Fisher Gold Bug Pro, Gold Bug 2, F75 & Submersible Metal Detectors
The Fisher metal detector lineup covers gold prospecting, coin and relic hunting, and underwater detection. The Gold Bug Pro at 19 kHz is the go-to mid-range VLF for small gold in the western goldfields. The Gold Bug 2 runs at 71 kHz — the highest frequency in Fisher's VLF range — built for sub-gram nugget hunting. The F75 operates at 13 kHz with Digital Shielding Technology (DST) for EMI suppression in iron-heavy relic sites. The 1280X Aquanaut is rated for full submersion to 250 feet for surf and dive hunting, and the Gemini-3 two-box detector works at 82 kHz to reach cache depths of around 20 feet. The F-Series (F11, F22, F44, F75) covers everyday coin and relic work, the dual-frequency CZ-21 is Fisher's discrimination-focused saltwater machine, and the Impulse AQ is Fisher's pulse-induction beach detector. Not sure which fits your budget? Our 2026 metal detector pricing guide breaks down what to expect at every price point.
Fisher Gold Bug Pro (19 kHz) vs. Gold Bug 2 (71 kHz) for Nugget Hunting
The Gold Bug Pro at 19 kHz balances sensitivity to small gold with ground coverage in mineralized soil. We've run it across Nevada and Arizona goldfields where 19 kHz punches through moderate mineralization without constant ground-balance adjustments. The Gold Bug 2 at 71 kHz is the highest-frequency VLF Fisher builds, trading ground coverage for extreme sensitivity to sub-gram nuggets. In our field tests, the Gold Bug 2 picks up specimens the Pro misses — but that higher frequency also means more noise in hot rocks and black sand. If you're working patches with known fine gold and can tolerate slower sweep speeds, the Gold Bug 2 is the tool; if you want broader coverage and plan to hunt coins or relics between gold trips, the Gold Bug Pro is the more versatile pick. For a full breakdown, read our Gold Bug Pro vs Gold Bug 2 comparison. Both are single-frequency VLF machines, so neither offers the multi-frequency ground handling of newer gold prospecting detectors — and if you're shopping on a budget, the Gold Bug Pro is a perennial pick in our best budget gold detectors guide, while the Gold Bug 2 features in our look at high-frequency detectors for small gold.
Fisher F75 with Digital Shielding Technology for Relic & Coin Hunting
The F75 runs at 13 kHz and includes Digital Shielding Technology (DST), which suppresses electromagnetic interference from power lines, radio towers, and nearby detectors. We've used the F75 in urban parks and Civil War relic sites where EMI from overhead lines would normally cause chatter and false signals, and the DST system filters that noise without sacrificing target ID accuracy. The 13 kHz frequency is a strong middle ground for coin hunting and relic work — better depth on larger targets than the high-frequency Gold Bug models, while still registering small silver and copper. New to coin hunting? Start with our metal detecting for coins guide. The F75 is land-only (not waterproof), but the combination of DST and 13 kHz makes it one of the most stable Fisher detectors in electrically noisy ground. The F-Series also includes the F11, F22, and F44, which step down in features and price while sharing the same VLF architecture.
Fisher 1280X Aquanaut & CZ-21: Submersible Detectors for Surf and Dive Hunting
The 1280X Aquanaut is rated for full submersion to 250 feet, covering surf hunting, river wading, and scuba work. We've taken it into saltwater surf zones where the waterproof housing and ground balance held stable in wet sand and breaking waves. It's a VLF machine, so you get discrimination to reject iron trash in the surf line instead of digging every target. For saltwater specialists, the CZ-21 is Fisher's dual-frequency (5 kHz / 15 kHz) waterproof detector, prized for excellent discrimination in mineralized salt conditions, while the Impulse AQ is Fisher's pulse-induction beach machine, trading discrimination for maximum depth in saltwater. Planning a beach hunt? Compare options in our top waterproof detectors guide. The Gemini-3 two-box detector operates at 82 kHz for deep cache locating to around 20 feet, not underwater work. Every Fisher detector ships free on orders over $99 and is backed by Fisher's manufacturer warranty and our in-house technical support.
