Episode 3
What I Wish I Knew When I Started Metal Detecting
When I first picked up a metal detector, I thought the secret to success was buried treasure in every beep — and if I wasn’t digging silver, I was doing something wrong. In this episode, I’m breaking down five lessons I wish I had known from the start. From chasing gear upgrades to comparing myself to others, I made the same mistakes most beginners do. But the real treasure? Learning patience, trusting the process, and understanding that every “bad” hunt teaches you something.
I also share the story of one of my earliest finds — a simple mourning button that changed the way I looked at the hobby and helped me realize that history isn’t always flashy. It’s quiet. And sometimes, it’s hiding in the trash signals we’re tempted to skip.
Whether you’re new to detecting or need a mindset reset, this one’s for you.
👉 Got a story of your own? Use the form in the description or drop a comment — I’d love to hear it. - Say Hey To DCM Detects
Transcript
David 0:00
When I first started detecting, I thought that I always had to find something valuable just to prove I was doing everything right.
I was chasing signals, watching YouTube videos, tweaking my settings — thinking one more adjustment might do the trick. I even went out and bought more expensive detectors, thinking that would change everything.
David 0:00
But looking back now, I realized two things. Not only was I not detecting right — I wasn’t thinking right either.
And in today’s episode, I want to talk about a few things I wish I knew when I started.
David 0:00
Welcome to Straight From The Coil – Beyond the Beeps. I'm your host, David — detectorist, storyteller, and believer in what the hobby really gives us. This isn't just about targets in the ground. It's about the mindset, the moments, and the meaning we uncover along the way.
Whether you swing solo, dig with friends, or just love the sound of a solid tone, you're in the right place. Let’s go beyond the beeps.
David 0:01
When I started detecting, every field felt like a treasure map. Every beep meant silver. That adrenaline rush — the possibilities — it’s powerful. But soon, reality hit: junk, deep iron, disappearing signals, and settings I didn’t understand. Meanwhile, other people online were posting insane finds, and I was coming home with pull tabs and crushed hopes.
I started doubting myself. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. But what I’ve learned is that this is the process most beginners go through. Detecting isn’t just about finding something amazing in every hole — it’s a learning journey.
David 0:01
Here are five things I wish I knew early on:
1. Your gear is not your problem. It’s easy to think a better detector or coil will solve everything, but the truth is: learning the detector you already have matters more. The more hours you swing it, the more you understand it. Yes, upgrades help later, but don’t rush. Get the fundamentals down first. That foundation will pay off.
David 0:01
2. You're going to dig junk — a lot of it. The difference between a frustrated beginner and a seasoned detectorist is mindset. Experienced hunters expect trash, and they dig it anyway. Sometimes trashy signals turn out to be something great. And even when they don’t, clearing junk can help unmask the good stuff.
3. Every site teaches you something. Even duds — sites you think are worthless — have lessons. I used to think every hunt had to produce something amazing. But some of my biggest breakthroughs came from "bad" sites. I learned patience, technique, and how to spot future potential. And sometimes, cleaning out trash one day led to a great find on the next trip.
David 0:02
4. Don’t wait until you know everything. I thought I needed all the answers before I started. But the truth is, you figure things out while you're detecting. You learn by doing — adjusting settings, reading the ground, understanding your machine. You can prep all you want, but the real learning happens in the field.
5. Nobody else’s journey matters — yours does. Comparing your finds to someone else’s is the fastest way to lose your love for the hobby. It’s great to celebrate others and learn from them, but don’t try to run someone else’s race. Focus on your own progress.
David 0:02
a coin. It was a mid-to-late:That button taught me more than any tutorial ever could. It told me that there was history here — I just had to be patient enough to find it. It wasn’t in stunning condition, but to me, it was incredible. It reminded me there’s more to this site, and more to this hobby, than flashy finds.
David 0:02
So if you’re just getting started, don’t rush the hard parts. This hobby teaches you how to hunt. Every mistake is part of your story. Every hole is part of the map you’re creating for yourself. The frustrating days? They’re the reason the good days feel so good — because you earned them.
If you're watching on YouTube, drop a comment and tell me a story — I’d love to hear it. Or use the private form linked in the description to share something you're struggling with or proud of.
David 0:03
If this episode helped you feel a little more grounded, please like, subscribe, and stick around for the next one.
Next episode: “You Don’t Need a Better Detector — You Need More Time With the One You’ve Got.” Coming in two weeks.
David 0:03
Thanks for listening to Straight From The Coil – Beyond the Beeps. I’ll see you next time.
