Gold panning is an adventurous hobby that could result in a nice prosperous payout to add to your finances, but it can also result in a perplexing situation with paltry gold findings in your pan. Gold panning isn't a get rich scheme; in order to do well, you'll need to focus on the following:
Preparation
You'll need to do some homework before you go. First, visit the local county courthouse to find a list of gold mining claims -- you'll need to avoid those areas. However, you can use that information to narrow down areas where there may be gold to be find, such as down-creek from a claimed gold mining area.
You'll also need to learn where to look for gold. Gold flakes are more dense than most other materials that flow downstream. You'll need to find areas where gold is more likely to float to the bottom. Look where eddies form in creeks, particularly in areas where there are tree roots and boulders. When you are out gold panning, take a lot of notes at each specific location, including drawing small schematics of places where you do find some gold. Later, when you return to the area, you can compare to see if any eddies have changed and become larger.
Patience
As they say, patience is a virtue. When you first start gold panning you will go through a lot of trial and error before your skills improve. The main key here is to not give up, no matter how challenging you find gold panning to be. If you find yourself getting discouraged due to not finding any or enough gold flakes, find a different location. Sometimes, moving just a few feet up or downstream can make a world of difference in what you find.
Profitability
Of course, when you do find gold flakes -- hopefully a lot of them -- you'll want to be sure to sell the gold for the most profit. It is important to know what the weight of the gold is. You can purchase a small scale for this purpose at any office supply store or online. You'll also need to find a reputable gold buyer who will pay you what your gold is worth on the current market. Always be sure to know exactly what the current market value of gold is beforehand. You can find this information online or in your local newspaper; however, a reputable gold buyer will post this information in their store or office.
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