The Ultimate Guide to Magnet Fishing

Magnet fishing is helping discover some amazing treasures hidden beneath the waters of canals, rivers, and lakes. And it is so easy to get involved. Firstly, purchase a good magnet fishing kit. Then, find a decent and safe location to go ‘fishing’. Once in place, toss the strong Neodymium fishing magnet into the water and see what ferrous items are discovered.

However, life is never that simple. There are a few practical issues to consider. Safety is paramount and so the location needs careful consideration. Selecting the right equipment will determine the success of any magnet fishing trip. A ‘good’ magnet fishing kit includes a powerful permanent magnet attached to a strong rope. As the magnet is dragged along the bottom of the canal, river or lake, the magnet must be powerful enough to attract and hold the captured metallic item, such as coins, jewellery, tools, or even historical artefacts. Also, the rope needs to be strong and thick enough to withstand the weight of the magnet and the collected metal and be suitable for long periods of use in water. And long enough (at least 15 metres) to reach those hidden areas.

Once the right kit is selected, it is time to go magnet fishing!

Strong Magnets for Magnet Fishing

Magnets used in magnet fishing kits are not ordinary fridge magnets. These are made of Neodymium Iron Boron (NeFeB), the most powerful permanent magnetic material presently available. The power of the magnet dictates what magnetic metal items can be captured and held. Weak magnets will result in a poorer ‘catch’ than the Neodymium magnets. The magnet in Bunting’s magnet fishing kit has a pull force of 240kg. It is also coated with durable nickel plating to protect it from corrosion as bare permanent magnets and water are not a good combination.

Is magnet fishing legal in the UK?

Magnet fishing is generally legal in the UK. However, there are often specific regulations and restrictions depending on the location and local authorities.

It is important to obtain consent from the landowner to avoid being caught trespassing. The Canal & Rivers Trust explicitly prohibits magnet fishing due to its high risk. Privately owned water bodies are more open to magnet fishing.

There are also laws concerning any ‘treasures’ removed from bodies of water, especially if the items have historical or archaeological significance. Some of these may help gain a new understanding of past generations and civilisations.

Additionally, some areas may have bylaws or regulations regarding magnet fishing to protect the environment or prevent potential hazards. Therefore, it is strongly advisable to research and adhere to any relevant laws and guidelines before engaging in magnet fishing in the UK.

What is needed for magnet fishing?

Magnet fishing is a highly affordable hobby to take part in. All you’ll need to get going is a rope around 15 metres long, with a thickness ranging between 8mm and 12mm, preferably braided for increased resilience, and a fishing or recovery neodymium magnet.

Other essential items you will need include protective gloves, a collection bucket for retrieved items, a carabiner to secure the rope and prevent the magnet from being lost in the water, and a thread lock.

Magnet fishing pros may also use grappling hooks to extract even larger objects from the water.

How to tie a magnet fishing knot

To tie a knot suitable for magnet fishing, start by forming a loop at the rope’s end. Pass the loop through the eye of the magnet, then bring it back over the magnet and thread it through the loop. Pull the knot tight to secure the magnet in place.

Next, create a figure of eight knot by crossing the rope over itself to form two loops, then thread the end of the rope through both loops and pull tight.

Always test that the knot is strong and secure before fishing to avoid losing your magnet in the water.

Where can you go magnet fishing?

Magnet Fishing offers a wide range of promising locations. Some prime spots include:

1. Canals and rivers: These water bodies are popular among magnet fishers due to their historical significance and the likelihood of finding old coins, discarded tools and even weapons.
2. Docks and marinas: Areas where boats dock or are moored can be fruitful grounds for magnet fishing. People often accidentally drop items like keys, jewellery, or tools into the water while loading or unloading their boats.
3. Piers and jetties: Similar to docks, piers and jetties attract magnet fishers because of the frequent human activity and the potential for items to be dropped or lost in the water.
4. Lakes and reservoirs: These are excellent locations for magnet fishing, especially where recreational activities like swimming, fishing, or boating occur.
5. Historical sites: Sites with historical significance, such as old bridges, harbours, or ports, often hold hidden treasures beneath the water’s surface.
6. Urban waterways: Any urban area with canals, rivers, or ponds can offer opportunities for magnet fishing.
7. Beaches: While less common, magnet fishing on beaches can still offer some interesting finds.

When exploring these sites, remember to always get the necessary permissions, respect local regulations, and prioritise safety and environmental conservation.

What can you find magnet fishing?

While common finds include rusted nails, screws, bolts, and other small metal objects, enthusiasts also uncover bicycles, shopping trolleys, discarded safes, and sometimes even firearms. Lost keys, mobile phones, and electronic devices occasionally surface as well as intriguing items like old signage, vintage machinery parts, or military relics, offering glimpses into the past. However, every magnet fisherman wants to discover antique coins, jewellery, tools, and even historical artefacts.

While not every haul results in valuable or historical finds, the excitement of uncovering hidden treasures beneath the water’s surface always adds to the appeal of this unique hobby.

What to do if your magnet gets stuck

If your fishing magnet becomes lodged underwater there are steps you can take to try to retrieve it.

Firstly, remain calm and assess the situation. Gently try to wiggle the rope or pull from different angles to loosen the magnet’s grip. You could also consider using a second magnet attached to a sturdy line to increase magnetic force and dislodge the stuck magnet.

Alternatively, shifting your position and pulling from a different angle may help. If you have one, a grappling hook can also free the magnet.

If these methods fail, it may be wise to seek help from a professional diver or someone experienced in underwater recovery.

Magnet fishing safety tips

When it comes to magnet fishing, safety should always be a big concern. Here are some crucial safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Wear protective gloves to shield hands from any sharp or rusty objects that may be retrieved from the water;
2. Secondly, take the time to check local regulations governing magnet fishing in the area. Make sure all necessary permissions are obtained and any prohibited locations are known;
3. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Be mindful of water currents, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards in and out of the water;
4. Before casting the magnet, double-check that all equipment is securely fastened and in good condition;
5. Lastly, responsibly dispose of any waste or debris collected from the water to help preserve the environment for future enjoyment;

So now all that is needed is a decent magnet fishing kit. e-Magnets offers a huge selection of neodymium magnets, catering to enthusiasts of all levels, including a specialist Magnet Fishing Kit. There are also high-powered magnets for experienced magnet fishermen.

Contact us, our team is ready to help.