Magnet fishing is becoming an increasingly popular hobby, especially in the UK and US, and many people are wondering how they can get started.
There are lots of things that you will need to know about magnet fishing before you can start up this hobby, but with the right knowledge and information, you will be out magnet fishing in no time.
As with any other outdoor hobby, there are certain safety aspects that will need to be thoroughly considered when it comes to magnet fishing, otherwise it can easily become a dangerous hobby. This is why it is essential to be prepared for any situation.
In this article, we are going to tell you everything that you need to know about magnet fishing, including how to take part safely, what equipment you need, and what exactly this hobby is. This will help you to understand more about magnet fishing and help you to be prepared for taking part in this unique hobby.
What Is Magnet Fishing?
Magnet fishing is actually quite similar to metal detecting. However, where metal detectors will help you to detect various objects on land, strong magnets will allow you to find metal objects in different bodies of water.
You might have found yourself wondering about what could be lurking in the bottom of a nearby lake and river, and now is your chance to find out.
Those that are curious enough to take part in magnet fishing will have been able to find various interesting things in the water, and you will be surprised at some of the things that you can find.
Not only is magnet fishing a super interesting hobby, but it also doesn’t cost a lot of money, and all you need to pay for is the start-up equipment.
Magnet fishing provides outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to interact with their environments in a way that didn’t seem possible before. Every magnet fishing trip will be different, which is just one of the many things that pulls people towards this hobby. The thrill of the hunt is what helps to keep things interesting.
What Do You Need to Go Magnet Fishing?
Just like with most other hobbies, there are some things that you are going to need to get started. The most important things that you will need are a strong magnet, a rope to tie to the magnet so it doesn’t get lost, and the right knowledge.
The place that you go magnet fishing is also really important, as it can increase your chances of finding metal. You will also need to come prepared with both patience and enthusiasm, otherwise, this hobby can get boring for those that are not prepared to wait.
Magnet fishing often yields results quickly, but you might not always get the epic find that you were looking for.
Magnet Fishing Magnets
Something that you will definitely need is a really strong magnet in order to take part. You will need to get the strongest magnet that you can find, and be sure to tie it very securely to a rope. The pull force of the magnet will be at its highest when the metal object is flat against it.
However, during magnet fishing, flat contact is quite difficult to achieve, as objects may be covered in things like debris and soil at the bottom of the water.
Something else to consider is that the metal object itself might not be flat, which is why getting a stronger magnet is really advisable in order to compensate for these irregularities.
You will also need to know that the bigger finds will need a stronger magnet to be pulled out of the area that they have resided in for a long time.
What is the Best Magnet for Magnet Fishing?
The absolute best magnet that you can use for magnet fishing is a neodymium magnet, and their compact size can have an excellent pull force. Neodymium magnets are a type of rare-earth magnet that is considered to be one of the strongest magnets that you can get.
You will need to be really careful when you are handling these magnets, as they are really strong and they can cause injury and damage electronics. You should never put two of these magnets together because the force on impact could cause them to shatter.
What is the Best Rope For Magnet Fishing?
As well as an excellent magnet, you are also going to need a good rope as your line. You should try to get a rope that is at least 50ft in length as this will be long enough for fishing in most places.
If you know that the place that you are going magnet fishing is really deep, then you might want to get a longer rope for this purpose. A longer rope can also be useful when fishing from bridges.
One of the best rope materials that you can use for this purpose is nylon paracord, and this is due to its strength, durability, elasticity, high abrasion resistance, and its ability to hold a knot well.
These are all things that are really important when it comes to magnet fishing, as the magnet can often get stuck, and the last thing that you want is for the rope to break when you are trying to free it.
Do I Need to Wear Gloves for Magnet Fishing?
It is recommended that you use gloves when you go magnet fishing to protect your hands against rope burns and anything that you might be picking up out of the water. You can get normal work gloves from a hardware store, but they should be waterproof to stop your hands from getting wet and cold.
Magnet Storage
These magnets are really strong, which can make them difficult to store and transport. If you get it stuck to your car door or something similar, then you are going to struggle to remove it without causing any damage.
Polystyrene is a material that will cancel out most of the magnetic pull, so this is a great material to use for transportation.
Magnet Fishing Tips for Beginners
Now that you have all of the equipment that you need to get started, it is time to start your adventure. We are going to provide you with some helpful tips and information on magnet fishing to help you along the way.
Where Can You Go Magnet Fishing?
You can usually find metal in almost any type of river or pond when there have been known to be people around. Places like bridges, canals, and piers are all really popular spots, as they see plants of food and boat traffic.
If you are looking for really interesting finds, then you are going to have to get researching.
Some famous historical sights will have already been picked clean by other detectors and fishers, but there are others where you may find some really interesting things. Places like old riverside roads and historic harbors can often be full of hidden treasures.
As well as this, large river mouths and spillways will be littered with items that have been washed downstream.
The Best Knot for Magnet Fishing
One of the most common ways to attach your rope to your magnet is with a knot. Some people will opt to use a carabiner clip for the link between the two, but there still needs to be a knot to secure everything together. Thankfully, this doesn’t require a complex, fancy knot in order to get the job done.
The two most popular knots for this purpose are the figure 8 follow-through and the palomar. Both of these options are easy to tie after some practice, and neither of them can come undone by pulling on them.
Getting Unstuck
One of the most common problems that you will experience when you first start magnet fishing is getting your magnet stuck on something when fishing. This could be on the railing of a bridge, or anything that is lurking below in the water. However, unticking your magnet is not so difficult if you know what you are doing.
The first thing that you need to do is try to slide the magnet off sideways, as this will ensure that you are not pulling against its whole pulling power. If this doesn’t work, then you can always pull it from side to side with quick and sharp tugs. If none of this works, then it is left down to a good game of tug-of-war.
Is Magnet Fishing Dangerous?
Magnet fishing can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are running into. One of the most common dangers is cutting yourself, which is why wearing gloves is so important. You might also need a tetanus shot if this happens.
Other dangers can occur with the type of things that you are pulling out of the water. Some people have pulled out unexploded bombs, and this is quite common in Europe. If you do find one, you should carefully lower it back into the water, tie off your rope, and call the police.
What Have People Found When Magnet Fishing?
People have found all sorts of things when they have gone magnet fishing, and you could find anything from bullets, unexploded bombs, swords, hand guns to machine guns. Other than weaponry, you could find things like find road signs, shovels, tools, nails, fishing hooks, ball bearings, anchors, propellers, and other unique objects.
In the King Sedgemoor Drain, Grey Lake at Kingsweston UK, a father and his son found more than 30 gun parts. In Christleton, UK a group of young people actually found a World War 2 live grenade while magnet fishing.
The grenade was safely detonated by authorities. Near the River Irwell in Salford UK, a family found a big bag that contained a shotgun, 2 handguns, and ammo, which were all handed in to the police.
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