How to Use the Garrett AT Pro in Salt Water

Introduction

The Garrett AT Pro has built a strong reputation among detectorists for being rugged, versatile, and waterproof up to 10 feet. As part of the trusted Garrett lineup, it’s a favorite for rivers, lakes, and even shallow dives. But when it comes to salt water, things get a little tricky. The high conductivity of the ocean can throw the detector off balance, leaving newcomers frustrated with constant noise. Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through how to set up your AT Pro for the beach, what settings work best, and how to maximize your chances of finding coins and jewelry in salty conditions.

Understanding the Challenges of Saltwater Detecting

Unlike dirt or freshwater, saltwater is naturally conductive. That means your detector sees the whole ocean like one giant target. The result? Falding, unstable signals, and a frustrating hunt if you don’t adjust. Dry sand usually behaves fine, but once you step into the wet sand or shallow surf, the game changes. The AT Pro, being a VLF detector, simply wasn’t engineered to dominate saltwater like pulse induction or modern multi-frequency machines. That doesn’t mean it’s useless, but it does mean you need to know the limits and work around them.

Preparing Your Garrett AT Pro for Saltwater Use

Before you even power up, prep your gear. The AT Pro is fully waterproof, but you’ll want waterproof headphones if you plan to get your coil into the surf. Saltwater also eats away at metal over time, so rinse the detector thoroughly with fresh water after every hunt, paying attention to the coil cover, control box seals, and headphone jack. A quick rinse and dry keeps corrosion from creeping in and ensures your machine lasts for years.

Best Settings for the Garrett AT Pro in Salt Water

Mode Selection

Start in Pro Zero Mode. It gives you full tonal range and control. While discrimination programs might seem handy, they usually get noisy in wet sand. Pro Zero lets you hear the subtle differences between ground noise and a real target.

Ground Balancing in Saltwater

Ground balance is the secret weapon. Auto ground balance will get you close, but in saltwater you’ll often need to go a few clicks lower manually. That extra step quiets the machine down and makes signals more believable. Don’t be afraid to re-balance every time you move from dry to wet sand or into the shallows — conditions shift constantly.

Sensitivity Adjustments

This is where a lot of beginners go wrong. Cranking sensitivity to the max won’t give you more finds on the beach; it’ll just make the machine unstable. Drop sensitivity until the chatter calms down. Yes, you lose a little depth, but you’ll still hear coins and jewelry loud and clear without chasing phantom tones.

Iron Discrimination and Audio Settings

Set iron discrimination around 30–35. It keeps nails, bottle caps, and other junk from driving you crazy. Pair this with Pro mode audio so you can catch those softer, repeatable signals. The tonal nuances help you tell the difference between salt noise and something worth digging.

Tips for Successful Saltwater Detecting with the AT Pro

Think of the AT Pro on the beach like a sports car on gravel: it works, but you need finesse. Keep your sweep slow and steady. Saltwater punishes sloppy swings, so focus on keeping the coil flat to the ground. Transition zones — the damp line between dry and wet sand — often hide lost jewelry and coins, especially after high tide. When moving into new patches, always re-ground balance. And above all, patience pays. You may dig a lot of junk before hitting that one ring or chain, but that’s part of the beach detecting grind.

Limitations of the Garrett AT Pro in Saltwater

Let’s be honest: the AT Pro isn’t a saltwater beast. Compared to machines like the Minelab Equinox or Garrett’s own Sea Hunter Mark II, depth in the wet sand will be limited. Strong waves and high mineralization can still trigger false signals no matter how carefully you adjust. If beach hunting is going to be your main hobby, a detector built for saltwater will outperform the AT Pro every time. But if you’re an occasional beach hunter who mostly detects inland, the AT Pro can hold its own once you learn its quirks.

Final Thoughts

The Garrett AT Pro may not be the king of saltwater, but it’s capable when handled right. Stick to Pro Zero mode, ground balance often, ease off sensitivity, and hunt the transition zones with patience. Rinse your detector after every session, and you’ll keep it in fighting shape. Remember — the goal isn’t to beat the ocean, it’s to work with it. With practice, you’ll start pulling out the coins, rings, and relics hiding beneath the chatter.