Fisher Gold Bug II Metal Detector with 6.5" Elliptical Search Coil

The Fisher Gold Bug II is a 71kHz VLF metal detector engineered for serious gold prospectors who hunt sub-gram nuggets in highly mineralized soil. Operating at nearly four times the frequency of standard coin machines, this detector delivers extreme sensitivity to fine gold and low-conductivity targets in Arizona caliche, Nevada desert ground, and California Mother Lode country. Dual-control manual ground balance, three operating modes (Normal, Audio Boost, Iron Discrimination), and a waterproof 6.5-inch elliptical coil give you the tools to pull flakes and pickers from bedrock crevices, dry washes, and old dredge tailings where lower-frequency machines walk past targets.

What's Included with the Fisher Gold Bug II

• Fisher Gold Bug II metal detector with 6.5-inch elliptical waterproof search coil
• Two 9V alkaline batteries
• Two-year warranty

71kHz Frequency Advantage in Mineralized Gold Country

Dry Washes and Bedrock Concentrations

The ultra-high operating frequency excels at detecting targets smaller than a grain of rice in the iron-rich soils where placer gold concentrates. We've hunted exposed bedrock and shallow overburden in the Bradshaw Mountains and Lynx Creek drainages, where hot rocks and ferrous trash generate constant false signals on lower-frequency machines. The 16-turn vernier potentiometer combined with a 25-position coarse ground balance control lets you null out ground noise without sacrificing gain, so faint signals from sub-gram nuggets stay audible. Hunters working the Fisher Gold Bug series often cross-shop the 19kHz Gold Bug Pro for general prospecting and reserve the Gold Bug II for the toughest mineralized ground.

Old Mining Claims and Tailings Piles

Audio Boost mode amplifies faint signals without increasing the volume of strong surface targets, a real advantage when you're working reworked ground or tailing piles where small deep targets hide beneath layers of trash. The Iron Discrimination mode filters out ferrous junk and hot rocks after you've located a target in All Metal mode, saving time on dig decisions. Variable Frequency Audio Output (VCO) provides proportional audio response, the pitch and speed increase over targets, giving experienced prospectors the feedback to estimate depth and size before digging.

Hillsides and Exposed Geology

At 2.9 pounds total weight with the padded armrest and foam grip, you can swing all day on steep terrain without shoulder fatigue. The control housing is moisture and dust resistant and hip-mountable, which shifts the weight off your arm during long sessions on exposed hillsides. Battery life runs 25 to 35 hours on two alkaline 9V batteries, enough for a full week of prospecting trips without a recharge. For detectorists new to high-frequency prospecting, our guide to metal detector technologies explains how VLF frequency selection affects target response in mineralized soil.

Manual Ground Balance and Audio Control for Experienced Prospectors

• Dual-control precision ground balance: 16-turn vernier potentiometer and 25-position coarse adjustment null mineralization without losing depth, so you hear faint signals from sub-gram targets in hot ground that forces other machines to back off gain.
• Audio Boost enhances deep signals: amplifies weak target responses without increasing surface-target volume, ideal for windy conditions or noisy hunt sites where faint audio cues would otherwise be missed.
• Iron Discrimination mode for target checking: filters ferrous trash and hot rocks after detection in All Metal mode, a time-saver when you're working old dredge piles or reworked claims with heavy iron contamination.
• Lightweight ergonomics for all-day hunting: padded armrest, foam grip, and adjustable stem keep the detector balanced during long sessions on steep hillsides and exposed bedrock, with hip-mount option to reduce arm fatigue.
• Proudly manufactured in the USA: engineered, assembled, and field-tested at Fisher's El Paso, Texas facility, ensuring rugged reliability and strict American quality control for prospectors who demand gear that performs in the harshest desert and mountain conditions.

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Specifications

• Operating Frequency: 71 kHz
• Operating Modes: 3 (Normal, Audio Boost, Iron Discrimination)
• Ground Balance: Manual dual-control (16-turn vernier + 25-position coarse)
• Audio: Variable Frequency Audio Output (VCO)
• Searchcoil: 6.5in elliptical (waterproof)
• Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
• Battery Type: 2 x 9V alkaline
• Battery Life: 25-35 hours
• Headphone Jack: Yes (1/4in)
• Country of Manufacture: USA (Texas)
• Warranty: Two years

Why Buy from Serious Detecting

Every Fisher Gold Bug II ships with a full two-year factory warranty backed directly by Fisher's specialized technical support team in the United States. As an authorized Fisher dealer, we stock genuine factory-sealed units with authentic serial numbers, not gray-market imports or refurbished machines misrepresented as new. Our team has hunted the Bradshaw Mountains, Lynx Creek, and Superstition Wilderness with the Gold Bug II and can answer setup questions specific to Arizona mineralization. Free shipping on all orders, 30-day returns, and price-match guarantee ensure you get the best value on gear built to last in the field.