Gary Drayton is a renowned treasure hunter, metal-detecting expert, author, and TV personality, best known for his role on the popular series The Curse of Oak Island.
Beyond his treasure-hunting career, Drayton is also a family man, married to his wife Jennifer Gail Sauve, with whom he shares two daughters.
We will explore his life, career, and treasure-hunting adventures, so stick around to discover more about Gary Drayton journey, remarkable finds, and his rise to fame and fortune.
Page Contents
Who is Gary Drayton?
Gary Drayton is a well-known treasure hunter, metal-detecting expert, and TV personality. He is famous for his role on the History Channel show The Curse of Oak Island, where he helps search for historical artifacts and buried treasure on Oak Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Drayton became popular for discovering valuable items along the beaches. He is skilled at finding Spanish coins, gold rings, jewelry, and shipwreck artifacts, especially along Florida’s Treasure Coast.
His sharp eye for identifying relics and advanced metal-detecting skills have made him a key member of the Oak Island team. Drayton is also an author who has written books and guides on metal detecting.
He shares tips and techniques with fellow enthusiasts through his writing and offers treasure-hunting lessons. His catchphrases, such as top pocket find and Bobby Dazzlers, have become fan favorites.
Before appearing on TV, Drayton spent years searching for old bottles and clay pipes along riverbanks in England, a hobby known as mud larking. This eventually led him to metal detecting, which became his true passion.
In addition to his TV work, Drayton offers training, speaks at events, and takes part in filming and talent opportunities. His adventurous spirit and love for history and mystery have made him a popular figure among treasure-hunting fans.
As Drayton often says, always be yourself. However, if you can be a pirate, always be a pirate.
Early Life of Gary Drayton
Gary Drayton was born on May 30, 1961, in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. During his childhood, he developed a strong interest in history and relic hunting. As a young boy, he often explored local fields, riverbanks, and historic sites. He searched for old bottles, coins, and clay pipes.
His early fascination with discovering hidden treasures sparked a lifelong passion for exploring the past. Drayton reportedly studied at the University of England, where he earned a degree in archaeology.
His academic background gave him a deeper understanding of historical artifacts and helped him develop the skills needed to identify and interpret them. Before moving to the United States, Drayton spent years as a bottle digger and mudlarker in England.
He searched riverbanks and muddy areas for historical items. He found antique bottles, clay pipes and other relics. His sharp eye for spotting valuable finds and his dedication to uncovering lost artifacts helped him strengthen his relic-hunting abilities.
Despite his public presence, Drayton keeps his family life private. He has not shared details about his parents or siblings, as he prefers to focus on his passion for treasure hunting. However, he has mentioned in interviews that his father influenced his interest in history by encouraging his curiosity about the past.
Gary Drayton love for exploration, sharp observation skills, and fascination with uncovering hidden relics have defined his lifelong journey as an avid treasure seeker.
What Nationality is Gary Drayton?
Gary Drayton is British by nationality. He was born in England, which makes him a citizen of the United Kingdom by birth. However, after moving to the United States, he became a resident of Florida, where he built his career as a treasure hunter and metal-detecting expert.
Gary Drayton Accent
Gary Drayton has a British accent, specifically influenced by his upbringing in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. His voice carries a distinct northern English tone which reflects his roots.
However, after spending many years in Florida, USA, his accent softened slightly, as it blended with subtle American influences. Fans of The Curse of Oak Island often recognize his unique voice, which adds to his charismatic presence on the show.
His signature catchphrases, such as Bobby Dazzler and Top Pocket Find!, are delivered in his charming British accent which makes them even more memorable.
Gary Drayton Age
Gary Drayton is 64 years old as of 2025 as he was born on May 30, 1961, in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. He celebrates his birthday every year on May 30.
Being born under the Gemini zodiac sign, he is known for traits such as curiosity, adaptability and enthusiasm, which align with his adventurous spirit and passion for treasure hunting.
Gary Drayton Height and Weight
Gary Drayton stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is equivalent to 178 centimeters or 1.78 meters. He has a lean and fit build, weighing around 79 kg or 174 pounds.
Drayton is often seen in casual, practical attire suited for outdoor exploration. He wears cargo pants, t-shirts, and wide-brimmed hats to protect himself from the sun.
His signature look also includes sunglasses and gloves, which he frequently wears while metal detecting. With his rugged appearance and adventurous style, he has become a recognizable figure on The Curse of Oak Island.
What does Gary Drayton Hat Say?
Gary Drayton is often seen wearing a hat with phrases such as Dirt Shark, Top Pocket Find!, or Bobby Dazzler on it. These signature catchphrases reflect his treasure-hunting skills and enthusiastic personality.
The term Dirt Shark symbolizes his sharp and relentless ability to track down valuable items, whether on land or at the beach. Top Pocket Find! is a phrase he excitedly uses whenever he discovers a significant artifact. It highlights his passion for treasure hunting.
Meanwhile, Bobby Dazzler is a British slang term for something outstanding or remarkable, which he uses to describe his most impressive finds. These catchphrases have become popular among fans of The Curse of Oak Island. They are now part of Drayton’s recognizable persona.
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Gary Drayton Career Journey
Gary Drayton began his journey as a bottle digger in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England, where he was born. In his early years, he searched riverbanks and fields for old bottles, clay pipes, and other historical relics. His sharp eye for valuable finds and fascination with history fueled his passion for treasure hunting.
Transition to Metal Detecting in Florida
After moving to Florida, USA, Drayton transitioned from bottle digging to metal detecting, which became his primary focus. Along Florida’s Treasure Coast, a region famous for shipwrecks from the 1715 Spanish fleet, he gained recognition for uncovering rare and valuable artifacts.
His discoveries included Spanish silver and gold coins, emerald jewelry, gold rings, pirate-era relics, and shipwreck artifacts. One of his most notable finds is a 1715 Spanish treasure fleet emerald ring, valued at approximately $500,000, which showcases his exceptional skills and expertise.
Television Career on The Curse of Oak Island
Gary Drayton became widely recognized for his role on the History Channel’s hit series, The Curse of Oak Island. As a metal-detecting expert, he plays a key role in helping the team search for buried treasures and historical artifacts on Oak Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.
His expertise and engaging personality have made him a fan favorite. Drayton is known for his signature catchphrases, such as Bobby Dazzler for an exceptional find and Top Pocket Find! for particularly valuable discoveries.
His distinctive British accent and enthusiastic delivery have made these phrases iconic among the show’s fans.
Author and Educator
In addition to his treasure-hunting adventures, Drayton is also a published author. He has written several books and guides on metal detecting, sharing his knowledge with aspiring treasure hunters. Some of his works include Metal Detecting for Spanish Treasure and The CTX 3030 Beach and Water Hunter’s Guide.
Through his publications, Drayton offers practical tips, techniques, and insights gained from his years of experience. His writing has inspired many hobbyists and professionals to refine their skills and pursue their own treasure-hunting journeys.
Private Lessons and Mentorship
Beyond writing, Drayton also offers private metal-detecting lessons, where he teaches enthusiasts how to effectively use metal detectors and identify valuable finds.
His hands-on guidance and expert advice have helped many aspiring treasure hunters improve their skills and increase their chances of making significant discoveries.
Legacy and Influence
Throughout his career, Gary Drayton has earned a reputation as a skilled and passionate treasure hunter, admired for his dedication to uncovering historical artifacts.
His expertise, adventurous spirit, and larger-than-life personality have made him one of the most recognizable and respected figures in the treasure-hunting world.
Gary Drayton TV Shows
Gary Drayton is best known for his role on the History Channel reality TV series, The Curse of Oak Island, but he has also appeared on several other shows related to treasure hunting and historical exploration.
His metal-detecting expertise, vibrant personality, and signature catchphrases have made him a fan favorite in the treasure-hunting world. On The Curse of Oak Island, Drayton is a key cast member who assists the Lagina brothers in their search for legendary treasure on Oak Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Drayton also frequently appears on The Curse of Oak Island: Drilling Down, a companion show featuring behind-the-scenes footage and expert interviews. His insights add depth to the historical significance of the discoveries.
He is also featured on Beyond Oak Island, a spin-off series that explores treasure-hunting stories from around the world and covers pirate loot, shipwrecks, and hidden gold.
Additionally, Drayton has made guest appearances on Expedition Unknown, hosted by Josh Gates. This show focuses on solving historical mysteries and exploring legendary lost treasures, where Drayton demonstrates his detecting skills and shares expert insights.
Through his television appearances, Gary Drayton has become a widely recognized figure in the treasure-hunting and reality TV genre, admired for his expertise, passion, and larger-than-life personality.
Is Gary Drayton Still on Oak Island?
Yes, Gary Drayton is still a key cast member on The Curse of Oak Island. He continues to play a vital role as the team’s metal-detecting expert, helping search for buried treasure and historical artifacts on Oak Island, Nova Scotia, Canada.
His sharp detecting skills and a keen eye for valuable relics have made him an essential part of the show. As the series is ongoing, he frequently appears in new episodes, contributing to the team’s discoveries and offering expert insights into the artifacts they uncover.
His finds include old coins, military buttons, and shipwreck-related relics, which are often highlights of the show. Drayton passion and treasure-hunting expertise add excitement to the series and make him one of its most recognizable figures.
What happened to Gary Drayton on Oak Island?
Gary Drayton remains an active and key member of The Curse of Oak Island, and nothing bad has happened to him. He continues to use his metal-detecting expertise to search for treasure and historical artifacts.
There have been no reports of any serious incidents or changes affecting Drayton’s role on the show. He continues to appear in recent episodes and helps the team uncover valuable clues linked to Oak Island’s mysterious history.
His sharp detecting skills and passion for treasure hunting make him one of the most recognizable and admired figures on the series.
What Pinpointer does Gary Drayton Use?
Gary Drayton frequently uses the Minelab Pro-Find 35 pinpointer on The Curse of Oak Island. This handheld device is a vital tool for him, as it helps precisely locate smaller or deeply buried metal objects once his main metal detector identifies a target area.
Known for its accuracy and reliability, the Pro-Find 35 is a trusted companion in his treasure-hunting adventures. The Minelab Pro-Find 35 comes with several key features that make it highly effective.
It is waterproof up to 10 feet (3 meters), which makes it ideal for both land and shallow water detecting. The device offers audio and vibration alerts, which makes it easier to identify targets even in noisy environments.
Its Ferrous Tone ID helps distinguish between ferrous (iron) and non-ferrous (valuable) metals, which is essential for identifying potential treasure. Additionally, the adjustable sensitivity allows Drayton to fine-tune the device for maximum accuracy based on the environment.
Alongside the Pro-Find 35, Drayton also uses high-end Minelab metal detectors, such as the CTX 3030 and Equinox 800, which offer advanced technology and precise detection capabilities.
His preference for Minelab products reflects their durability, performance, and efficiency as they are his go-to choice for uncovering valuable relics and historical artifacts on Oak Island.
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Gary Drayton Net Worth
Gary Drayton has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of 2025. His wealth comes from his role on The Curse of Oak Island, treasure-hunting finds, and book sales.
Drayton has discovered valuable artifacts, including a 1715 Spanish treasure fleet emerald ring worth around $500,000, which adds significantly to his fortune.
He also earns from private metal-detecting lessons and collaborations with metal-detecting companies like Minelab. His successful TV career, treasure finds, and business ventures have made him a multi-millionaire.
Gary Drayton Wife and Children
Gary Drayton is married to Jennifer Gail Sauve, with whom he tied the knot on December 17, 1996. Despite his public presence, he prefers to keep his wife’s identity and personal life private, rarely sharing details about her in interviews or on social media.
The couple has two daughters Katya Drayton and Anya Drayton, but Drayton also keeps their lives out of the spotlight. While he occasionally mentions his children, he generally focuses on his treasure-hunting career and TV appearances rather than his family.
Drayton resides with his family in Florida, USA, where he continues his treasure-hunting adventures.
Gary Drayton Wife Nationality
Gary Drayton keeps his wife identity and personal life private, so her nationality remains unknown. While Drayton is originally from England, he now resides in Florida, USA, with his family.
However, he has not publicly confirmed whether his wife is American, British, or of another nationality. He prefers to keep his family out of the spotlight and focuses more on his career and treasure-hunting adventures rather than sharing personal details.
Gary Drayton Daughters Age
Gary Drayton has two daughters, but he has kept their ages and personal details private. He occasionally mentions them in interviews or on social media but does not reveal specific information about their ages. Drayton prefers to keep his family life out of the public spotlight.
Gary Drayton Social Media
Gary Drayton is active on social media, where he shares updates about his treasure-hunting adventures, discoveries, and appearances on The Curse of Oak Island. He regularly posts photos of his finds, offers metal-detecting tips, and interacts with fans.
You can follow him on his main platforms:
- Instagram: @gary.drayton
- X: @GaryDrayton
- Facebook: Gary Drayton Metal Detecting
- LinkedIn: Gary Drayton
- Website: Gary Drayton
Conclusion
Gary Drayton has established himself as a renowned treasure hunter, metal-detecting expert, and television personality. His sharp detecting skills, extensive knowledge of historical artifacts, and dedication to his craft have made him a key figure on The Curse of Oak Island.
Drayton continues to inspire treasure-hunting enthusiasts worldwide. His passion for exploration and his contributions to the field have cemented his reputation as one of the most respected and successful treasure hunters of his time.
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