READ THE BEACH - THEN FORMULATE A HUNT PLAN:

see also:
reading the beach
water hunting with the explorer
who dares wins
water 3
formulate a plan
mineralization
wetsand

 

Having checked the weather, you arrive on your beach and takethe following factors into consideration while planning your hunt:

NATURALFACTORS
Note the tide level and where in the schedule is it.

WATER
The water energy or wave height and interval.

WEATHER
What is the water visibility?
The wind direction and velocity.What has the weather been lately and did it make any changes in the beach and what is it doing now?

SAND
Sand depth and is it moving in or out? Depth can be measured by permanent structures such as pier pilings, large rocks, seawalls, etc. Note change from last visit.
What is the beach slope and depth?
Are there any layers exposed?
Are there any cuts?
Any partially exposed obstructions (rocks, shells, seaweed)?
Is there a waterfront berm or rise?
Are there hills or sand dunes?

If you have been visiting this beach regularly(recommended) can you see any trends?

PEOPLE & MANMADE FACTORS

Are there any obstructions, structures (Lifeguard towers), vendors, bathrooms, fire-rings, swings?
The crowds position and the swimmers and surfers position. (Usually they are separated for safety.)
Where are the traffic concentrating accesses and paths?
Any volleyball nets or sports areas?
Has there been any crowd producing competitions lately such as surfing, kite flying, sand-castle building and exactly where on the beach did they take place? (newspapers are good sources for this information.)
Can you pick out last night's party area? Bonfire ashes, trash, food and birds are good indicators of recent parties.
Any raking, ploughing dumping, beach cleaning going on?