Fishing magnets and accessories for successful magnet fishing

Fishing magnets, also known as retrieving magnets, are used in magnet fishing to recover ferromagnetic objects from lakes and rivers. A wide variety of items can be brought to the surface, ranging from coins and tools to bicycle parts. For beginners, versions with an adhesive force of 30 or 45 kg are often sufficient. If you pursue magnet fishing more frequently or want to retrieve heavier objects, it is better to opt for stronger fishing magnets.

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How to choose the right fishing magnet

The best fishing magnet for you depends on more than just having the highest possible adhesive force. What really matters is how you intend to use the magnet.

For getting started with magnet fishing: A version with an adhesive force of 30 or 45 kg is a great entry-level choice and is easier to handle.
For frequent magnet fishing: A more powerful retrieving magnet offers greater adhesive force for larger or awkwardly shaped finds.
For searching river or lake beds: In addition to adhesive force, consider the orientation of the magnet’s contact surfaces. Fishing magnets with a larger contact surface can pick up more metal objects as they are dragged across the bottom.

Note from the supermagnete team: Check whether a suitable rope and other accessories are included in the delivery. If not, obtain the necessary components separately, ensuring they are compatible with the fishing magnet you are using.

Is a high adhesive force necessarily better?

A fishing magnet with an exceptionally high adhesive force is not automatically the best choice. All sorts of magnets for magnet fishing are available online that boast colossal adhesive forces of 800 kg, 1'000 kg or more. At first glance, this gives the impression that it is possible to pull massive treasures from the water.
However, the stated adhesive force is achieved under ideal conditions and may be lower during actual use. Uneven, rusty, painted or thin metal surfaces, as well as lateral loads, can significantly reduce the effective force. You can learn more about this in our FAQ 'Adhesive Force vs. Shear Force'.
Please also keep in mind: If such a fishing magnet fully attaches to a heavy metal object in the water, it will be very difficult for you to pull it up. Not to mention being able to detach the magnet afterwards. And we don’t even want to think of the injuries that could be caused by these strong retrieval magnets.
For this reason, the magnets for magnet fishing we carry in our assortment cover a range of requirements and adhesive forces of up to 200 kg. When making your selection, please consider not only the maximum adhesive force but also the size of the magnet and the type of items you hope to find.

Using and storing fishing magnets safely

Due to their high adhesive force, fishing magnets must be handled with care. When magnet fishing, wear cut-resistant safety gloves and avoid getting your fingers caught between the magnet and any metal objects.
Fishing magnets are equipped with neodymium magnets. These magnets are brittle by nature. Colliding violently with metal objects or other magnets could cause the retrieval magnet to chip or even break.
Since retrieval magnets contain powerful magnets, the necessary safety distances to sensitive equipment and medical devices must be observed. Further information can be found in our FAQ on safety distances.
Store fishing magnets well shielded. Our cases with foam inserts, for example, are great for transport and storage. They provide a buffer around the fishing magnet. Before storing your retrieving magnet, remove all dirt and dry it thoroughly. Otherwise, the magnet could start to rust and, over time, lose its magnetisation.

For more information on securing the rope, maintenance, storage and enjoying your hobby safely, please visit our FAQ page on magnet fishing.