Magnet fishing is becoming a thing
With the help of powerful rare-earth alloy, magnet fishers pull garbage out of polluted waterways
Magnet fishing is a unique and exciting hobby that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. This activity involves using a powerful magnet to retrieve metal objects from bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and canals. The objects that can be found while magnet fishing vary widely, from old coins and jewelry to bicycles and even firearms.
Over the years, many outdoor hobbies have developed a following of devoted enthusiasts, including extreme hikes and a variety of dangerous sports. The popularity of these hobbies has only been expedited by social media, where anyone can find common ground with others, meaning hobbies like magnet fishing get more exposure.
What is Magnet Fishing?
Magnet fishing is a simple activity that involves using a powerful magnet to search for metal objects in bodies of water. The magnet is attached to a rope or fishing line and thrown into the water, where it is then dragged along the bottom in search of objects. When the magnet comes into contact with a metal object, it will stick to the object and the magnet, rope, and object can be pulled out of the water. This process is repeated until the magnet no longer finds any objects.
How Does Magnet Fishing Work?
Magnet fishing works because most metals are magnetic to some degree. This means that when a magnet is brought close to a metal object, the magnetic field of the magnet will attract the metal and cause it to stick to the magnet. The strength of the magnet is an important factor in magnet fishing, as stronger magnets will be able to attract heavier objects.
The most common type of magnet used in magnet fishing is a neodymium magnet, which is a type of rare-earth magnet. Neodymium magnets are incredibly strong and can attract objects that are several hundred pounds in weight. These magnets are available in various shapes and sizes, including disc, rectangular, and cylindrical shapes.
Why is Magnet Fishing Popular?
Magnet fishing has become increasingly popular in recent years due to several reasons. First, it is an affordable and accessible hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. All that is required is a magnet and a body of water, which can be found in most parts of the world. Additionally, magnet fishing is an environmentally friendly activity that helps to remove litter and other debris from bodies of water.
Second, magnet fishing is a great way to discover hidden treasures and uncover pieces of history. Many people enjoy the thrill of finding old coins, antique items, or even pieces of old machinery that have been lost in the water for decades. Some people even use magnet fishing as a way to search for evidence of crimes or solve mysteries.
Finally, magnet fishing is a relaxing and enjoyable activity that can be done alone or with friends and family. It provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature while searching for interesting objects.
Legal aspects of magnet fishing
Magnet fishing exists in something of a legal gray area in the United States, likely because it’s a new-ish pasttime—it only really took off here during the COVID pandemic. If you see any deals on powerful magnets (yes, there are starter kits for sale online), just be sure to check any local regulations before you toss your magnet into the water – and that goes for any country you find yourself in.
In fact, although it’s gained a large social media presence, magnet fishing is illegal in some places because it can be dangerous. That same mystery fishers love can be the very reason why you need to be careful. Guns, bombs, literally anything can be tossed in a body of water, and if you don’t know how to handle these things, you could harm yourself or others.
The Canal and River Trust in the U.K. for instance, states that removing “weird and wonderful items” from waterways can be a big risk. “Items dragged out by magnets could be sharp or heavy and cause you to be dragged into the water,” The Canal and River Trust states. “We’ve even had reports of people fishing out old war bombs and dumped weapons.”
Fishing to fight pollution
Magnet fishers say they enjoy what they do because it helps clean the environment; their enthusiasm is genuine. In fact, according to Timothy Hoellein, an aquatic ecologist at Loyola University Chicago, magnet fishing’s biggest benefit is probably one of perspective: getting people to appreciate urban waterways, which don’t always have a great reputation. On the bright side, in fact, magnet fishing could positively impact the environment. YouTuber Bryce of Outdoors Weekly posted a video where hundreds of pounds of shopping carts were pulled out of one area in only a few hours, thus, ultimately cleaning up his local body of water and making it safer for marine life to thrive.
See it in the video:
Whether you are looking for hidden treasures or just want to spend time outdoors with friends and family, magnet fishing is a great way to do it. So, grab a magnet and head to your nearest body of water to see what treasures you can find!
sources: Scientific American I Green Matters
cover image: by Marian.kabele – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
author: Barbara Marcotulli
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