I started metal detecting in December of 2013, and after 11 years, I can honestly say it's the best thing I've ever discovered. I like to tell people that metal detecting is like having a birthday party every day—you never know what your present is going to be!
I've traveled overseas six times to detect, usually spending a full week hunting from sunrise to sunset. I do the same here in the States. Most people would probably call that a little crazy—especially since I’m 72 years old—but I absolutely love it.
Water detecting is my favorite, but I also hunt in both dry and wet sand. If you're just getting started in this hobby, I encourage you to stick with it. Dig all those pull tabs and have lots of patience. This really can become the hobby of a lifetime.
I’ve never found anything else that challenges you, helps you make friends, gives you great exercise, and pays you to do it. So get out there and start detecting—you’ll be glad you did!