Abstract: An improved shovel tool for gold prospecting specifically in a river configured to reduce or eliminate loss of potentially gold bearing dirt, sand, silt, gravel, or other desirable material due to the river's current passing over the material. Three side-walls extended perpendicularly upward from the perimeter of the scoop's base and a rim projects inward from the top of the side-walls thereby creating a protected pocket within the side-walls and rim of the scoop. The protective pocket traps collected material and water, and forces the river's current to flow around the scoop and collected material, thereby preventing loss.