Baltimore Magnet Fishing

FAQ

  • What is magnet fishing?
    • Magnet fishing is hobby that involves using a strong magnet attached to a rope to retrieve metal objects from bodies of water.
    • It’s a combination of traditional fishing and treasure hunting, where participants cast their magnet into a body of water and hope to catch a submerged metallic object. Common finds include coins, knives, tools, and bicycles. 
  • What do I need to get started?
    • Magnet 
    • Rope
    • PPE (Cut free gloves and base layer gloves either nitrile or latex) 
    • Bucket
    • Grappling Hook
  • There are beginner kits online that have all of these items! Check out Brute Magnetics, Magnetar Magnets, or Amazon.
  • What kind of magnet do I need? There are 3 types of magnets generally available.
    • Single sided: single concentrated magnetic field at the bottom. Ideal for lowering and pulling directly back up.
    • Double sided: two magnetic sides. Ideal for tossing out and dragging back towards the dock/pier.
    • 360°: give magnet fishers the biggest chance of pulling in their finds as all sides are magnetic and have 200%+ increase in magnetic attraction distance.
  • A minimum of ~700lbs of pull force is recommended
  • What are the dangers of magnet fishing?
    • Dangerous objects/risk of personal injury (sharp, explosive, toxic, etc.)
    • Getting equipment lost or stuck
    • Unknowingly removing something from the environment that should be there
  • Responsible magnet fishing tips!
    • Have a plan for debris disposal!
    • Bring a friend
    • Check the weather
    • Research an area before you go (some areas, especially around military areas have strict rules and permits, often for safety reasons)
    • Practice patience, just like real fishing you won’t catch something every throw
    • Compare magnet fishing kits from Brute Magnetics, Magnetar Magnetics, and Amazon to see which kit makes the most sense for you!