Key Takeaways:
- A fishing magnet is a powerful neodymium magnet in a protective steel casing used to retrieve metal objects from underwater, with pulling forces ranging from 300-2000+ pounds.
- Beginners should start with a 500-800 lb single-sided magnet, proper rope, and safety gear for around $75-100 total investment.
- Always check local laws before magnet fishing, wear protective gloves, and report any weapons found to police.
- While you probably won’t get rich, magnet fishing offers outdoor adventure, environmental cleanup benefits, and the thrill of discovering everything from tools to historical artifacts.
Ever wondered what people are doing when they’re throwing magnets attached to ropes into rivers and lakes? They’re magnet fishing – and it’s one of the fastest-growing outdoor hobbies around.
What Is a Fishing Magnet
The fishing magnet is a powerful neodymium magnet (usually housed in protective steel) that’s designed specifically for retrieving metal objects from underwater. These aren’t your average fridge magnets – we’re talking about magnets strong enough to pull up bicycles, safes, and even motorcycles from the bottom of rivers and lakes.
Magnet fishing has exploded in popularity over the last few years. And for good reason. In this post, as a professional fishing magnet supplier, I will share everything about it you need to know.
Why Magnet Fishing Is Taking Off
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Every body of water has decades (sometimes centuries) worth of metal objects sitting on the bottom. Lost tools, discarded bikes, historical artifacts, and yes – even the occasional treasure.
In fact, a recent survey found that 68% of magnet fishers have found something they consider “valuable” within their first month of the hobby.
But that’s just scratching the surface.
How Fishing Magnets Work
A fishing magnet isn’t complicated.
It’s essentially three components:
- A neodymium magnet (the strongest permanent magnet available)
- A steel casing (protects the brittle magnet and focuses the magnetic field)
- An eyebolt attachment (for securing your rope)
The magic happens when you combine these elements.
The steel casing does two important things:
First, it protects the magnet from breaking. (Neodymium is incredibly strong but also brittle – drop it on concrete and it’ll shatter.)
Second, it concentrates the magnetic field to one or two sides, making it WAY more powerful in those directions.
Profi-Tipp: Single-sided magnets can have 5x more pulling power on their magnetic face compared to a bare magnet of the same size.
Types of Fishing Magnets (And Which One You Need)
Not all fishing magnets are created equal.
In fact, choosing the wrong type can mean the difference between hauling in awesome finds and going home empty-handed.
Let me break down the three main types:
Single-Sided Magnets
These are your classic fishing magnets. They have one magnetic face (usually the bottom) with all the pulling power concentrated there.
Pull force: 300-1,200+ lbs
Geeignet für: Beginners, vertical drops, targeting specific spots
Price range: $20-80
The beauty of single-sided magnets? They’re easier to handle. Objects only stick to one side, so you’re not fighting to remove finds from multiple surfaces.
Double-Sided Magnets
Picture a magnet sandwich – two neodymium magnets with steel plates on both sides and the eyebolt in the middle.
Pull force: 600-1,000+ lbs (combined)
Geeignet für: Dragging along bottoms, covering more area
Price range: $40-120
These bad boys give you twice the surface area for catching objects. Perfect when you’re “trolling” from a bridge or boat.
360° Magnets
The newest kids on the block. These magnets are magnetic on ALL sides – not just top and bottom.
Pull force: 500-2,000+ lbs
Geeignet für: Maximum coverage, experienced users
Price range: $60-200+
Here’s the thing about 360° magnets:
They’re incredibly effective but also challenging to use. Everything sticks to them from every angle.
What You Can Actually Find with Fishing Magnets
Let’s get real for a second.
You’re probably not going to find a chest full of gold coins on your first trip. (Though it has happened!)
But here’s what most people actually pull up:
Common finds:
- Fishing hooks and lures (ironic, right?)
- Tools (wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers)
- Bikes and scooters
- Shopping carts
- Railroad spikes
- Coins and keys
- Scrap metal
Exciting finds:
- Safes (usually empty, but still cool)
- Weapons (knives, sometimes guns)
- Historical artifacts
- Jewelry
- Motorcycles
- Old signs
A buddy of mine found a WWII-era rifle in a river in Germany. Another pulled up a motorcycle from a canal in Amsterdam.
The point is: you never know what’s down there.
Getting Started: Your First Magnet Fishing Setup
Ready to give it a shot?
Here’s exactly what you need:
1. The Magnet
For beginners, I recommend starting with a 500-800 lb single-sided magnet.
Why? It’s strong enough to pull up substantial finds but not so powerful that you’ll get it permanently stuck to a bridge support.
(Trust me, losing a $60 magnet on your first outing is no fun.)
2. The Rope
Don’t cheap out here.
You need:
- 65+ feet of rope (100 feet is better)
- High-strength nylon or paracord
- 6-8mm thickness minimum
The rope is your lifeline to your magnet. If it snaps, your magnet is gone forever.
3. Essential Gear
Gloves: Heavy-duty work gloves are non-negotiable. Rusty metal = tetanus risk.
Bucket: For your finds (and trash – be a good steward!)
Thread locker: Apply to your eyebolt so it doesn’t unscrew underwater.
First aid kit: Better safe than sorry.
Total investment for a quality starter setup? About $75-100.
Where to Go Magnet Fishing
Location is everything in magnet fishing.
The best spots combine three factors:
- Historical activity
- Easy access
- Legal permission
Top locations:
Bridges – Especially old ones. People have been dropping stuff off bridges for centuries.
Boat launches – Where people fumble with equipment while getting in/out of boats.
Fishing piers – Dropped tackle, tools, and occasionally phones.
Old swimming holes – Popular spots from decades past often hide treasures.
Canal locks – Where boats wait and people get bored (and drop things).
Urban rivers – More people = more dropped items.
But here’s the crucial part:
Always check local laws first. Some places require permits. Others ban it entirely.
The Legal Side (Don’t Skip This)
I know, I know. Legal stuff is boring.
But ignoring it can lead to fines, confiscated equipment, or worse.
Key legal considerations:
- Private property – Always get permission
- Historical sites – Often protected by law
- Weapons – Must be reported to police
- Environmental regulations – Some areas prohibit disturbing sediment
The good news? Most public waterways allow magnet fishing. Just do your homework first.
Safety First (Seriously)
Magnet fishing is generally safe, but these magnets are POWERFUL.
Safety rules:
Keep magnets away from electronics – They’ll destroy phones, credit cards, and pacemakers
Watch your fingers – Getting pinched between a magnet and metal is extremely painful
Never magnet fish alone – If something goes wrong, you need help nearby
Be careful with finds – Old ammunition can still be live
Secure your rope – Tie it to something solid or yourself
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Magnet
Your fishing magnet is an investment. Treat it right and it’ll last years.
After each use:
- Rinse with fresh water
- Scrub off rust and debris
- Vollständig trocken
- Apply WD-40 or similar protectant
- Store in a dry place (away from electronics!)
Pro tip: Keep your magnet in its original box or a wooden box. It prevents accidental magnetization of nearby metal.
Building Your Magnet Fishing Community
One of the best parts about this hobby? The community.
Magnet fishers are generally friendly folks who love sharing finds and locations.
Ways to connect:
- Join local magnet fishing Facebook groups
- Check out magnet fishing subreddits
- Watch YouTube channels (tons of great content)
- Attend meetups in your area
Sharing your finds online is half the fun. Just remember to blur out any identifying information on found items.
The Environmental Bonus
Here’s something cool:
Magnet fishing isn’t just fun – it’s good for the environment.
Every piece of metal you remove is one less pollutant in the water. Old bikes, shopping carts, and scrap metal leak rust and other chemicals.
Many magnet fishers work with local environmental groups to organize cleanup events. It’s a win-win: you get to hunt for treasure while helping clean waterways.
Is Magnet Fishing Worth It?
Let me be straight with you:
If you’re only in it to get rich, you’ll probably be disappointed.
But if you enjoy:
- Being outdoors
- The thrill of discovery
- Meeting like-minded people
- Helping the environment
- Low-cost hobbies
Then magnet fishing is absolutely worth trying.
The initial investment is minimal. The ongoing costs are basically zero. And every trip is an adventure.
