Magnet fishing is suitable for various people, genders, and ages, but what not to do when using fishing magnets? Are there any risks that you should look out for? This activity sounds fun, but you also have to be careful and considerate of the fish species and other living things that live under the water.
The first thing that you should avoid when using fish magnets is to disturb schools of fish, especially when it’s their feeding time. It’s because the magnet can fall under the water, and bigger fishes may think that magnet is food for them. Accidental ingestion of magnets can result in the instant death of the fish or suffering for a long time.
The most exciting part about fishing magnets is that you can find instant silver and even gold underwater. You may even pick up other cool and exciting items like containers and pieces of jewelry. However, there are things that you should not do avoid disturbing the species that are living in the water.
What Is Magnet Fishing?
Magnet fishing involves using a neodymium magnet attached to a long rope into different water bodies like a river, marina, and lake. The goal of this activity combines the ecological aspect with the treasure hunt and some leisure fun. You can capture large pieces such as motorcycles, scooters, rifles, safes, ammunition, coins, and car parts with the most used magnets for this hobby.
In the hope of discovering rare or exciting objects, most new followers participate in this hobby. Magnet fishing is about locating metal items in water bodies using powerful magnets, similar to metal detecting, where objects are located on land using a metal detector. Exciting discoveries have been made by individuals who were curious enough to attach a magnet at the end of a rope to answer this, many of whom were very shocked at what they discovered.
Indeed, magnet fishing is an exciting and inexpensive outdoor activity that anyone can do. It provides the outdoor enthusiast an opportunity to engage exceptionally with their environment. Imagine feeling the thrill of searching for what you’re going to find next and the joy of digging some metal treasure out of the water.
Nothing beats the feeling of seeing what’s ‘below the surface’ easily and quickly. What’s more remarkable is when you come across an exciting water spot that you think could hold something special.
The Magnet Fishing Kit
Here are some things that you need to have for your next magnet fishing adventure.
- Aimant – N52 single-sided and double-sided neodymium magnets come in various versions. The bigger the magnet, the larger it will be for the objects. A neodymium magnet is the strongest magnet that you can use for magnet fishing, as its relatively small size can provide a massive pull force. Neodymium magnets are rare-earth magnets and are known as one of the best available magnets. As a note of caution, when handling these magnets, but be very careful as they are mighty and can cause injuries. Never try to put two of these magnets together, as the force can shatter them.
- Rope – It must be thick (1 cm in diameter at least) and reliable. You will need a good rope as your thread, in addition to a powerful magnet. Get a rope that is at least 50 ft long, which would be long enough in most areas for shallow water and fishing. You can use a 100-ft rope if you know for sure that where you want to fish is far, or you want to be able to cast your line far from the water’s edge. Use a 100-ft rope while fishing from bridges.
- Hook – This accessory has three long teeth. It will be beneficial to lift heavy or non-metallic items hidden at the bottom of the lake, designed to fit your fishing equipment with a magnet. The grapple enters the scene as the magnet is unable to go up.
- Gloves – A pair of strong gloves made of sturdy leather gives you maximum protection when handling sharp items.
What Not To Do When Using Fishing Magnets?
With its rising popularity, there have been a lot of people who have been doing magnet fishing. However, with the increasing numbers, there also come violators who have been doing the wrong things in fishing magnets. Here are some things that you should not do when using fishing magnets.
Don’t Play With Dangerous Objects
When playing with fishing magnets, believe it or not, people can find all kinds of iron objects under the water. It includes valuable jewelry, old guns, and other rusting items. However, other people also retrieved unexploded World War bombs from the water depths, making it somehow dangerous. Even if it hasn’t exploded for years, you have to be careful when touching and holding these objects because it can be highly risky.
Don’t Pull The Magnet Too Hard
The amount of force you put in pulling the magnet will pull you back with equal force. Magnet fishing often happens near several different bodies of water, placing you at particular risk of drowning. There is always a slight risk that you will fall into the water and fail to get out, but you do not have to join any water to the magnet.
Don’t Take All Objects That You Get When Magnet Fishing
It is safer to leave any metallic artifacts underwater. There is a possibility that while magnet shing, you might find dangerous things like knives, firearms, or even explosives. For example, some water bodies may have a big knife, a gun, or even a grenade.
Although explosive devices’ likelihood is much lower than other forms of weapons, these things have been found in lakes, rivers, and even ponds by some individuals. This finding is usually more likely near military bases or WWI and WWII battle sites in Europe.
First, as you treat it, you can quickly cut yourself on a knife and be infected with different bacteria from the lake or river’s bed. Second, the weapon could go off and shoot you or someone else. Perhaps worse, the weapon could be tied to a crime that could affect your life in several ways.
Finally, after lying underwater for too long, an explosive such as a grenade can be significantly weakened and may go off even though you treat the object very carefully.
Don’t Use The Wring Magnet Fishing Setup
You will need a few things for your magnet fishing gear and setup. You would need a powerful magnet as your hook and sinker and a rope as your line connecting to the magnet, similar to fishing where you have the hook, line, and sinker, with magnet fishing.
It is necessary to increase the chances of finding metal where you are magnet fish, and there is also a large element of patience and curiosity required. Magnet fishing offers faster results in catching something, unlike fish angling; you quickly get to know if there is some metal hiding under the surface and can reel it in when you feel the magnet sticking heavily to something.
Don’t Forget To Get The Right Fishing Magnets
For magnet fishing, you need a compelling magnet. It is best to get the giant magnet that you can easily hold and tie to a cord. Bear in mind that when the metal object is completely flat against it, the magnet’s pull force will be at its limit.
However, flat contact may be difficult to achieve during magnet fishing, as objects that have been sitting at the bottom of a lake for a long time appear to accumulate debris (soil, vegetation, rust, algae, etc.). The metal object itself might not be flat, so it is advisable to get a much stronger magnet to compensate for these irregularities.
Common Magnet Fishing Finds
Typically, common finds are less thrilling than striking gold or jewelry, but you can still do some things with them. A common discovery is usually a fishing hook or nail, and while this is not a piece of gold, if you are willing to be imaginative, there are still things you can do with them.
When you find an object for the first time, you will check to see if it is durable and will not crack or fall apart. It is also necessary to make sure that it is clean, that your skin is not punctured, and that there are no “surprise” things inside it.
Next, you can evaluate the object’s worth. You may often find that an artifact might have no value or importance to you, but it may be infrequent and precious to someone else. Therefore, taking the things to an antique or pawn shop and seeing if you can get some deals for them does not hurt. You can do several different things with the artifacts if you decide you want to keep the items you found or have not been able to get some cash for them.
For instance, you may be an avid fisherman and realize that you can reuse fishing hooks. In other areas, hobbyists interested in magnet fishing are typically handy or able to become familiar with different hobbies, such as metallurgy or machining. Many of the artifacts you see do not serve a primary function when you find them, but you may destroy and restore many of these objects to create or fix something new.
Some examples involve melting and reshaping most metal items to make something new and useful, such as parts for building a new bike! Bear in mind that everyone is different, so different objects can excite other people. That does not stop you from going out and potentially picking up something that you and no one else can end up being useful!
Best Places to Magnet Fish
There are water bodies in almost all areas, such as streams, rivers, swamps, wetlands, creeks, dams, canals, and sewers. In urban areas and in locations where people often visit, walk along, and are accessible on foot, you can undoubtedly find metal.
Try fishing in less-visited spots, even in the countryside and remote areas, which can yield fascinating metal finds that have long been undisturbed. If you happen to see an old well or drain, then drop your magnet in there for sure.
Historical towns are perfect places for fish magnets. You can only imagine what kinds of metal treasures have been discarded for a long time since times of industrial growth, gold rush, disused munitions factories and mines nearby, and areas that were once war fronts. You can start with the following locations.
- Old Wells
- Lakes
- Rivers
- Ponds
- Creeks
- Dams
- Canals
- Sewers
Magnet Fishing Tips
For your next magnet fishing trip, here are some tips that you can consider.
Required Adhesive Force
Under optimal conditions, the adhesive force noted for the magnets is the optimum force. If the object to be recovered is lacquered or painted, has a rough or uneven surface, or is not made of pure iron, you will need a powerful magnet. In addition, the water pressure that must be resolved during recovery is still present. It is much greater than the pressure of the air. Use magnets with an adhesive force of at least 30 kg for magnet fishing, in case of doubt.
Keep The Magnet Moving
Usually, you do not want to keep the magnet in one position in the water, unmoving. Doing so not only restricts your chances of catching it, but if it hooks on anything so vast and heavy that you can’t pick it up, it might cause you to lose your magnet.
Use the Best Approach
The best strategy is to throw in and pull out the fishing magnet to catch objects as it passes. To cover other places, you can also toss it in and walk it in one direction. Often, the sort of magnet you are using matters. Neodymium magnets are more vigorous, but with exposure to water, they can rust and corrode. A fishing magnet’s life can be increased by buying coated magnets or coating magnets to avoid water corrosion.
Storage
It is essential to store magnets used for magnet fishing safely. It is not unusual for these magnets to unintentionally bind to a ferromagnetic surface while transported in a car or stored inappropriately with such a strong adhesive force. It is why, while not in use, these magnets need to be shielded. For example, a medium plastic case filled with cubed foam is appropriate for this purpose.
Corrosion
When you expose a neodymium magnet to water repeatedly, and without cover, it will gradually begin to rust. Therefore, after each use, you should thoroughly dry the magnet. To provide some security, you can also treat the magnet with a waterproof lacquer.
Chipping And Breaks
Collisions between powerful magnets and coarse metal artifacts will eventually damage the magnet’s coating, to the point that it may even chip off. During heavy clashes, magnets can also break because they are very brittle. Unfortunately, in conjunction with the corrosion problems, now and then, you can expect to have to replace the fishing magnets.
Always Beware Of Your Surroundings
As you would not want the magnet to bind itself to a moving watercraft or propeller, remember always to be mindful of your surroundings and be careful where you throw your magnet and line.
Be Mindful Of The Environment
Always be a healthy and environmentally friendly magnet fisher, and you can be proud that, while always loving this hobby and the outdoors, you have helped in some way to have a positive effect on the environment.
Safety Above All Else
The most significant aspect is the protection of yours and other individuals. Be considerate and use common sense at all times, and do not magnet fish where signs say no fishing is permitted. Ensure the magnet does not come close to any metal beams or poles if you are fishing from a pier or bridge, as it can connect itself to them.
Legal Aspects
Always make sure to first read about the legal situation in your area before you head out with your magnetic fishing rod. Check with the local police if in doubt. Also, bear in mind that fishing for magnets in all waters is not allowed. For instance, you would need the owner’s permission for a private body of water. Furthermore, you will have to comply with all protection initiatives for biodiversity and historical places.
Is Magnet Fishing Legal?
The regulations can vary depending on the country and state laws regarding magnetic fishing laws, and if you are uncertain, it is best to check with the local government body. Different individuals will have different opinions about whether it is legal or illegal to fish with magnets. However, you may opt to view magnet fishing as an eco-friendly practice where it helps to clean scrap waterways.
In most areas, magnetic fishing itself is not directly illegal, but littering and open dumping are. Be mindful of private property when exploring new places and ensure that all rubbish is carefully disposed of, and never dump your finds back into the sea.
If you carry weapons and explosive devices, be sure to contact the local authorities. It is illegal to possess them without permits and is a dangerous threat to citizens’ protection if the guns are still alive, such as an unexploded bomb. You need to report these things to the police to detonate safely.
Conclusion
Magnet fishing is also an enjoyable sport that everyone will enjoy. It is simple to get started and easy to set up, affordable, and provides outdoor enjoyment hours. You will never get tired of visiting various magnet fish locations, and depending on the areas you select, you can find fascinating objects from history. Finally, make sure you always put safety first and try to take someone along to share the experience with them.