When magnet fishing you can cast your magnet safely into most bodies of water, any place with a high amount of foot traffic near a body of water is more likely to provide good finds.
However, if you are looking to fish on private property then you must seek the landowner’s permission.
Locations with a good water depth offer more mystery but be sure to avoid fast-flowing currents when selecting your cast-off point. Another top tip is using a location with bridges creates a safe cast-off spot.
Some examples of ideal magnet fishing locations:
Beneath the surface of the water lies the unknown and you could unearth a whole variety of items from old bits of scrap to historic artifacts.
Anything and everything made of ferrous metals could be pulled up from underneath the surface, however, certain items such as firearms, knives, safes, or even vehicles should be reported to local police as it may be able to help out with old or ongoing investigations.
No matter what you find while fishing you may even be able to make a little profit from your findings, you can even trade in the scrap metal for cash.
Bike Frames
Discover bike frames lost or left in the water. Either bring them back to life or trade in the material for cash!
Hidden Gems
Similar to the plots of many films you may find some lost treasure while fishing, several safes are pulled from the water and may contain the hidden gem each fisherman is looking for.
Fishing Hooks
Unlike magnet fishing, traditional fishermen and women may regularly lose their hooks so be sure to keep count of the amount of hooks you find.
Coins
As well as trading in scrap metal to make a profit you might even be lucky enough to find money on the bottom of your magnet. You could even start a collection of the different coins you find!
Magnet fishing requires very little equipment, in fact, you only need a magnet, eyebolt, and rope to get started. However, we do recommend a pair of water and cut-resistant gloves for handling your findings.
Pot Magnet
Pot magnets have a strong clamping force with a thin connection and allow you to attract to and hold large objects with a smaller magnet face.
Eyebolt
Screw your eyebolt into the magnet and thread your rope through the hole and tie sufficiently. See below our knot recommendations.
Rope
Ensure you have a strong rope with great breaking strength. Weaker ropes may snap when you are retracting the rope, magnet, and ferrous material.
People can’t wait to get their magnet out into the water but imagine leaving it there as it wasn’t secured, so be sure to tie your rope correctly when magnet fishing.
When tying your rope to the magnet ensure the knot is strong and secure. Your magnet will attract several items beneath the surface of the water making a secure line pivotal for retrieving your magnet and find.
Here are some knots we recommend for magnet fishing:
Double Davy
A secure knot that can be tied quickly and easily. Works great with a thin rope.
Taut-Line Hitch
A strong knot that gets tighter as you retract the rope from the water.
Perfection Knot
Often referred to as the Angler’s Loop, this knot creates a ring for your eyebolt.
Alongside securing your magnet properly you may need to get it unstuck at times as it is not unusual for your magnet to get stuck, either on a heavy object or between rocks. So, to prevent losing your magnet it’s key to know what steps to take if your magnet gets stuck.
Firstly, try pulling the rope firmly but not at full strength, allowing you to assess if you’re freeing the magnet or making it worse.
Be sure to pull from different angles.
If there is a current, then you can put slack into your rope and let the current move your line into a new position for you.
More drastic measures might require the use of a winch; however, this could stretch the rope to breaking point and losing your magnet.
Always start by dropping in close to where you are casting off to get a feel for new areas and to test the terrain by hopping or jigging the magnet, this is especially effective with a single-sided magnet.
Unlike traditional fishing, there is no need to ‘reel in’ your find quickly, be sure to make it easy on yourself and pull in your find at a steady pace and be sure to be aware when the resistance in your rope changes.
Not too many discoveries will be as exciting as weapons, including guns and knives. However, if you do pull something up that may have been used in a crime before being discarded in the water then it is essential that you notify the local authorities so they can inspect the item.
Fish often and inspect often. After casting your magnet dozens of times in just one outing, be sure to frequently check the eyebolt and ensure it hasn’t loosened, increasing the risk of losing your magnet.
Always ensure that it is safe to fish in your selected location by considering the depth of the water and current. Be sure to always fish with another person or tell someone when and where you will be fishing and how to best contact you. Always ensure that your findings are cleared away and kept off any footpaths ensuring you respect the environment around you.
