Two Bendigo prospectors have unearthed two gold nuggets worth a combined $350,000 as part of the television show Aussie Gold Hunters.
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Brothers-in-law Ethan West and Brent Shannon - known as The Poseidon Crew - with the help of Ethan's father Paul West, found the 78 and 45 ounce nuggets while prospecting near Tarnagulla.
Their find is the largest in the show's history. It was a relief for the pair, whose prospecting had been held up while waiting for permits.
"We were in the grips of not being able to freely mine because we were unable to get the permits and licences through in the time frame," Mr Shannon said.
"When you find large piece, you don't automatically get excited. In the first instance of seeing a big lump of gold, it's not instantly joyous, it's more a sense of accomplishment and history. The monetary side comes in last."
Mr West said it is the different for him.
"My reaction is bit different to Brent. He is like a child in candy shop," Mr West said. "I see the prospect of making a lot of money. When you see the size of the nugget and start working out what it's worth, that's pure relief.
"I'm always excited to see it and hold it. That part is exciting - holding (a gold nugget) the size of a baseball is a surreal feeling."
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The Poseidon Crew joined the main cast of Aussie Gold Hunters this year.
"It took a bit of convincing to be part of the show," Mr Shannon said. "Most prospectors don't generally like to divulge their finds freely, for obvious reasons.
"What convinced me was to try help raise profile of prospecting in Victoria. We're in a bit of a struggle with regulations and in the industry is gradually being reduced. Hopefully being a part of show, showcases Victoria and what we can produce in terms of gold finds."
Mr Shannon has spent years learning from prospectors who have worked the central Victorian region for decades. He introduced a 12-year-old Mr West to gold panning.
"I always had a keen interest in rocks and (prospecting) came from panning in creeks," he said. "I've been fortunate to be mentored by legends of the goldfields - professional prospectors with a whole range of information, mentoring and learnings that I still employ to what I do today. "
Aussie Gold Hunters is on the Discovery Channel on Thursday at 7.30pm.