Well if you are talking creeks Tony, they are just more goof off stuff than anything. Last creek I hit, a few months back, I wore a thin wetsuit with scuba boots. I fastened an old belt around my waist on the outside of the wetsuit. It was a full 2mm jumpsuit, so I pulled the top portion down over the bottom. I wore a thin summer shirt due to the fact it was mid summer and hot weather. The neoprene on the bottom allowed me to wallow in the creek mud with no concern. I forgot my goodie bag so I tied a knot in one sleeve and put my sharks teeth in the arm sleeve. BUG SPRAY is mandatory.
If you are talking edge of the river gravel beds in winter then a 5mm scuba jumpsuit is what i would wear because that is what i have. I have some virgin hip waders I will soon try, over the top of the wetsuit. During the winter I personally have no plans of getting down into the water. I have a long handle scoop (a shovel will work) of which I shovel sandy gravel into my floating screen sifter.
When scuba fossiling in winter, the guys wear drysuits or thick wetsuits, or layers of neoprene ( vest, coat, etc). They then pour hot water inside the wetsuit prior to the dive. Be forewarned, I saw a guy unintentionally allow his dry suit to fill with freezing cold water. I felt sorry for the poor dumb ass. (seriously). He froze his ass off.
As you know, one can dive cold water with the correct gear. I personally do not dive water below 70 degrees. My favorite is blue water at 82 degrees. In 2012 the rivers here were 68-72 degrees in March - April. I am going by memory but you can of course find precise historical data online.
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I did a bit of driving about today in order to survey four potential fossil sites. They were all a bust. BUT, there is always tomorrow.
Got a solid lead on some Santa Fe river gravel beds. I have had my eye on these gravel beds for a LONG time. Maybe its gonna happen in 2013. Will have room in the vehicle for others. Get your scuba gear ready. Crystal clear water. Shallow (15-25 feet max). Fun scuba fossiling dive.
Given low water level, I committed to Edisto walk-ins Dec 29th and 30th. Nothing serious. Nothing guaranteed. Just a meeting of the like minded for shoveling, scooping, and surface screen sifting for sharks teeth.
The Santa Fe river in North Central Florida
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GREAT photos Joe. Thanks for posting. What is the hook made out of? Bone? Love the photo of the Mastodon tooth. I have "one". Would like to find some more
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I have been scuba shark tooth hunting for 17yrs in Charleston SC and plan to continue. As of late I have decided to try my hand at non-scuba shark tooth hunting during the winter months. In other words, walk-in fossiling in creeks, streams, and rivers. I fabricated and purchased some gear and was AMAZED at how well it works.
The primary gear is a floating screen sifter. Here is the material list:
Wood stock 2" x 2" x 8' long
Wood stock stripping .25" x 1.25" x 8' long
Screen .25 x .25 opening
Pool noodle 3" diameter x 4' long
Wire ties .350" wide
Wood screws 2.5" long (for main frame)
Wood screws .75" long (for wire tie)
Staple gun or tacks (for screen)
Screws or large head tacks for fastening the stripping. Note: The stripping protects ones hands from the sharp edged wire
