Dip Net Treasure Hunt

by John
(Santa Rosa Beach, FL, USA)

One of my favorite beach activities of all time required nothing but a cheap little dip net and bucket from the nearest surf shop. The 'Treasure Hunt' begins by barely wading into the surf, just to the point where the waves are gently crashing on the beach. Standing with you back to the ocean and wait for the next wave to rush gently up the beach. When the water starts reseeding stick the net gently into the sand and let the water rush back through it until it is full sand. Pick up the net full of potential treasure with both hand and then slowly start to dip it back in the water allowing you to sift out the sand. What you are left with is a net full of Treasure! I have caught sand fleas, hermit crabs, sand crabs, baitfish, shells, sand dollars, and even baby flounder! It's a great all around family activity that is completely free and never gets old. I live for the beach life.