide, and the additional tips, you’ll have more than enough information to dunk your machine in the water and begin your underwater adventure.

A Couple Things to Keep in Mind if You are Underwater Metal Detecting.

Be Safe and Let Someone Know Where You Are.

I will admit that metal detecting in the water is extremely fun but very challenging. But the reality is that you can get hurt. Be sure that you tell someone where you are going. If something happens to you, they will know where to begin looking for you.

Also, keep your phone protected in a waterproof bag.

A zip lock sandwich bag is not waterproof. Spend a couple bucks and get a waterproof bag most boaters use to protect their valuables including their phone.

1900 Barber Half Dollar Found in The River

Bring a Camera

One final note, I also recommend taking a camera along because you are going see a bunch of wildlife. I’ve walked up on deer, turtles, snakes, etc. Its always a pleasure seeing nature when you are out in it. But be on the look out for snapping turtles and water snakes. Depending on where you are some of those snakes can be very aggressive. Just be careful out there and most of all, ENJOY YOURSELF.

Water Snake on Guard

To sum things up, metal detectors will work underwater. Especially if you have the right machine but many of them can be used underwater from the coil to the control box. Its up to you to know the limitations of your machine. Like I mentioned earlier if you aren’t sure about your specific machine, talk to your dealer.

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Mental Metal

Here is a little about me. I started this hobby back in the early 90's. My first detector was a Whites 5900 DI. I found enough clad the first summer (around $400) to pay it off. Then I stopped detecting... Fortunately, I didn't give it up for good. Here I am 20+ years later and I've rediscovered the joy of metal detecting.

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