After a TikTok video of a man detecting caught her attention, 25-year-old enthusiast April Acciarito was hooked. She now heads out any chance she can get with her canine companion. Our latest Detectorist of the Month, April shares how detecting has benefited her lifestyle and offers advice on how to get started.

Who or what inspired you to get into detecting?

I saw a video on TikTok of a man metal detecting and it instantly got my attention!

I convinced my dad to buy me my first detector, a Minelab Go Find 66 and I set off beach detecting. From that moment I was hooked. I then transitioned into gold prospecting not too long after.

When did you first use your Coiltek coil?

When prospecting with a friend on his SDC300. I loved the shape of the coil and how easily you could hear the targets. I now have my own GOLDHAWK 9” coil, and I find them so easy to set up. I can’t believe just how sensitive these coils are, they’re amazing!

How has detecting benefitted your lifestyle?

It’s helped me through improving mental health, as well as the perks of finding gold!

What have been your best finds so far?

Either a large nugget I’ve found on the show (can’t tell you just yet the size) or my pennies!

What advice would you give someone to get started?

Go for it. Don’t be afraid and don’t let others talk you out of it because it is ‘nerdy’ if you have a desire for prospecting. Take the time to research your equipment and locations, and be safe!