With gold forecast to reach $2,000 an ounce by the end of 2012, and the economy as uncertain as ever, goldpanning is making a comeback. Why not pick up a piece or two of surprisingly simple equipment and check that stream by your campsite? The techniques, the pans, the pickaxes and the educated guessing required to pan gold haven't changed much since the Klondike Gold Rush. Garnet Basque's Gold Panner's Manual explains every aspect of goldpanning and prospecting. As you'll likely be competing with other prospectors, knowledge will give you the edge, and Gold Panner's Manual goes through all the necessary (and fascinating) background on gold's formation to support your understanding of the likeliest places nuggets or flakes will have surfaced or settled. Basque describes the ins and outs of the equipment you need, the tell-tale signs of gold and how to stake a claim. Find out how to spot a placer site and size up a valley for the best spot to start panning.

First printed in 1974, Gold Panner's Manual remains a strong seller. This edition's text and images have been thoroughly reviewed, refreshed and updated.