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Magnet Fishing Buying Guide

Magnet fishing is a sport that is quickly gaining traction with new and veteran anglers alike due to the cost-effective nature. Initially very popular throughout Europe, magnet fishing has taken off in the United States with celebrities and everyday people heading to the water with their magnets to try and unearth treasures.

For less than $200, you can purchase everything you need to spend days out on the water. Magnet fishing also works well in shallow bodies of water, deeper lakes, streams, ponds, marshes, and wetlands. It’s legal in every state except South Carolina in the United States, and you don’t need a fishing license. Anything you find is yours to keep, and this is part of the draw for avid fishers.

You use a Neodymium magnet with an eyebolt and heavy-duty cord-like paracord to fish with. These types of magnets are some of the strongest magnets you can buy, and they have an immense pulling force that ranges up into the thousands of pounds. Since paracord comes rated to haul 550 pounds and over, it’s relatively easy to hook larger items and pull them in while you magnet fish without worrying about losing them due to magnet failure or fraying rope.

Many people use GPS and tracking to find historical sites around the state to magnet fish. These historical sites are more likely to have caches of hidden treasures than traditional lakes, ponds, or streams. You can pull out cool historical artifacts like weaponry, coins, signage, and much more.

You do find a lot of scraps or junk, but there are treasures hidden below the surface of the water, and this is what draws so many people to try it. Everyone dreams of pulling out a safe or cash box full of jewelry or money, but antique items can bring in a lot of money too. Most of the items clean up nicely, and there are shops all over the United States that would be happy to purchase these items.

Another draw of magnet fishing is that it mirrors real fishing with the anticipation levels. For example, you toss your magnet into the water and slowly pull it back toward you. You’ll feel it latch onto something when it brushes by anything metal. Then, you can haul in your catch to see what you got.

Since there are so many different magnets available, you can experiment with various designs without spending too much money. For example, there are top mount magnets, cone magnets, double-sided magnets, full kits, and accessories like plastic covers that prevent the magnets from snagging on things when you fish. A lot of people swear by the double-sided magnets because they give you double the magnet to catch on something as you pull them by.

All skill levels can participate as well, and this turns magnet fishing into something fun for the whole family to try. The entire setup only weighs a few pounds at most, and this means that kids can even get in on the action and see what they can find. All of these reasons are why magnet fishing is quickly gaining a large following throughout North America, and our magnet fishing buying guide will help you pick out the best magnet for your needs.

Magnet Fishing Buying Guide – Different Types of Fishing Magnets to Buy

Magnet Fishing Kit

Magnet fishing kit 350lbs fish the fly.

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Pros

  • Comes with everything you need to start magnet fishing
  • Some come with gloves to make fishing easier
  • Able to store your items during trips in the case
  • Has magnets of varying strengths and styles

Cons

  • Typically has weaker magnets
  • Cases may not be waterproof

Double-Sided Magnet

Double sided magnet for magnet fishing.

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Pros

  • Has more space to catch metal as you drag it back in
  • Gives you double the pulling power
  • Works well for dragging and casting as well as dropping it in deep water
  • Available in different strengths

Cons

  • Total pulling power splits between the two sides
  • Edges can snag when you pull it in
  • Easier to damage or crack

Top Mount Magnet

Top mount magnet for magnet fishing.

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Pros

  • Very cost-effective and good for beginners
  • Able to catch small and large items
  • Fewer chances that the rope will tangle around the magnet
  • Works well with different fishing styles

Cons

  • Smaller magnetic surface
  • Might not have a lot of pulling power
  • Eyebolts can slip or let go

Cone Magnet

Cone magnet for magnet fishing.

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Pros

  • Slightly heavier and more durable
  • Made out of solid steel
  • Rounded edges are less likely to snag or catch
  • Has higher pulling power

Cons

  • Not suited for drag and cast fishing
  • Doesn’t come in many sizes
  • May be too heavy for younger fishers

Rope

Rope for Magnet fishing Carabiner fish the fly.

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Pros

  • Has a stainless steel D-ring locking carabiner to secure the magnet
  • Is 64 feet long and can hold up to 550 pounds without fraying
  • Made out high-quality polyester with dozens of smaller ropes in the center
  • Has a secure attachment point to the locking carabiner

Cons

  • Slick outer layer can be difficult to grip to pull it back in
  • May have too much elasticity for heavier objects
  • Secure layer tends to fray if it hits anything sharp

260LBS Magnet (Top Mount)

Pros

  • Comes with a stronger magnetic field strength
  • Has three layers of nickel coating to prevent rust
  • Has a two-inch diameter with a long lifespan
  • Made of a solid steel construction with a Neodymium magnet for added durability

Cons

  • May not get a firm enough grip on larger objects to pull them in
  • Has a smaller diameter that makes it trickier to hook something
  • Only has a two-inch magnetic bottom

350LBS Magnet (Top Mount)

Pros

  • Comes with a high-strength nylon rope in a bright color
  • Will hold up for use in fresh and saltwater without corroding
  • Has a year warranty from the date of purchase
  • Clip locks to prevent losing the magnet

Cons

  • Rope may not withstand constant use due to the thinness
  • Eyebolt may slip with heavy-duty catches
  • Does not have a secure knot to attach the clip to the rope

350LBS Magnet (Kit)

Pros

  • Has everything you need to go out and start magnet fishing
  • Comes with a hard shelled carrying and storage case
  • Rope has a 650-pound rating
  • Larger magnet surface at 2.9-inches

Cons

  • Only get 50 feet of rope with each purchase
  • Case can be tricky to close and secure
  • Plastic scraper is very thin and easy to break

370LBS Magnet (Cone)

Pros

  • Cone shape is more difficult to accidentally snag when you fish
  • Has a solid steel cone with nickel plating that resists wear and tear
  • Comes with a bottle of threadlocker to secure the magnet to the eyebolt
  • Gives you up to 375 pounds of pulling force

Cons

  • Too heavy for throwing and dragging style fishing
  • Finish can scratch
  • Have to routinely re-apply threadlocker to keep the magnet secure

660LBS Magnet (Double Sided)

Pros

  • Each side can pull up to 330 pounds
  • Double sides give you a greater surface to catch items under the water
  • Has a 100% money-back guarantee for every purchase
  • Magnets are around five inches across

Cons

  • Fasteners can damage the magnet with you install them
  • May not pull up to the total 660 pounds
  • Pulling force on the manual is only 530 pounds or 265 pounds per side

750LBS Magnet (Kit)

Pros

  • The case concentrates the magnetic force line while protecting the magnet
  • The coating makes the magnet shiny and resistant to rust or corrosion
  • Larger diameter for a magnet at 3.54-inches
  • 100% quality guarantee with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Case is plastic and prone to cracking
  • Only get 65 feet of rope
  • Washers can crack or bend when you attach the magnet to the eyebolt

760LBS Magnet (Double Sided)

Pros

  • Can pull up to 760 pounds combined with both sides
  • Get a nylon braided rope that is lightweight and durable
  • Has magnetic fishing gloves to protect your hands
  • Money-back guarantee included with every purchase

Cons

  • Can be difficult to get in contact with customer service
  • Eyebolt tends to slip
  • May not work well in deeper water due to the smaller magnet surface

885LBS Magnet (Top Mount)

Pros

  • Can pull up to 885 pounds combined with both sides
  • Comes with a braided rope that has up to 900 pounds of pulling force
  • 100% guarantee with a 180 day warranty against defects or damage
  • Coating prevents the magnet from cracking or chipping with repeated use

Cons

  • Gloves may not last long with rough items
  • Has a smaller surface to catch items with
  • Gloves may not be 100% waterproof with longer fishing sessions