Magnet Fishing – Opening Blind Boxes Underwater

When “fishing” is no longer limited to fish, a new activity combining adventure, environmental protection, and technology is sweeping the globe — Magnet Fishing. It doesn’t need bait or fishing rod, all you need is a strong magnet and rope to salvage lost metal objects from rivers, lakes, and seas.

I. What is Magnet Fishing?

Magnet fishing is an outdoor activity that uses strong permanent magnets to attract ferromagnetic metal objects underwater. Unlike the traditional fishing, magnet fishing is:

· Low-threshold and easy to operate: This activity requires no special skills and is suitable for people of all ages.

· Filled with the thrill of discovery: Each salvage feels like opening a blind box, bringing surprise and joy.

· Environmental benefits: While salvaging metal objects underwater, people also help protect aquatic ecosystems.

II. How Does Fishing Magnet Work?

The principle behind magnetic fishing is simple. You just need to tie a strong magnet to a rope, then throw it into the water and sweep it back and forth. When you feel the magnet attract a metallic object, you can slowly pull the rope to bring the object up from the water. You won’t know what you’ll get until you pull it ashore. This process is similar to opening a blind box, bringing great surprise and fun.

(I)Advantages of Neodymium Magnets

Neodymium magnets are the core component of magnet fishing. Their magnetic energy product is more than 10 times that of ordinary magnets, which is key to the efficient underwater operation of magnet fishing.

· High-performance: They are easier to salvage metal objects underwater.

· High stability: They adapt well to temperature variations in various water bodies.

· Compact size: For the same magnetic pull, neodymium magnets are smaller than traditional magnets, making them easier to carry and operate.

(II)The Influence of Underwater Environment on Magnetic Fields

The underwater environment will affect the magnetic fields to some extent, but the impact is limited:

· Water itself has almost no effect on magnetic fields.

· Obstacles such as mud, sand, and aquatic plants will block the contact between the magnet and metal objects, reducing the chance of adsorption. Therefore, it is necessary to choose waters with relatively clean bottoms.

· Rust layer on the surface of metal objects will slightly weaken the adsorption force, but the strong magnetic force of neodymium magnets can offset this effect.

In addition, the adsorbed metal objects may be temporarily magnetized, forming a secondary magnetic field, then it will attract other small metal scraps. This is why “metal clumps” are commonly seen during salvage.

III. How to Choose Equipment of Magnet Fishing

Although magnetic fishing is considered a “light equipment” activity, the quality of its equipment directly impacts both safety and the overall experience. Therefore, selecting appropriate equipment is essential—it not only increases the success rate of salvage, but also minimizes incidents like magnet loss or rope broken.

(I)How to Choose Magnets

Magnetic strength, shape, and size are the key considerations to new magnet fishing-er  choosing a magnet. 30-50kg of magnet pull force is suitable to beginners. It is sufficient for most small metal objects. For the experienced, they can upgrade to powerful magnets of 100 kg or more to salvage heavier objects.

Round magnets are the mainstream choice, offering a uniform magnetic field distribution and wide coverage. Block magnets have a larger adsorption surface, making them suitable for flat water bottoms, but their operational flexibility is lower than round magnets.

Magnets with a diameter of 5-10 cm are optimal, as they provide sufficient magnetic field coverage and they are easy to operate. Magnets smaller than 5 cm have limited adhesion range, while those larger than 10 cm become excessively bulky.

Please keep in mind that when you choose the magnet, don’t purchase uncoated magnets, because it is easily rusted and oxidized in water. Therefore, you should select magnets with rust-resistant coatings, such as zinc (high cost-effectiveness), nickel-copper-nickel(most durable), epoxy(excellent water resistance) etc..

The image below shows some of our company’s fishing magnet products.Contact us for a customized, high-performance fishing magnet!

Number	Specification	Coating	Pull Force （kg）
	A	B	C	D
HF01-62	D62	32	D13	M8	ZN/NI	≥140
HF01-67	D67	12	D20	M10	ZN/NI	≥150
HF01-75	D75	28	D20	M10	ZN/NI	≥245
HF01-97	D97	40	D25	M10	ZN/NI	≥390
HF01-107	D107	35	D25	M10	ZN/NI	≥580
HF01-125	D125	40	D25	M12	ZN/NI	≥900
HF01-135	D135	40	D25	M12	ZN/NI	≥950

(II)How to Choose Ropes

Durable and strong ropes are suitable for magnet fishing, because they are not easy to knot in water. Nylon or polyester ropes are the best choice. For the beginners, 10-30 meters ropes are strongly recommended. It can cover shallow areas as well as moderately deep lakes and rivers. The load-bearing capacity of rope must exceed the pull force of the magnet. It is to prevent the rope from breaking and the magnet from being lost due to the attraction of heavy objects. What’s more, for easier gripping, you can attach a handle or wrist strap on the end of the rope, which will enhance the operational safety.

(III)Other Safety Equipment

For the magnet fishing, you also need prepare gloves, non-slip shoes, When salvaging, it is necessary to wear durable, waterproof gloves, such as rubber or leather gloves. These gloves ensure flexibility while enhancing grip friction. They also protect your hands from injury when cleaning debris from magnets, because most salvaged metal objects are rusty and sharp. In addition to gloves, you should also prepare non-slip shoes, life vests, headlamps, and other safety equipment to protect yourself.

In your free time, take a rope and strong magnet, find a quiet stretch of water, and enjoy magnet fishing, isn’t that a fulfilling and wonderful way to spend your time?