The first time my friends heard me muttering about looking for the best magnet for magnet fishing, they were quite bemused. On my part, I didn’t really understand their confused expressions until one of them asked me how someone can actually use a magnet to catch fish.
In hindsight, it’s probably not surprising that my friends weren’t all that familiar with magnet fishing. It’s not exactly as common as “real” fishing.
But then again, magnet fishing can be a lot of fun. It offers similar thrills to finding hidden treasure or even opening a gift-wrapped present.
It also depends a lot on the quality of your equipment. With the best magnets for magnet fishing, you may end up feeling like it’s Christmas and your birthday at the same time.
Top 8 Fishing Magnet: Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick look at what to expect from our list of the best fishing magnets:
| Image | Name | Features | Price |
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DIYMAG Super Strong Neodymium Fishing Magnets |
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Check Price |
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880 LBS Pulling Force, Brute Magnetics Round Neodymium Fishing Magnet |
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Check Price |
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King Kong Magnetics Fishing Magnet Kit |
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Check Price |
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Brute Box 1,200+ lb. The Original Magnet Fishing Bundle |
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Check Price |
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MHDMAG Double Sided Magnet Fishing Kit |
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Check Price |
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Wukong Fishing Magnet with 66ft Rope & Glove |
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Check Price |
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MagnusMags Powerful Fishing Magnets Double Sided with Rope |
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Check Price |
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Boomcool Double-Sided Fishing Magnet with 66Ft Rope |
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Check Price |
Best Picks for Fishing Magnet
If it’s the first time for you to pick the best magnet for magnet fishing, you’ll be surprised at the sheer number of potential options to pick from.
To help you narrow down the list, we’ve compiled 8 of the best options available. That should make it a lot easier to choose from!
DIYMAG Super Strong Neodymium Fishing Magnets
- It’s compact and lightweight.
- The eyebolt is detachable so it’s easy to carry.
- It’s resistant to rusting.
- It’s protected from chipping and cracking.
- This can pull in very heavy objects (up to 500 pounds).
Okay, we start with a neodymium magnet, which is of course crucial. This type of magnet is permanent, and even after years later its strength won’t wane.
This features a pulling force of 500 pounds, which is the bare minimum strength for these things. You need this kind of force since the items you want to fish out of the water may be in rather sticky situations.
The size is big enough at 60mm in diameter, which is not too small that it can’t pick up anything near it. At the same time, it’s not too big that it’s unwieldy.
With the hook included, it’s 66mm long. The eyebolt for your string can actually be unthreaded from the magnet portion of the device.
The magnetic force here is only at the very bottom. You have steel cups on all the other sides that doesn’t emit any magnetic force, so you don’t inadvertently damage electronics and watches if you’re careful.
This uses high quality A3 steel, so that the magnet won’t crack or chip. It’s coated by 3 layers of “Ni+Cu+Ni” (Nickel-Copper-Nickel) that offers rustproofing protection.
This small magnet may not seem like much, but it regularly outperforms bigger magnets out in the market. You’ll be able to attract and pull in all manners of stuff from creek beds than the bigger magnets that other people use.
Yet it’s still small, and that makes it easy to bring with you wherever you go. It’s so lightweight you may even forget that it’s in your pocket.
880 LBS Pulling Force, Brute Magnetics Round Neodymium Fishing Magnet
This is a neodymium magnet capable of holding 889 pounds.
You have the nickel-copper-nickel coating for rustproofing.
It measures 3.54 in diameter.
The countersunk hole allows you to use knobs and hooks.
The steel cup around the magnet protects against cracking and chipping.
It comes with a free threadlocker to secure the eyebolt in place.
This is a bit bigger, and it’s considerably stronger. Yet it’s still easy enough to carry around.
This is actually rated to lift up at least 880 pounds.
The magnet part is shaped like a disk, with a diameter measuring 3.54 inches and a thickness of 0.70 inches.
This is a neodymium magnet, with the typical A3 steel plate and Nickel-Copper-Nickel coating found on the best magnets.
This also comes with an eyebolt, and you have a countersunk hole measuring 0.39 inches in diameter.
The purchase also comes with a free 6ml bottle of medium-strength threadlocker 242.
Just apply 2 to 3 drops of this threadlocker on the threads of the of the countersunk hole, before you screw in the eyebolt. For best results, wait 24 hours to get everything all set.
This threadlocker helps you with the potential issue of your eyebolt backing out of the countersunk hole when you’re trying to reel in a really heavy object out of the water. That way, you won’t end up losing your precious magnet to the depths of the water.
Because the eyebolt is detachable, you’re able to use this for lots of different functions. You can screw this into a wall to hold up metal signs or even lights, or it can hold up various metal hardware you’ll need for your DIY projects.
King Kong Magnetics Fishing Magnet Kit
- It offers a neodymium magnet with 400-pound pulling force.
- You get 65 feet of orange, quarter-inch rope.
- The kit includes 2 rustproof carabiners.
- You also get a free bottle of threadlocker.
This is a complete kit, which means you get everything you need to get started with your magnet fishing. Aside from the magnet itself, you also get a rope, a set of gloves, a couple of carabiners, and a 10ml bottle of threadlocker.
Let’s start with the magnet itself, which uses N52 neodymium. This is strong enough to pull in with a force of 400 pounds.
That’s actually considerable, considering that the whole thing only weighs 0.73 pounds (about a third of a kilogram).
It’s also not too powerful, so it may be the best fishing magnet for kids.
It’s also shaped like a disk, with a diameter of 60mm (2.36 inches) and 15mm (0.6 inches) thick. With the eyebolt, it measures 55mm (2.17 inches) tall.
This kit includes a rope that’s 65 feet long and 6mm (0.25 inches) thick. It’s also bright orange, so you can see it in the water.
The kit includes 2 carabiners, and these are made of stainless steel. They’re quite strong, and rustproof as well.
You attach one of the carabiners on one end of the rope, to secure it on the eyebolt on the magnet. You can also attach the other carabiner to the other end of the rope.
The kit includes tough fishing gloves that are also orange, to protect your hands from rope burns.
Finally, the kit also comes with a bottle of threadlocker to make sure the eyebolt doesn’t slip from the countersunk hole.
Brute Box 1,200+ lb. The Original Magnet Fishing Bundle
- Everything’s in a tough, waterproof case with a custom foam insert.
- The super-powerful magnet has a pulling force of more than 1,200 pounds.
- The rope is super durable, with a breaking strength of 1,600 pounds.
- The attached carabiner is rated to 5,600 pounds.
- It comes with a free bottle of threadlocker.
Now if you really want a magnet that gives you all the pulling force you can handle, you can opt for this kit. It even comes in a hard-shell storage case, measuring 10.5″ x 9.5″ x 6.75″.
This case is made of tough polypropylene plastic that’s designed to resist impact forces, and it’s also IP67 waterproof. That means it can stand in a meter of water for up to half an hour, which is a relief since you’ll be using this kit near bodies of water.
Open the case, and you get what you need. These start with the magnet itself, which measures 4.72 inches in diameter and 0.70 inches thick.
It only weighs about 4 pounds, but its breakaway force is more than 1,200 pounds. Now that’s what you call a magnetic presence!
The kit also includes a handy orange rope measuring 65 feet long and a quarter of an inch thick for the fishing magnet.
The end of the rope comes with a carabiner, for easy attachment to the eyebolt on the magnet. The rope has a breaking strength of 1,600 pounds.
The rope is so tough that it’s resistant to rot, and the sunlight won’t fade the color.
To make sure that the eyebolt itself doesn’t detach from the magnet, you also get a free 6ml bottle of threadlocker. The carabiner is even rated to 5,600 pounds.
All these items fit in the storage case nicely, since the case has a custom foam insert accommodating everything.
MHDMAG Double Sided Magnet Fishing Kit
- This comes with a double-sided neodymium magnet.
- Each side of the magnet has a pulling force of 440 pounds.
- The quarter-inch rope is 100 feet long.
- It comes with a convenient carabiner and grappling hook.
- You also get a pair of gloves.
Here comes another kit, which is always convenient. This particular kit is quite unique, since it even comes with grappling hooks.
But let’s start with the neodymium magnet, which measures almost 3 inches in diameter and almost an inch thick. What really sets this magnet apart is that it’s double-sided, with a magnetic force of 440 pounds on each side.
That’s why you can set the eyebolt on the regular middle part of the disk, or on the edge of the disk. When the eyebolt is set on the edge, you’re able to use both sides of the magnet along the river bed.
Then you have the orange nylon rope, measuring 100 feet long and a quarter of an inch thick. The kit also includes gloves to prevent rope burns, plus a carabiner and a grapping hook.
The grappling hook is quite useful, as you can secure the rope on the other end as you pull the rope and magnet in. Each claw (there are three of them) in the grappling hook is ⅓ of an inch thick and about 3 inches long.
With the grappling hook, you sure do have a very versatile kit to work with. The entire kit is terrific for outdoor camping, even when you’re not using the magnet.
Wukong Fishing Magnet with 66ft Rope & Glove
- You have 2 magnetic sides.
- Each side has a pulling force of 380 pounds.
- It comes with a 65-ft rope, with a tensile strength of 550 pounds.
- You also get rust-resistant carabiners.
- The kit includes non-slip waterproof gloves.
Yes, we sure love kits. That’s why we’re featuring another one, with a double-sided neodymium magnet.
This particular magnet measures 67mm in diameter, and it’s 25mm thick. For those who can’t understand metric, that’s 2.64 inches in diameter and about an inch thick.
Each side’s pulling force is 380 pounds. The eyebolts it comes with can be attached to the middle of the disk, or on the edge for more efficient use of both sides.
The free carabiners are also quite durable and tough, and they have antirust properties as well.
Then you also have a rope measuring 65 feet long. This has a tensile strength of 550 pounds, so it won’t break due to the weight of whatever the magnet is pulling on.
Finally, you protect your hands from rope burns with the free pair of gloves. These gloves are non-slip and waterproof.
All in all, this offers a fun time for retrieving various items from a lakebed. With the double-sided magnet, you’re more likely to find small metal items that you may drop in the water.
MagnusMags Powerful Fishing Magnets Double Sided with Rope
- It’s a double-sided magnet.
- You have 600 pounds of pulling force for each side.
- The rope is tough, with 700 pounds of tensile strength.
- The kit also includes a comfortable pair of gloves.
- Everything goes into a waterproof bag.
If you’re in need of a really powerful magnet with a pulling force working from both sides, then you want this one. You’ll really like how it also gives you the accessories you need.
The kit starts with the magnet, with each side pulling with a force of 600 pounds each. The eyebolt goes on the edge of the disk, so you’re able to use both sides on the lake bed.
This measures 75mm (almost 3 inches) in diameter and it’s 25mm (almost an inch) thick.
This magnet comes with the corrosion-resistant steel cup with the 3 layers of Nickel-Copper-Nickel coating. The magnet is expected to last a very long while, with its magnetic power only decreasing by 2% even after 10 years of use.
Then you have the rope with the carabiner, with its red color that won’t fade over time. You also have an ABS tie that prevents cutting and loosening.
The 5mm diameter and fray-resistant design also prevents the rope from twisting, and it’s easy to restore it back in shape. It’s tough enough that the tensile force is rated at 700 pounds.
The kit also includes a nice pair of anti-slip rubber gloves that give you a good grip while protecting your hands. It’s comfy to wear, with the breathable mesh backing.
All these items come in a string bag, and it’s also waterproof so it can handle your wet rope.
Boomcool Double-Sided Fishing Magnet with 66Ft Rope
- The magnet pulls from 2 sides.
- The pulling force is 850 pounds per side.
- Everything’s tough and rustproof.
- The rope’s heavy-duty design won’t fail.
Now this one is both large and powerful. It’s 3.7 inches in diameter (94mm) and 1.9 inches thick (48mm).
The pulling force here is 850 pounds per side, and that’s a lot. The eyebolt design lets you set it on the center of the disk, or on the edge to use the 2 sides.
This uses 304 stainless steel for the screws on the eyebolt, which magnets don’t really attract. This stainless steel is rustproof, though you need to buy a threadlocker separately to make sure the eyebolt doesn’t come off the magnet.
Your kit does give you an excellent 66-ft rope with carabiner, with a heavy-duty design that resists abrasion and weather damage. It also resists mildew, rot, and petroleum, and it remains strong even when wet.
This is super-strong, so you may to be careful when kids use this. When you catch something metallic with the magnet, the item can come to the magnet with a lot of force that can hurt your fingers.
What is Magnet Fishing?
No, magnet fishing isn’t about using a magnet to catch fish. It’s not about fishing for magnets, either.
Instead, it’s about using a magnet to fish for metallic items under the water. It’s like metal detecting, but you’re setting the magnet on the lake or river bed instead of detecting on the sandy shore.
Of course, you start with a strong magnet so that you can pull off items that have been stick in the river bed. The magnet has to be waterproof as well.
Then it has to have an eyebolt, so you can attach a rope with a carabiner. The rope has to be long enough and strong enough as well.
Often, the eyebolt can loosen from the magnet so you end up losing the magnet to the water. That’s why it’s crucial that you use a threadlocker liquid compound to get the eyebolt to stick to the countersunk hole on the magnet.
Getting a good grip on the rope can be problematic, and that’s especially true when you’re on a moving boat. For this, you’ll need a pair of gloves.
You can do magnet fishing in any body of water if the riverbed or lake bed is accessible. Start with a river near a battlefield—you can find lots of bullets that way!
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Fishing Magnet
It’s easy enough to notice that not all magnets will work for magnet fishing. In fact, the magnets for magnet fishing aren’t all the same.
So, how do you know which one is best for you? While you should consider the, it’s best that you read the fishing magnet reviews and concentrate on the following factors:
Kit or Standalone
It’s really better if you go with a kit, to save you the trouble of getting all the accessories you need. Buying a kit lets you start having fun with magnet fishing right away.
Of course, the kit isn’t much good if the magnet isn’t ideal for your needs.
Neodymium
Just go with a neodymium magnet. If it’s not neodymium, it’s most likely not good enough.
Magnetic Field Strength
In some cases, this is expressed with an N-grade. You need a grade of at least N42, but N52 is of course even better.
But most of the time, it’s defined as the magnetic pulling force, expressed in weight measurements. Basically, this is the amount of force you need to exert to pry away a magnet from the flat surface of a metallic object.
Try to aim for a pulling force of at least 500 pounds. That should detect and haul in a lot of stuff from the water, but stronger is always better.
Just bear in mind that powerful pulling forces can be very dangerous for your many mechanical and electronic devices at home. Set this to an expensive mechanical watch like a Patek Philippe, you’ll damage it.
1 or 2 Sides
Some magnets are only exerting a pulling force from one side of its disk design. But others are double-sided, with both sides attracting and sticking to metal stuff.
In general, a double-sided magnet is better able to detect metallic items underwater. However, a single-side magnet is better able to pull the item from the river bed.
Protection
Look for an A3 stainless steel cover to encase the magnet, to keep the magnetic force from exerting from other sides and to protect the magnet from cracking and chipping. It should be strong and waterproof.
The magnet should also be protected with some sort of coating, with a nickel-copper-nickel triple layer as your best option. This offers corrosion resistance, and it keeps the magnet from losing its magnetic force for years.
Size of magnet
The bigger magnets are always more powerful, but it shouldn’t be too big and heavy that it’s hard to carry and handle. It ought to be large enough to fit in your hand.
Eyebolt and Countersink Design
With single-side magnets, the countersink is generally set at the very center of the disk-shaped magnet.
But with double-sided magnet, you should also have the option to set the eyebolt on the rim of the magnet. That way, you can set it underwater on its side, so the two sides are working.
The eyebolt should be strong and waterproof as well. Check the hole diameter of the eyebolt, so that you know the maximum thickness you can use for your rope.
Threadlocker
It’s great if the kit contains a bottle of threadlocker. This will make sure the eyebolt doesn’t come loose from the countersink.
Carabiner
Like the eyebolt, this should also be strong and waterproof. Some kits offer 2 carabiners, which gives you the option of setting each one on each end of the rope.
Rope
The quality of the rope is also crucial. It should be brightly colored (red or orange), and it ought to be at least 60 feet long.
It has to be tough as well, with a high tensile strength. Go with a nylon rope for best results.
Gloves
Lots of kits offer gloves, because they’re crucial for getting a good grip on the rope. They also prevent rope burns.
Go for one that’s waterproof while giving you a secure grip on the rope. Make sure it’s also comfortable to wear.
Grapping Hook
This is an optional item that some kits come with. You can use it to haul stuff from the water, or to secure the rope at the other end.
Storage Case
A waterproof bag is nice, but a hardcase compartment is even better.
What Is the Best Magnet for Magnet Fishing?
What you want is a powerful magnet. That means you need a magnet that can exert a strong pulling force.
At the same time, it can’t be too big.
It’s has to be small enough that you can carry it without any trouble. Also, a large magnet is harder to drag around, plus it’s more likely to snag on the various items under the water.
Neodymium
These reasons—the needed power and compact size—means opting for a neodymium magnet. This is a rare-earths type of magnet that can offer a powerful pulling force even in a relatively compact size.
Most of the time, you want the most powerful magnet you can get. But these magnets require the utmost care.
That’s why you may want to reduce the pulling force when kids will be using this type of magnet. Besides, they may not be strong enough to handle the pulling force of the magnet.
One or Two Sides
Some magnets only operate on one side. The other sides are covered by a steel cup, so that it blocks the magnetic force.
The eyebolt is set on the very middle of the disk-shaped magnet. That lets the magnet lie horizontal when you set the rope to it, and it can exert the most force on the items on the river bed.
But some magnets are double-sided, with the eyebolt set on the edge or rim of the disk. You can then drag the magnet along the river like a wheel, with the magnetic force pulling on both sides.
Waterproof
The magnet should also be protected from chipping and cracking, and usually there’s a steel cup cover on it. The steel cup is typically coated with a nickel-coper-nickel triple layer, for added protection from the water.
Neodymium Magnet Explained
The neodymium magnet is simply the best magnet for magnet fishing. No other option can compare.
Technically, you can opt for ferrite magnets, which are more affordable. But these things are only as powerful as your fridge magnets, and they tend to crack more easily.
You can also use other mounting magnets, but again the problem is that they don’t exert a lot of magnetic pulling force.
So, what is a neodymium magnet?
This is a type of permanent magnet, which uses an alloy that combines the rare-earth metal neodymium (Nd) with iron (Fe) and boron (B).
The neodymium is ferromagnetic, which means that when in pure form its magnetism only appears in very low temperatures. But combining it with iron causes the magnetism to come along even in temperatures above room temperature.
This type of magnet can be made by first melting the raw materials in a furnace, and then cast into a mold to cool. You get ingots that you mill into powder, which you then sinter into blocks.
The blocks undergo other processes (reheating and surface treating) before it’s magnetized.
Another way of manufacturing this type of magnet is to spin and melt the raw materials into a thin ribbon. The process then pulverizes the alloy ribbon and then mixed with a polymer, and then it’s injected into bonded magnets.
Once you’re done, you have a magnet that offers a strong and dense magnetic field, with lots of resistance to being demagnetized.
The resulting magnet is permanent, meaning that it won’t lose too much of its magnetic pulling force even after years of use. Some of the best neodymium magnets only lose as little as 2% of its pulling force even after 10 years.
The main issue with this type of magnet is that it’s vulnerable to corrosion and deterioration. That’s why it’s often coated with premium A3 stainless steel, and coated with a copper-nickel plating.
Double vs Single Magnet for Magnet Fishing
At this point of the article, you should be aware that the magnetic force of the disk-shaped magnets can come from either just one side or from both sides. Each type offers its own set of pros and cons.
Single Side
With a single side working, you’re able to exert more force. That’s because the magnetic side lies flat, and that makes it more effective.
On the other hand, the horizontal setting of disk-shaped magnet makes it more prone to snagging on various items on the river bed. Also, having just one side working means you’re not able to attract more items to the magnet.
Double Side
With 2 sides working, you’re then able to attract more items. You’ll find that you’re able to detect more metallic objects with a double-sided magnet.
In addition, the magnet is set like it’s standing like a wheel, so it’s less likely to snag on items underneath the water.
The main problem is that each side tends to have a weaker pulling force than a single-sided magnet. The orientation is also a problem, since it’s not set up flat to exert more magnetic force.
Using Both
For best results, it’s not a matter of choosing between single-sided and double-sided magnets. Why not use both?
You can start with a powerful double-sided magnet to find more stuff. When you do, you can then use a more powerful single-sided magnet to pull in the item from the water.
If you only want one option, then you should go with a double-sided magnet that lets you use the two types of orientation.
You can use the 2 sides for detecting with the eyebolt set on the rim of the disk-shaped magnet. Then you can set the eyebolt for the middle of the disk, so you can get the horizontal orientation to maximize the pulling force of one side of the magnet.
Magnet Fishing vs Metal Detecting
At first glance, the difference is easy enough to see.
Metal detecting is using a magnet to find stuff on land. Magnet fishing is about finding stuff under the water.
However, there are more differences that you may note at first. The main difference is that magnet fishing is much more challenging.
Ground Covered
First of all, with metal detecting you can cover a lot of ground while walking. With magnet fishing on a lake or river, you’re limited to what you can reach from the shore.
The only way you can cover the other areas of the river bed is to wade through it. In some cases, you may have to use a boat like you would in regular fishing.
Did You Find Something?
Then you have to be on the alert when you’re fishing for metal items using a magnet. You have to feel it when the magnet tries to stick to something metallic.
It’s much easier with a metal detector for the beach. Often, your metal detector will beep if it finds something for you to dig for.
When your magnet sticks to something under the water, you’ll have to be very patient when you try to pull it in. You can’t just dig through the sand like you would with metal detecting on the sandy beach shore.
It takes patience and determination to pull in something from the water using only a magnet.
What Did You Find?
Finally, there’s often a lot of differences in what you find.
With metal detecting, you may often find items that people lose on the sand. That’s where people stay in most of the time.
With magnet fishing, you don’t really find valuable items lost in the water. After all, most people don’t bring their valuables along with them when they swim in the water.
Most of the time, people go to the lakes and rivers where a historical battle occurred. That way, they find lots of bullets and even grenades and firearms.
You may even find stuff that people try to throw away, including firearms that were used for crime. After all, plenty of people emulate the movies and throw their guns away into a river or lake after committing murder.
Just keep in mind that these metallic items spent all this time under the water. That means a lot of rusting and other water damage.
Don’t expect to find a rare Rolex (that still works) when you’re magnet fishing!
Magnet Fishing Safety
You may not realize it at first, but magnet fishing can be dangerous for lots of reasons.
Powerful Magnets and Injuries
This is one problem that most people don’t realize, until they experience it.
You can hurt your hands and fingers using this type of magnet, because these things exert hundreds (or even more than a thousand) pounds of pulling force.
Use this to pull a metal object to the magnet, and that metal object can stick to the magnet with great speed and force.
If your fingers are in the way, it’ll feel like you bashed your fingers with a hammer.
Powerful Magnets and Household Items
Plenty of electronic items can get damaged when you use these powerful magnets.
If you have a pacemaker, you really don’t want to handle these magnets. The magnets can be strong enough to disrupt the pacemaker, and that’ll lead to all types of (fatal) coronary issues.
You also want to keep these things away from your other electronic items. These include your computers, smartphones, TVs, radios, and just about everything else you plug in or operate with a battery.
You also don’t want to get this near your watch, whether it’s a quartz or a mechanical watch. The only exception is if you’re using a wristwatch that’s specifically designed to withstand magnetic forces.
If you’re using these magnets while wearing a wristwatch, buy a Rolex Milgauss. Other alternative antimagnetic watches include the Omega Aqua Terra >15,000 Gauss, Bremont MBII, Sinn 756 DIAPAL, IWC Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth, or just about any Damasko watch with a faraday cage.
Rope Burns
You may also have trouble handling the tough rope that’s often needed to handle a fishing magnet. It’s best if you use gloves.
Detecting Dangerous Items
There have been instances when people have pulled in dangerous items such as grenades from the water. If this ever happens to you, leave the item and call for the authorities to handle it.
Magnet Fishing Accessories
It’s not enough that you have a magnet for fishing unknown items from under the water. You do need the following accessories:
Eyebolt
Most of the time, the magnet already comes with an eyebolt so you can then attach a rope to it. The eyebolt can be screwed in the middle of the disk, or it can be set on the rim.
The eyebolt has to have enough room for a thick rope to go through. At the same time, it has to be strong, while it should also be water-resistant.
Threadlocker
One of the main problems with eyebolts is that it may loosen from the magnet, and then you end up with the magnet left on the river bed.
To secure this eyebolt to the magnet, you’ll want to put in a few drops of liquid threadlocker into the countersink. That way, the eyebolt stays secure inside its hole.
Carabiner
This is what you attach to the end of the rope, so that you can secure it to the eyebolt on the locker.
It has to be tough and water-resistant.
Some kits offer an extra carabiner, so you can have one end attached to the magnet and the other end attached to a pole or something similar.
Rope
You need this to pull in the magnet along with the item it has attracted.
First, it has to be orange or red in color, so that you can see it in the water.
Then it has to be tough, even when wet. Check the tensile strength and the weaving pattern of the rope to make sure that it doesn’t just snap.
Make sure that it’s also long enough. Most ropes are at least 60 feet long, but some can go up to 100 feet.
Gloves
The gloves protect your hands from rope burn, while it also gives you a good grip on the rope.
Obviously, it has to be both tough and waterproof.
It’s nice if it is comfortable to wear as well, especially with a mesh backing to minimize the hand sweating. Hopefully it’s in the right size, but some of the gloves come with a supposedly “universal” size.
Grapping Hook
This is not really commonly part of a fishing magnet kit, but it can extend the versatility of your kit. You can attach this to the end of the rope, to secure it in place when you’re magnet fishing.
You can even replace the magnet with the grappling hook if you’re hauling in branches and other stuff from the water.
Which Brand Makes the Best Fishing Magnet?
This is actually a question that you can only answer for yourself. After all, you know what you like and what you need.
Our list includes many of the respected brands in the fishing magnet industry. You can’t go wrong with these brands.
However, the Boomcool and Brute Box brands are especially renowned for their powerful magnets with enhanced pulling forces. That’s a definitive measure you can’t just ignore.
Final Verdict
While you’re the best person to decide which is best for you, here’s our recommendation: get two of these options!
Start with the Boomcool Double-Sided Fishing Magnet, which gives you a pulling force of 850 pounds per side. With its 3.7-inch diameter, you’ll certainly detect a lot of metallic items under the water.
Once you know where the item is, use the single-sided Brute Box 1,200+ lb. The Original Magnet Fishing Bundle. Nothing else on this list tops its astonishing pulling force at 1,200 pounds.
Of course, the best magnet for magnet fishing for you will depend on your own taste, so make your own decision!
FAQs of Magnet Fishing
Why is there an insistence on powerful pulling force when the items normally found aren’t that heavy?
Sure, if you’re pulling in a 30-pound object, it may seem overkill to get a magnet with a 500-pound pulling force. But things are only easy when the item is also lying flat, and without any debris covering the item.
In the real world, things are hardly ever ideal. That’s why you need super-powerful magnets—even in less-than-perfect scenarios, the powerful magnetic pulling force can still work.
That means it’s not really as troublesome if the item under the water isn’t lying as flat as it can be, as the magnet may be able to pull the item even when it’s at an angle.
Even if there’s a lot of debris (such as mud) covering the item, if there’s even a small exposed metallic area then the magnet can get to work and still pull the item in.
What kind of rope is best for magnet fishing?
Stick to nylon paracord.
This type of rope is strong and long-lasting, even while it remains elastic. It also holds a knot nicely.
What knot should you use for magnet fishing?
The knot has to be able to bear a lot of weight, since you may be hauling in some heavy stuff.
It should also tighten on itself when pulled, to make sure it maintains a secure hold on your magnet.
If you’re not knowledgeable about knots, just practice using the Palomar knot as it will work well enough for fishing magnets. It’s strong and small, and it’s easy to tie.
It’s better if you’re an angler, so you know more knots. Just use any of your favorite knots for angling and you’re good to go.
