Magnet fishing is a fun and exciting hobby that has grown in popularity recently. A strong magnet is attached to a rope to pull metal objects from waterways. For beginners interested in magnet fishing, following these magnet fishing tips can help you get started and have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Choose the Right Magnet
The most important piece of magnet fishing equipment is the magnet. As a beginner, starting with a basic neodymium magnet that can lift 40-50 pounds is best. More powerful magnets are available but can quickly get heavy and difficult to pull up, especially for beginners. Choose a magnet with an eye bolt attached that can be easily connected to your rope. Eventually, you may want to get or make a magnet grabber tool to make items easier to remove from your magnet once pulled from the water.
Make Sure Your Magnet is Securely Attached
Before making your first drop, make sure your magnet is securely attached to your rope with a tight knot. Tie the other end of the rope to something stable on shore, like a fence or tree. You want to avoid losing your magnet in the water.
Get Strong Rope and Gloves
You’ll need some good quality rope for magnet fishing, about 3/16 inch diameter and at least 50 feet long. This will allow you to make drops into deeper waters from higher banks. Gloves are highly recommended as you frequently pull up sharp metal objects. Consider getting gloves that are water resistant if you plan to magnet fish often.
Scout Your Location
It’s best to go magnet fishing in waters that allow public access, such as lakes, rivers, canals, creeks, or oceans. Make sure you can magnet fish in the body of water you choose. Look for areas with high visibility and low boat traffic. Bridges, docks, fishing piers, and dams are often good spots.
Permission and Private Property
Obtain permission if you plan to magnet fish on private property. Respect landowners’ rights and adhere to any guidelines they may have to maintain a positive reputation for the magnet fishing community.
Research Local Laws
Before embarking on a magnet fishing expedition, familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations governing the activity. Some areas may have restrictions, and understanding the legal landscape ensures a responsible and enjoyable experience.
Be Safe
When you arrive at your spot, note any potential dangers. Keep a wide clearance from boat traffic, spillways, dams, or anything that could entangle your rope. It’s also important to follow all local laws and ordinances. Never magnet fish in restricted areas.
Start Making Drops
Once set up, you can start casting your magnet out into the water. Make sure you have plenty of rope to lower it deep, but still keep hold of the end. Let the magnet sink to the bottom, then gently drag it or sweep it through the water. Experiment with short, quick drags and longer sweeps to see what works best.
Be Patient
It may take some time and several casts before you pull up anything. If you are fishing in an area where others have been magnet fishing, the easiest finds may already be gone. Stay calm. Keep making drops, trying different areas, and learning the unique conditions of your spot. The joy of magnet fishing is that you never know when something amazing might get pulled up.
Check Regulations on Your Finds
While magnet fishing can be exciting any time you pull up a find, check your local laws and ordinances, especially for anything related to weapons like knives, firearms, and explosives. Only keep legal items. Also, be aware that finds like coins or artifacts may fall under treasure-hunting laws. Do your research so you don’t get in trouble.
Have Storage and Cleaning Tools Ready
Eventually, you’ll start pulling things up, which is when the real fun begins! But you’ll need to have a way to store your finds and tools ready to clean them up. A bucket, towel, and scrub brush are good basic items to have. You may also want gloves and surgical masks if cleaning rusty or hazardous items. Have a plan for proper disposal of unwanted debris you pull up.
Start Small and Be Patient
As a beginner, start with smaller waterways and pools rather than massive rivers or swamps. This lets you easily wade into spots for a better look at potential finds. Magnet fishing takes a lot of patience. Moving the magnet differently and trying new areas will eventually lead to findings.
Go With Others If Possible
For safety and assistance, it’s better to magnet fish with others, especially as a beginner. Having others will let you check out more areas, pull up heavier objects, and get help if your magnet gets stuck. Experienced magnet anglers may also have useful magnet fishing tips to share.
Enjoy the Thrill of Discovery
The fun of magnet fishing is that you never know when an amazing find will come up. It could be rare coins, old tools, firearms, or anything metal. Enjoy the thrill of discovery, but make sure to do it safely and legally. With these magnet fishing tips, you’ll be ready for success as a beginner. Just get out there, be patient, and see what treasures await in your local waters.