Metal Detecting

Im seriously thinking about detecting on the beach during the night. Shiftwork, tides, family commitments etc mean im not always able to detect when i want to.
Has anyone any tips please? Im thinking full moon would be good, cap lamp type thing, anything else? im guessing plenty do it so dont want to get there and have overlooked something obvious.
trappa

Head tourch tector and scoop. Pro pointer if you using a spade.
Dog if you got one if not just remember to keep an eye open.
I hunt lights out and just turn the red one on when I find something.
The red light will not mess up you night vision once you get used to the dark.
That way I can see people better than thay can see me.
Have fun and don't get scared when your eyes start playing tricks on you after a couple hours lol.
Had some badgers on the beach one night looked like lots of eyes bouncing up and down
span me out for a bit till I worked out what they where

Hi trappa me and a friend ( rattzz) sometimes do a nightshift on the beach, the beach we do has lighting on the sea front which is good for us, be aware of the tide as it can catch you out,an headlamp is a must and I would advise going with a friend which you can keep an eye on each other. We have had dog walkers approach us at silly oclock in the morning which can be a bit scary when you don't expect it. The list goes on but we love it, SAFETY is the word...
Good look, happy hunting...

Cheers mate, all makes sense

Yes good tips i had a fox looking at me with his red eye staring at me nearly shat my self good fun. I do most of my Summer beaches at night you stil get people swimming in the dark nutters.

make sure its a field your on,lol

Also get wrapped up. Hell of a difference from daytime hunting. Once that Sun goes down it can get a bit chilly. Thin gloves on and a loose fitting pair of Waterproof rubber one over them. The oxblood work ones are ideal. Tight gloves will let the cold in really quick without air sandwiched inbetween which acts as a natural insulation. Dry feet and hands will give a comfortable dig. Headlight as suggested. Keep an eye on the tides, depending were you live it can come in really fast and catch you off guard.

Your right ribeye. Safety is the key.

And get yourself a lavers tide timetable,just to be on the safe side,there only about 1.50,happy hunting.

Thanks boys. Some great tips there. I think night detecting could be the way forward for me, especially in the summer months.

Can't beat it,warm summers night detecting.

Lot of similarities with night beach fishing.

Safety is the priority. Preferably don't go alone. Know your beach in daylight and make absolutely sure you know any spots that can be cut off at high tide (best to go out in daylight at spring tide to scout.)

It's amazing how your perception changes at night and, unlike fishing, your focus isn't necessarily on what the water is doing at any given point. When digging close to the water keep your back to land. Don't ever use headphones. Ever.

Try and do as much prep as possible beforehand. It's not as bad as fishing when it's a nightmare trying to tie new rigs in the pitch black by touch but just having a set routine of where you have everything you use in a set place about your person makes life a lot easier.

Try and protect your night vision as much as possible. As already said red light is good. A good head torch is a must always with spare brand new batteries and a back up torch.

Keep your wits about you. It's amazing how many people are out and about at unearthly hours for seemingly no purpose but, to be fair, they'll probably be thinking much the same about you! I have had a bit of grief occasionally on what i thought were remote welsh beaches from drunk kids but it is very rare and if you are ever worried about someone approaching you turn a strong white light on them. It destroys their night vision and quickly gives you a clue to their intentions. 99 times out of a hundred they are friendly.

As already said keep warm. Even in summer it's surprising how chilly it gets. The 2 gloves plan is spot on. Surgical gloves make a good cheap inner layer and if you put them on 'badly' catch and keep a lovely layer of air.

Above all, enjoy. For detecting or fishing I much prefer any given beach at night. Especially if you like the outdoor aspect to the hobby. Less people, much more nature and generally a lot more fun.

Cheers

Some really good advice there guys . Many thanks .