Birmingham is a top magnet fishing city in the UK. Its canals and rivers hold all kinds of metal treasures. This article tells you the best places to go and what you might find.
Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice, Italy. The city also has various rivers and streams. Many people have dropped or dumped things into these waterways over time. This makes Birmingham canals perfect for magnet fishing. No one knows what a magnet will bring up next.
Hot Magnet Fishing Spots in Birmingham
The Birmingham Main Line Canal gets the most magnet fishing. This crosses the city center with shops and cafes nearby. Other hot areas are the Worcester & Birmingham Canal by the Mailbox and Gas Street Basin. Rural canals like the Stratford-upon-Avon are popular too.
- River Tame: Flowing through Birmingham, the River Tame is a major tributary of the River Trent. It plays a significant role in the city’s history and landscape.
- River Rea: Another important river in Birmingham, the River Rea, meanders through the southern parts of the city, contributing to its natural beauty.
- Grand Union Canal: Passing through Birmingham, the Grand Union Canal is one of the longest canals in the UK. It connects London and Birmingham, offering picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks.
- Birmingham and Fazeley Canal: This canal links Birmingham with Fazeley and Tamworth, providing a scenic route with historic locks and charming towpaths.
- Worcester and Birmingham Canal: Connecting Birmingham and Worcester, this canal offers a tranquil setting, passing through suburbs and green landscapes.
- Edgbaston Reservoir: Originally a drinking water reservoir, Edgbaston Reservoir is now a popular recreational spot. Its walking trails and sailing opportunities attract locals and visitors alike.
- Sutton Park Lakes: While not within the city center, the lakes in Sutton Park, such as Bracebridge Pool and Powell’s Pool, provide a natural escape and are great for birdwatching and outdoor activities.
- Earlswood Lakes: Located just south of Birmingham, Earlswood Lakes are a series of reservoirs surrounded by woodlands, offering a peaceful retreat for fishing and walking.
Note: These are the most common places in Birmingham . There are many places we can find. If you have experience in specific areas, we would love to know about it. You can share it with a comment below or contact us.
Finds From Birmingham Waterways
Lots of everyday rubbish gets pulled up of course – old bikes, trollies, tools and more. Unique Birmingham finds have included:
- An old muzzle-loaded pistol from the 1800s
- A sword possibly from the English Civil War era
- Victorian-era bottles and ceramics
- Phones, cameras and laptops lost while boating
- safes, padlocks and cash boxes with unknown histories
As well as the usual metal junk, the city’s varied history makes Birmingham canals full of mysteries!
Responsible Magnet Fishing
Birmingham magnet fishing must be done responsibly:
- Always get Canal and River Trust permission
- Remove and recycle rubbish from waterways
- Report weapons, explosives or bodies to police
- Do not damage vegetation or heritage structures
Follow these guidelines to keep the hobby fun and safe for everyone.
When Did Magnet Fishing Get Popular?
Magnet fishing has really grown across the UK over the past 5 years. Birmingham locals trace it back to viral YouTube videos from 2017-2018. Channels like “Urbex and Chill” made digging up treasures look exciting! Now, various Birmingham groups magnet fish most weekends.
Top Birmingham Magnet Fishing Clubs
Here are some of the most active Birmingham region magnet fishing groups:
- Brum Magnets – Hundreds of members since starting via Facebook in 2019. Meet in the city center most weekends.
- West Midlands Magneteers – Formed in 2021 to explore the wider region’s waterways as far as Coventry.
- Magpie Canal Group – Focuses just on Birmingham’s extensive canal network. Friendly crew!
- Black Country Magnets – From Walsall and Wolverhampton but travel all over. Arrange weekly trips.
Joining a group makes magnet fishing around Birmingham much easier and safer. You can learn from experienced local magnet fishers too. Most welcome new members with the right responsible attitude.
Why Try Magnet Fishing in Birmingham?
Firstly, Birmingham magnet fishing means seeing amazing canal side landmarks. Spots like the Cube, old factories and graffitied bridges make great backdrops! Beyond that, the thrill of discoveries keeps people coming back. Birmingham’s waterways hold lost treasures plus everyday rubbish. So you never know what your magnet will pull up next. It makes for an exciting hobby.
Responsible Birmingham Magnet fishing also helps keep the canals cleaner. Removing old junk metal benefits boaters and wildlife. Magnet fishing with a club adds extra fun with barbeques, competitions, and online banter too.
Hopefully, this article has shown magnet fishing is an exciting Birmingham hobby. Canals from Gas Street to Wolverhampton offer discovery potential. Just go responsibly – ask landowners, remove rubbish and stay safe. Then enjoy seeing what your magnet attracts from Birmingham’s watery history below!