Ok, I have just started within the last year or so when it comes to panning and prospecting, I’m gojng to throw some ideas out there from my experiences.
1. Start basic gear wise, a couple of classifiers and a good garret or GPAA ridged / gravity pan.
2. Watch a TON of YouTube videos!! There is a load of great ones with prospecting basics and pan working etc (I will also be doing my own videos soon!) watch a mix of types. Panning wet and dry, ask Jeff Williams has some good ones also on what to look for in the wild and pay attention take notes if needed.
3. Buy some paydirt practice panning with it. It will help a ton, (doesn’t have to be high grade pay dirt) but try to get one that says WILL CONTAIN SOME GOLD. I have bought from about 4 sellers, 1 was worthless, 1 was Awesome and two were so so. (If you pm me I will tell you who’s I liked and was great for the price, your results could vary)
4. Have fun with it, don’t expect to get rich (one never knows in the wild but don’t expect gold rush tv show type results)
5. After you do the above try out one of the claims.
You just never know with all the above done you may just get lucky,
As of today 1st Time EVER on a claim (dry no water at all) I bought back about 1//4th of a bucket full sampled from 5 places. After about 8 tables spoons I have found small gold!!
6. When looking up the claim information try to use the GPS CORDS, have a hand held gps makes a huge difference. A dedicated unit instead of a cellphone. I ended up walking 4 miles today went beyond the claim to try and find the creek running (apparently under ground now) but for a little bit I was backwards.
Use the gps mark location feature at parking spot and claim edge etc.. makes it easier. ALSO sample the claim all over and mark those spots too! (I know which 5 spots I’m going back to after today because their gps tagged)
7. Take fluids and a snack, you will be surprised if you get out there and even in cooler weather it drains you. Know your limit, if you go far out on a location know when your body has enough to get back and safely. I hit my limit today my body was about done.
8. Dress for the area. I was partially under dressed today (shorts) but did keep my hoodie and hood on. I’ll be damned if I didn’t have TWO ticks on my hoodie when I got to my truck. (Decided to check BEFORE getting in my vehicle) steel toe boots are ideal for a few reasons. Foot protection but also ankle!! I took a fall today ended up with a thorny round bush in my back and one half ankle twist. The boots saved my ankle well!

I’m sure there is more I’m not thinking of but I’m also wore out after about 5 hours on the claim today!
Have found enjoy hope this helps at least one person!