Want to discover a new hobby? Try neodymium magnet fishing, the new activity that is starting to seduce people all around the world but like everything else, you will need to learn the basics. Just like their neighbor the Belgians, they are just starting to adopt the trend of the moment: magnetic fishing.
Young and old, rope in hand, stand on the banks to rid the rivers of their scrap metal. It is both an ecological gesture and a new way to do a treasure hunt. Indeed, many people have already brought up interesting objects from the water. At the same time, it’s a great way to pass the time: that’s how magnet fishing has already won over so many people!
Which magnet for magnet fishing
Beyond appearances, this new treasure hunt requires special equipment. Indeed, the magnet used must have a powerful magnetic field with a superior lifting force. Forget the ferrite magnets used as simple magnets. The discipline requires neodymium magnets with an impressive adhesion force. As choices, you have the classic neodymium single lift, double lift and 360° magnet.
The former has a single attachment and a single magnetized face. The second one can be attached in two positions and has two magnetized faces. As for the last one, all its sides can be magnetized to a metallic surface.
How to choose a magnet?
The choice of the type of neodymium magnet to use depends on several factors. First, regarding the lifting system, you have 3 possibilities. If you are fishing from a deck, i.e. vertically, the classic single lift magnet is perfectly suitable. However, if you are fishing from a drag, you can use a magnet with two lifting positions or 360°.
After that, consider the weight of the object you hope to lift. In practice, a neodymium magnet can hold up to 400 kg twice. When purchasing, do not be tempted by cheap, but weakly magnetized neodymium magnets. In order to ensure the smooth running of magnet fishing, buy only from specialized dealers.
A French blog specializing in prospecting and adventure hobbies offers a complete guide to magnet fishing. We advise you to check it out.
What equipment do I need in addition to the magnet?
Of course, the neodymium magnet alone does not make you a magnet fisherman. In order to carry out this experience and enjoy your hobby to the fullest, you must have other accessories. First of all, since this is fishing like any other, you need a line. However, magnet fishing uses a rope instead.
Plan on a minimum length of 20 meters. In addition, you need gloves to protect your hands. Generally, this is the basic equipment for magnetic fishing. After that, you can also have a storage case, a grappling hook or a magnet pole. Although useful, these are simple accessories.
What can we expect to find during a fishing session with a magnet
The rivers and streams hide many things. This means that all kinds of objects can come up at the end of your line. However, the nature of your finds depends on several factors. First, location naturally influences your treasure hunt. Certainly, your powerful neodymium magnet won’t pick up the same things in two different locations. While some rivers hold scooters, tools and plates, others hide shopping carts or weapons.
The depth of the water will also affect what you find. In general, magnet fishermen have better luck with shallow rivers.
Also, the magnetic strength of your magnet defines what you can reel in. But already, even with a classic single-lift magnet of 150 kg, you have many possibilities.
Is magnet fishing allowed?
Even if at first glance magnet fishing can be practiced without restriction, the law has some reservations about it. First, as it is a form of prospecting, it must only be done for archaeological purposes. This means that you cannot fish with neodymium magnets near archaeological sites. In this condition, the practice could well upset a potential discovery. Of course, professionals with an administrative permit may fish in these areas.
Secondly, concerning the finds, they generally belong to the person who brought them up. However, if the found object comes from a watercourse that is owned by someone else, both parties will dispose of it fairly. Insofar as no one can prove ownership, the object caught will go to the person who brought it up. On the whole, the legislation concerning detection and other forms of prospecting can be applied to this original fishing.
Where to fish with magnets ?
With all the streams, rivers and waterways in the area, the choice is yours. But before you cast your neodymium magnet into the water, be careful about where you cast. Be aware that you can’t do any ecological fishing with magnets in the vicinity of archaeological areas. Also, avoid sites exposed to the two great wars. Indeed, you risk bringing up explosive or dangerous objects.
You want to start fishing with magnets?
As you know, magnet fishing is done with powerful magnets and other potentially dangerous accessories. So, you need to take certain precautions when you go treasure hunting. First of all, get the right equipment. In addition to the basic fishing accessories, use an appropriate bag to properly carry your equipment. Also, adopt the necessary protective gear.
In addition to gloves to protect you from the rope and possible cuts, wear safety shoes. The banks of some rivers can hide bits of glass, metal or thorns. Then, in order not to cause inconvenience to others, prefer areas with little traffic. This applies to passers-by as well as to boats and ships.
Because indeed, by throwing your big magnet, you can hurt someone. After that, be aware that a neodymium magnet generates a very strong magnetic field. Therefore, keep it away from electronic devices such as TVs, smartphones and computers. Unlike ferrite magnets, neodymium magnets can cause devices to malfunction.
As a final precaution, don’t forget to tie off your magnet’s cord before each throw. It can happen that the string inadvertently slips out of your hands and gets lost in the water.
Are you looking to detect buried metals? Think about metal detection too!
Both an ecological gesture and a booming hobby, magnetic fishing has many advantages. In addition, it seems more accessible compared to other prospecting activities. However, fishing with neodymium magnets also has some drawbacks. In particular, this practice presents notable risks given the equipment it requires.
The things that come up in the rivers can also be dangerous. Recently, fishermen have found elements of pyrotechnics still active. And above all, for a prospecting, the magnetic fishing does not bring anything really interesting and is practiced rather at random.
