I'm new at it as well but I've been a closet prospector ? and not told anybody . Anyway I think my early good luck was my local knowledge of my area , people and old timers I've listen to and
My own instincts have helped me get gold in my first try's ?. , I have read some people have got new high bankers . Shovels , The works before they have even done it before , then struggle and don't find 1 spec of gold ? and get frustrated ,..
So research more before you go , I'm lucky that I think outside the square. , Like why dig in that place that prob has been dug 100 times in the last 20 years when 20 meters away is overlooked ?
Good luck