Magnet fishing can be a great way to get outside and find some treasure. One of the questions I get most often about magnet fishing, is how big of a magnet do you need for magnet fishing? So, let’s answer that and more.
The best size magnet for magnet fishing is a neodymium magnet that has a pull of 600 lbs. This will pull up most items. For bigger items, you should go with a 1,000 to 2,000 lb magnet. It is better to have multiple sizes, so you can bring up different-sized items.
There is no one answer to this question, so we’re going to let you know what sizes are best for different situations. You may also want to consider the kind of gear you will be using.
If you are going for smaller items, then the smaller magnet is the best one to use. If you go for large items, make sure that your magnet and rope can hold that kind of weight.
What Magnet Do I Need for Magnet Fishing?
Not all magnets are made equal. The technology that has gone into magnets over the years has come a long way. If you are going to use a magnet for magnet fishing, then you are going to want to use a neodymium magnet. Source.
These are rare earth magnets that were invented by General Motors in 1984. Today they are known as the strongest magnets in the world. These magnets come in multiple pulling strengths, so you’re going to want to find the strengths that best suit your needs.
600 lb Fishing Magnet
A 600 lb fishing magnet is going to be just fine for most people. This magnet should be able to pull up around 600 lbs. Different companies have different qualities. I’ve bought a 600 lb magnet that wouldn’t even pull up a 100 lb object, while I’ve had a 300 lb magnet that pulled up 500 lbs.
You will need to experiment with different weight pulls, so you can find a couple of magnets that meet your needs. If you are just pulling up small items, like bikes, small scrap metal, and weapons, then a 600 lb magnet should work great.
1,000 lb Fishing Magnet
A 1,000 lb fishing magnet is probably the best choice. This one is going to be able to pull up the small stuff and the large stuff. Most people would not be able to pull up something that weighs more than 1,000 pounds, without some kind of wench, or other means of pulling.
I’ve noticed as well, that the 1,000 lb magnets are a good in-between from the 600 lb and 2,000 lb ones. 600-pound magnets might come unstuck on something large, while a 1000 lb one will stick great.
Another option is the 1,200 lb magnet, you can get that here!
2,000 lb Fishing Magnet
Now we have the big boys, the 2,000 lb fishing magnet, and up. Anything more than this will probably be overkill. A 2,000 lb magnet is going to be able to pull up any size item you find. Anything larger would need better equipment, like a powered wench.
The one thing I will say about a 2,000 lb fishing magnet is that if you get onto something large enough, it might be impossible to remove the magnet from it without jumping into the water and trying to slide it off the surface of the large item. I always suggest carrying multiple-size magnets, that way you have variety in your magnets for different items.
Magnet Fishing Gear to Consider
You’re going to need more than just a fishing magnet when you go out. You’re going to need to make sure that you have a rope that meets the same pulling strength as the magnet. Make sure you get a quality rope. I’ve had many ropes snap on me because I used a low-quality rope.
You may also want to consider having multiple magnets, I can’t stress this enough. I have used a second magnet to pull in an item where the first magnet and item got stuck.
Next, consider bringing a grappling hook. Once you have your magnet attached, it can slide on and off of the object, making it hard to pull in. Once you have found your target, a grappling hook will help pull it in. It can also help pull in an item and magnet that is stuck.
How Big of a Magnet do you Need for Magnet Fishing at the Beach?
At the beach, chances are you are going to be throwing from the shore, or a dock. I suggest using the 1,000 lb magnet at beaches, however, also bring multiple sizes. You never know what you are going to pull out of the water at the beach.
For a dock at a beach, I would go with the 600 lb magnet because if you got your 1,000 lb magnet stuck to a large metal post under the dock, you will have trouble getting it unstuck and will probably have to cut the rope and leave your magnet behind.
I think every magnet fisherman has had to cut at least one rope in their lifetime. This is also a good reason why carrying more than one rope and magnet is a good idea.
Is a Double-Sided Magnet Better for Magnet Fishing?
I use double-sided magnets because it gives you more options for the angle that you throw and the angle that you will be pulling up. Having the eyehook at the top of the magnet is great if you are throwing straight down and pulling up.
Having a second eye hook on the side, lets you pull objects out of the water at an angle or towards you. All of my magnets are double-sided. You could always have one of each though.
You can find this magnet in a kit that I got here!
What is the Strongest Fishing Magnet?
The neodymium magnets are the strongest and pretty much the only magnets for magnet fishing. However, they come in many different sizes. I’ve seen fishing magnets that go up to 5,000 lbs. Source.
I suggest not going over 2,000 lbs. The reason being that if you get a 5,000 lb magnet stuck to something large enough, then there is no way you are going to get it off of that thing. It’s gonna be stuck for good, in my experience.
Check out some of our best magnet fishing articles.
Related Questions
Can fishing magnets get weaker?
Yes, many variables can cause your magnet to get weaker. Such as hitting it against things, applying extreme pressure, and them rusting out. They can even become unmagnetized.
Can fishing magnets be harmful?
Fishing magnets do not harm the water or biology. However, they can be harmful to electronic devices. Always keep your magnet in some type of container so it will not get stuck to a computer or phone.