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There are many blogs and articles out there that are focused on magnet fishing tips. But not all of them provide information relevant to the basics of magnet fishing, which can be more than confusing for beginners.
This article will discuss these basics so you know what to expect and how to get started.
What is magnet fishing?
Magnet fishing, or more precisely, modern recreational magnet fishing is a sport and hobby that involves using magnets to try to find metal objects hidden in rivers, streams, lakes and oceans.
The use of specialized tools such as the M6X2 Multiplier are popular in this pursuit because they can help you to increase your chances of finding a rare or valuable item.
The sport of magnet fishing became more popular after the release of an internet DVD that described the techniques in detail. This allowed other enthusiasts to try it without having to purchase expensive equipment.
What do I need to start?
To get started with your first magnet fishing experience, what you'll need is a detector, a good pair of gloves, a bucket or bag for your finds, a scoop or a magnet fishing rake, and of course a good location.
Magnet fishing in rivers : You can find nails, bolts and other heavy items at river bottoms. A detector with a waterproof case is essential to prevent water damage from rain or waves. Some detectors are available as waterproof models. Despite this, they may still be damaged by water or direct contact with saltwater.
Magnet fishing in lakes : You can look for objects at the bottom of a lake, including coins and jewelry . The environment here is different from that of rivers. Lakes are typically much larger and deeper than rivers, so a waterproof detector may not be sufficient. They need to be designed to handle deeper water.
Magnet fishing in the ocean: This activity takes a lot of preparation and knowledge about the sea, such as tides . You'll need a waterproof detector that's also designed to resist saltwater. When you detect something with this type of device, use a scoop or magnet fishing rake on dry land instead of extracting it underwater.
The scoop or magnet fishing rake is used to separate the metal object from the sand by lifting it above ground. This makes digging unnecessary, and the result can be seen visually. Never dig unless you're certain you're not going to hit anything.
This is because if there's electricity in a nearby power line, then hitting it will make a pole flip or an electric shock. If you want to dig, use a shovel with the edge facing away from your body so it doesn't hit any power lines. Check that all electric cables are off before going magnet fishing .
You can also get food like lobsters and crabs if you find something in water deeper than several tens of centimeters. The depth is measured from the surface of water, and it varies depending on location.
Each activity has its own techniques. Many beginners don't know how to use their detectors, so you should take some time to practice.
What kind of detector should I use?
The type of magnet fishing detector you need really depends on what kind of activities you'll be doing. If you plan to magnet fish in a river, all you need is a waterproof detector that's designed for water and saltwater use. However, if you want to go deep sea fishing or do some digging at an old building site, then you might need something with more advanced features and capabilities than the basic models.
Some detectors can also be used in the water, so you can switch between different environments like this. Shop around for a model with all of these qualities.
Best Magnet Fishing Tips
Know your magnets!
The bigger the magnet is, the stronger it will naturally be. Bigger magnets are heavier though and you have to carry them on your back or drag them behind you in a boat or some other vehicle, so there are advantages and disadvantages depending on how far away your target metal is from home !
More surface area = more strength!
If you want a magnet with the same power as a smaller one, use two magnets instead of one like this:
Use them in opposite ways; point 1 to 3 and 2 to 4. With two 1 inch (25 mm) thick magnets you will have double the power of a single 1 inch (25 mm) thick magnet.
Remember height is important too, so if you want to double your power, put two 1" x 2" (25 x 50 mm) magnets on top of each other like this and they will have six times the pulling force of one 1" x 2" (25 x 50 mm).
The shape of the magnet is important too
A flat magnet always has a weaker pull than if you make it into a ball. This is because the force is distributed evenly over a larger area, which means that each part only pulls with half the power. So if you want to double your power, make sure that all parts are facing towards the target metal.
Always try to strike a balance
You can't have too many magnets in one setup, but you definitely can have too few! The power of the pull is not just determined by the size and shape of your magnet(s), it also depends on how deep down and far away from home your target metal is ! If you're fishing in deep water (over your head) you need more powerful magnets.
Use a weight to keep the magnet flat on the ground
If you position your magnet ball with the pole up high in your setup, it will easily tip over when you pull down on it which can cause you to lose valuable time and energy. When there is nobody around to keep it steady, use a weight like an old tire filled with concrete.
Always put the magnet in the water first!
If you want to know what's on the bottom or if there is something that pulls you down towards it when you swim over it (like a sunken tree or log), put one of the poles of a magnet in the water first and see if something is pulling you down towards it.
Always use both hands when fishing!
Whenever possible, some times even with really heavy magnets, always use two hands to pull up your find like this:
Find the spot with the strongest pull!
If you have decided on where to dig, kneel down and let your magnet drop over the area where you think there is metal. Let go of one side so it drops straight down and then do the same thing from the other side. If you feel the strongest pull on one side, that's where your target metal is!
Never get too close to your magnet!
If you're using a big, strong magnet and it is lying on dry land or water, try to position yourself as far away from it as possible while still being able to control it. If you're fishing in water, try to use the pole or a handle to keep yourself away from your magnet and metal.
When there are two magnets, always divide them up!
If you have two really strong magnets work together to locate the target metal by dividing it into four. Start by putting one end on the ground or into the water, then go opposite ways from that end and put your other magnet half way through your setup.
Magnet fishing poles
The best material is fiberglass or carbon fiber because it's really light weight but also strong enough to put up with a lot in rough terrain. A popular make of fiber glass pole looks like this
Always soak your magnet
If you have a really strong magnet and the terrain is rough, sometimes it can be hard to get through the dirt or mud on top of your target metal without getting stuck. Then you're better off pushing a wet magnet through the ground because it will just glide forward instead of sticking to everything (and everyone) along the way.
Magnet fishing is not magnet finding
Always be aware of your surroundings because even though a magnet might feel like it can do everything, it's always better to actually find the metal than just feel for it and hope that there is nothing between you and your target metal! If there are trees or trash in your way, you will want to get rid of them so you can find the metal that lies beyond it.
Magnet fishing safety first!
Always have a few minutes and a good idea of where you are before you start fishing because if something goes wrong, no one will be able to help you out in time. Make sure you're not in any danger even if you're on your own because magnet fishing is not a risk free hobby!
Conclusion
That's it for now! Magnet fishing is a really fun hobby and there are more tips out there that I either don't know of or haven't made yet, but these will have to do for now! I hope that you found something useful in this article and that it makes your magnet fishing adventures a bit easier.
If you have any tips that weren't included in this list, make sure to comment and let me know about them! Thanks a lot, see you later :)
