Fisher Gold Bug DP Metal Detector with 11 in DD Elliptical Waterproof Coil

The Fisher Gold Bug DP (SKU GOLDBUG-DP) is a 19 kHz VLF metal detector for gold prospecting that also works as a general-purpose treasure detector. It is the Fisher Gold Bug Pro configuration that ships with an 11 in DD elliptical searchcoil in place of the 5 in round coil, and Fisher's manual titles it the "Deep Penetrating Gold Nugget Hunter". Fisher lists the weight as 2 lbs 8 oz (1.13 kg) with the battery installed, and it runs on a single 9V battery, which is not included. It suits prospectors and relic hunters who want to cover open ground with a larger coil and still read ground mineralization on screen.

Who the Fisher Gold Bug DP Is For

Choose the Gold Bug DP if you hunt gold nuggets in mineralized soil, search for relics, or want one detector for both. Fisher describes it as combining high sensitivity to small gold nuggets with use as an all-purpose treasure detector. It will find coins too, but Fisher's manual is frank about that: the detector shows slightly lower sensitivity to high-conductivity coins such as a U.S. quarter, because the design favors small, low-conductivity metals like gold.

A different model is the better choice if:

• You work tight spots, bedrock cracks or brushy ground. The Gold Bug Pro is the same 19 kHz detector with a 5 in DD round coil as standard, in a slightly lower price band. You can add the other coil to either one later.
• You only chase small gold and want a higher frequency. The Fisher Gold Bug 2 runs at 71 kHz with manual ground balance and 6.5 in or 10 in elliptical coils. It sits in a higher price band.
• You want the lowest entry point in the family. The Fisher Gold Bug is a 19 kHz detector with a 5 in DD coil in a lower price band.

Our guide to gold metal detectors compares the Gold Bug family with other brands.

Fisher Gold Bug DP Key Features in Use

• 19 kHz VLF operation: a single operating frequency, crystal controlled. Fisher says the Gold Bug Pro platform is designed to detect the smallest gold nuggets even in highly mineralized soil.
• 11 in DD elliptical searchcoil: the standard coil on the DP. Fisher describes the searchcoil as waterproof. A larger coil covers more ground with each sweep than the 5 in round coil.
• Two search modes: Discrimination and All Metal. Fisher's manual states that All Metal mode is more sensitive than Discrimination mode, and recommends true ground balanced All Metal operation for serious prospecting.
• Adjustable discrimination with two audio responses: set the DISC level from 0 to 80 with the plus and minus buttons. Targets with an ID below your setting give a low tone, and targets above it give V.C.O. audio, which changes in pitch and volume with signal strength.
• 2-digit Target-ID: in Discrimination mode the screen shows a 2-digit number for each target. Fisher's manual says values of 40 or less are ferrous, and gives examples such as 58 for a nickel, 78 for a zinc penny and 89 for a quarter. In an air test gold reads right of center, and the larger the piece, the farther right.
• Ground Grab computerized ground balancing: hold the Ground Grab touch pad and pump the coil over clean ground, from within 1 in of the surface up to 6 to 8 in. You can also adjust ground balance manually. Fisher gives the ground balance range as ferrite to salt water inclusive.
• Ground phase readout: a number that indicates the type of ground mineralization. Fisher's table puts red, yellow and brown iron-bearing clays at 40 to 75 and magnetite and other black iron minerals at 75 to 95.
• Fe3O4 bar graph: shows the amount of ground mineralization, independent of type, so you can see how hot the ground is before you start chasing false signals.
• Separate Gain and Threshold knobs: the left knob switches the detector on and sets Gain. The right knob selects Discrimination or All Metal mode and sets Threshold from -40 to +40.
• Static pinpoint with depth readout: press and hold the Pinpoint button and the detector responds without the coil moving. The screen shows approximate target depth in inches. Fisher notes that the depth scale is calibrated to coin-sized objects.
• Signal strength bar graph: the lower-left bar graph shows signal strength while you work in Discrimination mode.
• Battery indicator: a 3-segment indicator that flashes at its lowest level.
• 1/4 in headphone jack: for wired headphones with a stereo plug.
• Adjustable fit: a 3-piece S-rod with the armrest position adjustable forward or backward.

What's Included with the Fisher Gold Bug DP

Fisher standard contents (GOLDBUG-DP)

• Fisher Gold Bug DP detector: control housing on S-rod with armrest, middle stem and lower stem
• 11 in DD elliptical searchcoil with cable

Serious Detecting does not add anything to this listing. What you receive is Fisher's standard package.

Not included

• A 9V battery. The Gold Bug DP needs one 9V alkaline battery to run.
• Headphones
• A coil cover for the 11 in coil
• A rain cover for the control housing
• A pinpointer, digging tool or carry bag

Warranty: Fisher lists a 2-year warranty for the Gold Bug DP. Fisher's warranty policy does not cover damage from neglect, accidental damage or misuse.

Fisher Gold Bug DP Compatibility: Coils, Headphones, Batteries and Accessories

• Searchcoils: Fisher's Gold Bug DP manual lists three coils for the detector: the 11 in DD elliptical (11COIL-GB), a 10 in DD elliptical (10COILDD-GB) and a 5 in DD round (5COIL-GBUG). See our metal detector search coils and our guide to coil size and shape.
• Coil covers: Fisher lists a cover for each of the three coil sizes. The cover for the 11 in coil is part COVER-11DD.
• Headphones: the Gold Bug DP has a 1/4 in headphone jack. Fisher's manual says any headphones with a stereo plug will work and headphones with a mono plug will not. Fisher lists no wireless audio for the Gold Bug DP. Browse our metal detector headphones.
• Battery: one 9V alkaline battery. Fisher's manual says to expect about 15 to 20 hours from an alkaline battery. A rechargeable nickel metal hydride 9V can be used and gives up to 8 hours per charge. You charge it in your own charger.
• Rain cover: Fisher's spec sheet lists the detector as not weatherproof, with no IP rating. Fisher lists a rain cover (RAINCOV-GB) to protect the detector from dirt and water.
• Lower stem: Fisher's manual says very tall users can buy the optional Extended Lower Stem (TUBE5X).
• Other Fisher parts: our Fisher parts and accessories list shows what fits each model.

Where the Gold Bug DP Works Well and Where It Does Not

Gold Prospecting in Mineralized Ground

This is what Fisher built the detector for. Ground balance with Ground Grab, then hunt in All Metal mode, which Fisher's manual identifies as the more sensitive of the two modes. Watch the ground phase number and the Fe3O4 bar graph as you move: they tell you when the type or the amount of mineralization changes and it is time to balance again.

Limits: Fisher's manual warns that in soil above 10,000 micro-cgs units of magnetic susceptibility the signal from the ground can overload the circuitry. It does not harm the detector, but the detector is not usable in that condition.

Hot Rocks

Fisher's manual explains that a hot rock sounds off because it contains iron minerals. Negative hot rocks give a "boing" sound instead of the "zip" of a metal target. Positive hot rocks sound just like a gold nugget and are common in many gold areas.

Limits: the detector cannot settle every hot rock for you. Fisher's advice is to always carry a magnet to help separate gold from hot rocks and iron.

Relic Hunting

Fisher names relic hunting as one of the purposes of the Gold Bug DP. In Discrimination mode the 2-digit Target-ID and the low tone on targets below your DISC setting help you decide what to dig, and iron reads at 40 or less. Our guide to relic hunting detectors covers the alternatives.

Limits: with DISC set to pass everything you will hear every target, and the depth readout is calibrated to coin-sized objects, so larger relics will not read true.

Coin Shooting

Fisher calls the Gold Bug DP a highly competent coin-shooting detector and lists Target-ID values for common U.S. coins.

Limits: Fisher also says the user interface and features are not specifically designed for coin shooting, and that sensitivity to high-conductivity coins is slightly lower by design. If coins are your main target, look at our full range of metal detectors.

Electrical Interference

Near power lines and other sources of interference, Fisher's manual says reducing Gain or Threshold is the first line of defense, and that a discrimination level between 60 and 70 will usually reduce interference. If you carry a cell phone and get interference, Fisher suggests turning it off.

Limits: Fisher notes that small searchcoils pick up less interference than large ones, so the 11 in coil on the Gold Bug DP is the more exposed choice in a noisy spot.

Rain, Creeks and Wet Ground

Fisher describes the searchcoil as waterproof, so wet grass, damp soil and shallow creek edges are fine for the coil.

Limits: Fisher's spec sheet lists the detector as not weatherproof, with no IP rating, and Fisher gives no depth rating for the coil. Keep the control housing dry and use the rain cover in wet weather. If you want to wade, compare our gold detectors for a waterproof model.

How the Gold Bug DP Compares to the Gold Bug Pro and Gold Bug 2

Closest model down: the Gold Bug Pro. It is the same detector with the 5 in DD round coil as standard. Fisher also lists a third configuration, GOLDBUG-PRO-CC. Pick the Gold Bug Pro if most of your ground is tight or trashy, and pick the Gold Bug DP if most of it is open.

Closest model up: the Gold Bug 2. At 71 kHz it is a dedicated gold detector with manual ground balance, and it sits in a higher price band. Stay with the Gold Bug DP if you want Target-ID, Ground Grab and a detector that also handles relics and coins.

Buying the Gold Bug DP from Serious Detecting

Serious Detecting is an authorized Fisher dealer with a showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Every Fisher Gold Bug DP we sell carries Fisher's 2-year warranty, and our detectorists can help you choose between the coil options before you buy. Browse the Fisher Gold Bug DP collection or the full Fisher range.