We decided to check some spots that were pretty good to us on previous trips. The detector was deceptively simple with few buttons and auto-ground balance.

There are currently three controlling agencies or entities over suction dredging in California—and you can make that four if the state legislature decides to further muddy the waters with additional legislation to block suction gold dredging in the state.

There are a few questions you will need to ask yourself before you apply for a suction dredge permit from the State Water Resources Control Board.

There is always an overwhelming feeling when finding gold of any size, but one like this doesn’t come along very often.