The Basics of Fishing Magnets

The latest buzz in outdoor hobbies is magnet fishing – it’s basically metal detecting for bodies of water. You sit on the shore, just like you would during regular fishing, and then whoosh – you pull up some mysterious object from below with your powerful magnet. Sometimes it’s just junky magnetic materials, but occasionally it’s a piece of history or something valuable. Plus, it’s a great way to clean up your local waterways and help keep them safer for everybody.

Magnet fishing is a fun and interesting hobby for anybody that’s interested in exploring the outdoors in an exciting new way. There are plenty of interesting things to find in our waterways, from old car parts and boat anchors, to lost sunglasses and the spark plug from a motorboat.

To do magnet fishing, you need a few key things:

First, you’ll need a good quality magnetic fishing magnet. The best option is a neodymium magnet because they’re the superhero of the magnet fishing world – they’re strong, reliable and really have a lot of pull. They’re also quite affordable compared to other types of magnets and can be found at most hardware stores.

You’ll also need a rope that can handle the weight of whatever you might be pulling up from the water. Nylon paracord is a popular choice because it’s strong, durable and waterproof, and it has high abrasion resistance. It’s also easy to tie and holds a knot very well. The most commonly used knot is the figure-of-eight, which is very easy to learn and very secure once it’s tied. It’s important to regularly check the knot and the rope during magnet fishing, especially if you’re in murky water.

It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings when magnet fishing, as the magnet may catch on some items in your immediate vicinity. Some of these objects may be dangerous or even illegal, so it’s important to keep an eye out for weapons (including guns) and other hazardous materials. You should also avoid areas that have been the site of crimes in the past, as these may contain dangerous substances and can pose a safety hazard to people walking by.

Finally, you’ll want to bring along a hard-case to store and transport your magnet. It’ll protect the magnet from accidental contact with ferromagnetic items while you’re carrying it and can keep it from getting accidentally pinching anyone or anything else. You’ll also need gloves, a pair of eye goggles, a threadlocker and a water-resistant cooler to carry your haul.

Magnet fishing is a fun and interesting activity, but it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and always follow the rules. Be sure to check out your local laws and guidelines before you start your own adventure, and remember that you may be required to report certain finds if they’re historical or valuable. Also, it’s important to be conscious of the environmental impact of your hobby and make an effort to reduce your impact as much as possible.