If you love heading out on the boat in the early morning hours to catch a few white basses or bring in a trout or two, you might consider adding a couple of extra tools to your tackle box that are sure to secure catches you never thought possible. The next time you plan your trip, consider throwing in a high power magnet and a rope. That’s right, it may be time to dive head first into the little known world of magnet fishing. With the right equipment, appropriate technique, and perhaps a decent amount of luck, magnets can combine with the world of fishing to snag some amazing treasures.
While magnet fishing won’t yield you your daily limit of crappie or let you reel in that prize, large-mouth bass you’ve always dreamed of, you may just pull in some treasures that are far more valuable. Avid magnet fishers have landed items from Civil War era rifles to furniture to car parts. Some have even discovered unopened safes just sitting at the bottom of the lake, waiting to be found. It all starts with getting the right fishing magnet and a strong rope.
Tools of the Trade
There are various types of magnets you can use, but Neodymium magnets are the most popular. They are measured in terms of pull force. A neodymium magnet may itself only weigh a pound or two but still have a pull force of 500 to 1000 lbs. This is an easy magnet to carry around and still get great results. Of course, the higher the pull force, the more likely the magnet will be able to secure itself to all kinds of treasures below the water. For example, a high pull force magnet could attract a sunken refrigerator and not let go. It is important to keep in mind, though, that if your magnet connects to an item that is extremely heavy, you will also have to be able to pull that item in from the water to see the real fruits of your labor. This is not always an easy task, and may require two or more people to be successful.
Just as fishing tackle comes in many varieties depending on the type of fishing, the neodymium magnet style comes in several different types. A one-sided fishing magnet with an eyebolt doesn’t come with too hefty a price tag, and it can still produce amazing results. Depending on whether you’ll be dropping your magnet into the water from a structure above the water, such as a bridge, or if you’ll be casting your magnet into the water from the shore and dragging it back to land, you may also have to consider different kinds of magnets. A double-sided round fishing magnet is a great option. With the pull force coming from both sides of the double-sided magnet, it is a great tool if you’ll be casting and dragging since it will be effective regardless of which side of the magnet it lands on at the bottom of the water. A cone-shaped magnet works well from the shoreline or above the water but could be a bit pricier depending on where it is purchased. And once you’ve secured yourself a heavy-weight rope that is sure not to break due to force or repeated use, you’ve got yourself all the makings of a great magnet fishing trip.
The verdict
So can a magnet be a useful tool in the world of fishing? You’d better believe it. With the right gear and an explorer’s spirit, at the end of the day, you won’t be left with only a story of the one that got away.