This article presents a detailed review of the Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector, ideal for both novice and experienced detectorists. The review covers key features, including its operating frequency, search coil type, battery life, included accessories, and more.
Contents
What was the device designed for?
The Fisher Gold Bug series consists of four package sets: Fisher Gold Bug, Fisher Gold Bug Pro, Fisher Gold Bug DP, and Fisher Gold Bug Pro CCMB. While these models differ in name, the distinctions primarily lie in the various search coils included with each package.
For the purposes of this review, we will focus on the Fisher Gold Bug Pro. This metal detector is specifically designed for prospecting gold nuggets, but it also excels in small coin shooting and jewelry hunting, making it a versatile tool for treasure seekers.
One of the standout features of the Fisher Gold Bug Pro is its sensitivity, particularly when detecting small gold nuggets. It is regarded as one of the most sensitive gold prospecting metal detectors available, all at a relatively affordable price. Whether you are searching for hidden treasures in the ground or exploring urban areas for lost coins and jewelry, this detector is an excellent choice.
| Model | Fisher Gold Bug |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs |
| Batteries | 9 Volt (1) |
| Headphones | Not included |
| Warranty | 5 years |
| Operating Principle | VLF |
| Standard Searchcoil | Three types of coils (5″ round DD, 7″ x 11″ elliptical DD, 5″ x 10″ elliptical DD) |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | 19.2 kHz |
| Water resistance | Waterproof coil |
| Submersion Depth | No |
| Discrimination | Yes |
| Ground Balance | Auto, manual |
| Audio Threshold | No |
| Electronic Pinpointing | Yes |
| VDI (0 to 99 scale) | Yes |
| Build-in flashlight | No |
- Finds the smallest gold nuggets in highly mineralized soils – v-break tm;…
- Real-time computerized ground balancing – v.c.o. audio in all metal &…
- Ground phase value indicates type of mineralization – fe3o4 graphic indicates…
- 19kHz Operating Frequency – Ultra Simple User Interface – Ultra-Lightweight (2.5…
- Recommended for gold nugget / prospecting
Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
The review
The shaft
The assembled Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector weighs just 2.2 pounds (1 kg), making it exceptionally lightweight for easy handling during long detection sessions. The bottom shaft section is constructed from carbon fiber, which provides a combination of durability and lightweight design. This construction allows the detector to maintain proper balance, regardless of the coil type used.
The shaft sections are securely connected by spring buttons, ensuring a quick and easy assembly. Additionally, collet clamps provide extra fixation of the construction elements, preventing any looseness at the joints. This thoughtful design contributes to the overall reliability and stability of the metal detector, enhancing the user’s experience in various environments.
The Gold Bug Pro also features an adjustable shaft length, accommodating users of different heights for optimal comfort. This ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue during extended use, allowing users to focus on their detecting tasks. The lightweight and compact design makes the Gold Bug Pro easy to transport, whether for a quick outing or a longer treasure-hunting trip.
The coil
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro can be equipped with three types of coils: a 5″ round DD coil, a 7″ x 11″ elliptical DD coil, and a 5″ x 10″ elliptical DD coil. Additionally, there is a package set that includes two search coils: the 5″ round DD coil and the 5″ x 10″ DD coil.
All models operate using the same very low frequency (VLF) approach, with an operating frequency of 19 kHz. This high frequency makes the Fisher Gold Bug Pro an indispensable tool for prospecting gold nuggets, as gold is often found in areas with highly mineralized ground.
The DD coils provide a larger scanning area and ensure uniform signal penetration throughout the coil length, minimizing the chance of missing even the smallest targets with each sweep. The versatility of these coils is noteworthy; for example, the smaller 5″ round DD coil excels in navigating tight spaces or highly mineralized areas, while the larger elliptical coils are better for covering more ground and locating deeper targets.
All search coils are completely waterproof, making them suitable for beach hunting and searching in puddles or shallow waters. This feature is particularly beneficial for detecting jewelry, which is frequently lost on beaches and coastal areas, as many people tend to forget to remove their jewelry while enjoying the water.
It is important to note that while the search coils are waterproof, the control panel is not. Users should avoid submerging the control unit to prevent damage to the metal detector.
The search coil wire is designed for durability, featuring an elastic construction with a double braid that enhances its weather resistance and wear-proof qualities. This robust design contributes to the detector’s depth capabilities, allowing it to penetrate mineralized ground more effectively than standard coils. To further secure the wire to the shaft, the device package includes two touch-and-close fastener clips.
When selecting coils, users should consider their specific detecting goals. For instance, if primarily hunting for gold nuggets, opting for the larger coils may be advantageous for deeper searches, whereas those focused on lost items like jewelry may prefer the smaller coils for detailed scans in sandy environments.
Headphones
Headphones are not included in the Fisher Gold Bug Pro package, but they can be purchased separately or users can connect their existing headphones to the control unit. The device features two different headphone jacks (1/8” and 1/4”), eliminating the need for an adapter.
Using headphones during gold nugget prospecting is highly recommended. By focusing on the slightest variations in target response, you can detect small gold targets or nuggets located at significant depths. This enhanced auditory feedback allows you to distinguish subtle signals, which is crucial when working in mineralized soil where background noise may obscure important sounds. Additionally, headphones improve the hearing range of faint signals that may otherwise be missed when relying solely on the detector’s built-in speaker.
Headphones also provide noise isolation, enabling users to concentrate better on the task at hand, especially in noisy environments like beaches or urban areas. Many experienced detectorists prefer using headphones for comfort and to maintain focus during long detecting sessions, as they help reduce fatigue caused by external sounds.
The battery
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro operates on a single 9V battery, providing a continuous operational time of up to 25 hours. This duration may vary depending on whether the user employs external speakers or headphones, as using external audio devices can consume more power. The 9V battery is a common type used in various electronic devices, making it easy to find replacements in most locations.
The battery holder is conveniently located on the back of the control unit, making it easy to change the battery when needed. This thoughtful design ensures that users can quickly replace the battery during fieldwork, minimizing downtime and allowing for extended detecting sessions. The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is designed for efficient power management, allowing users to maximize their detecting time without frequent battery changes. This long battery life is particularly beneficial for extended field outings, where access to power sources may be limited, ensuring that users can search longer without interruptions.
The control unit
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro features a user-friendly interface designed for ease of use. On the front panel of the control unit, you will find a large LCD display, touch-sensitive buttons, and two potentiometers.
In the bottom left corner is the On/Off/Gain switch, which allows you to turn the device on and off while also adjusting its sensitivity level. Turning the switch clockwise increases the amplification of the signal sent into the ground. In “Disc” mode, the sensitivity range varies from 1 to 100, while in “All Metal” mode, it ranges from 5 to 100 in 5-unit intervals.
To the bottom right is the “Mode” potentiometer, which is used to select the search mode and control the threshold level. When the switch is fully to the left, the device operates in dynamic mode with discrimination activated. Turning the switch clockwise until you hear a click switches the detector to “All Metal” mode, which features a threshold tone. This mode allows the metal detector to detect even the smallest metal particles at considerable depths, while the user can monitor threshold changes by adjusting the potentiometer.
In the center of the display is the “Pinpoint” button, which facilitates precise target detection and ground balancing. The buttons marked “+” and “-” are utilized to adjust parameters; in “Disc” mode, they change the discrimination level from 0 to 80, while in “All Metal” mode, they adjust the ground balance function within the range of 0 to 99.9.
Above the display is a semi-circle discrimination scale. The segment from 0 to 40 corresponds to targets made of ferrous metals, while the segment from 40 to 100 represents non-ferrous metals.
Below the discrimination scale, you will find the GND PHASE scale, which displays the ground mineralization level. The digits in the center of the display represent the mineralization type, an important factor to consider when adjusting the metal detector settings for gold nugget prospecting.
Large digits displayed in the center of the LCD represent the VDI (Visual Discrimination Indicator) number, which assists users in identifying the type of metal being detected.
Search modes
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro operates in three distinct modes, each designed to meet different searching needs:
- All Metal Mode: This mode allows users to search for all metal objects, making it ideal for comprehensive detection in an area. It is particularly useful for locating various targets, including coins, relics, and gold nuggets, without any discrimination.
- Disc Mode: In this mode, users can exclude unwanted target groups, enabling them to focus on specific metals of interest while ignoring common trash items such as aluminum foil or bottle caps. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high levels of debris, helping to streamline the searching process.
- Pinpoint Mode: This static mode helps users accurately detect the center of a target. By switching to this mode, the detector allows for precise targeting, ensuring that users can identify exactly where to dig, thus enhancing the efficiency of their search.
Discrimination
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro features a sequential discrimination type, which allows users to exclude objects based on their conductivity, starting from those with low conductivity and moving to those with higher conductivity. This function enhances the treasure hunting experience by minimizing the likelihood of valuable objects, like gold, being excluded from detection.
While the ability to discriminate unwanted targets is beneficial, especially in areas cluttered with trash, caution is advised when using this feature during coin shooting. Over-relying on discrimination can lead to missing valuable finds, as some of the most interesting and sought-after items may fall into the low conductivity range. For instance, small gold coins, jewelry, or certain relics might be overlooked if they are grouped with other low-conductivity items, such as foil and bottle caps. Additionally, metals like old copper coins and silver artifacts often possess low conductivity and could be mistaken for trash.
Therefore, it’s recommended to use the discrimination function judiciously, excluding only the most obvious trash while remaining open to the potential of finding valuable low-conductivity targets. A balanced approach to using the discrimination function can significantly enhance the treasure hunting experience, allowing for a broader range of potential finds while still minimizing unwanted signals.
Ground balance
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro provides two effective methods for ground balance adjustment: automatic and manual. Both options are designed for quick and straightforward calibration, ensuring users can adapt the device to varying soil conditions efficiently.
Automatic Adjustment
The automatic ground balance adjustment aims to achieve calibration values swiftly, making it suitable for users who want to start detecting without extensive setup. This feature is particularly useful for beginners or casual treasure hunters who may not be familiar with the nuances of soil mineralization.
Manual Adjustment
In contrast, the manual adjustment option allows for a more tailored calibration, catering specifically to the unique properties of the ground being searched. Professionals often prefer this method as it enables them to fine-tune the device, maximizing its effectiveness in challenging conditions. This is crucial when hunting for gold nuggets, which are frequently found in highly mineralized soils. Standard metal detectors may struggle in these environments due to numerous phantom signals caused by mineral interference.
Noise Cancel
Experienced diggers understand that electromagnetic interference from mobile phones, electric power transmission lines, and other nearby metal detectors can create disruptive electric noise, hindering the performance of metal detectors. The Fisher Gold Bug Pro addresses this challenge with its noise cancel function, designed to filter out unwanted electromagnetic interference.
This feature allows users to ignore distracting signals, enabling them to continue their treasure hunting without interruption, even in environments with high levels of electromagnetic radiation. By effectively managing this noise, the Fisher Gold Bug Pro ensures that diggers can focus on their search, improving their chances of locating valuable finds without the frustration of interference.
Whether you’re exploring urban areas or locations with numerous electronic devices, the noise cancellation feature provides peace of mind, allowing for a smoother and more productive detecting experience.
Conclusions
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector excels in its ability to perform effectively, even in highly mineralized ground where gold nuggets are frequently located. Its 11-inch waterproof double coil, combined with a high operating frequency of 19 kHz, enables users to detect even the smallest objects buried at significant depths.
Additionally, the Fisher Gold Bug Pro offers competitive pricing compared to other gold prospecting metal detectors on the market, making it an excellent choice for treasure hunters on a budget. While the Garrett AT Gold is a notable competitor, it is better suited for jewelry hunting on beaches rather than focused gold nugget prospecting.
Overall, the Fisher Gold Bug Pro stands out as a reliable and affordable option for both novice and experienced diggers seeking to uncover valuable treasures in challenging environments.