Magnet fishing gear, spots & laws for all 50 states
Drop a strong magnet in the water and pull up tools, coins, bikes — sometimes things you won't believe. Here's the honest gear, the spot guides, and the rules before you go.
What is magnet fishing?
Magnet fishing is treasure hunting with a strong neodymium magnet tied to a rope. You drop it into a river, lake, or canal and pull up whatever metal it grabs — old tools, coins, scrap, the occasional bike, and every so often something genuinely weird.
It's cheap to start, you can do it almost anywhere there's water, and every drop is a mystery. Families love it, kids love it, and you're cleaning up the waterway while you do it.
I've been doing this for years. This site is what I wish I'd had when I started: honest gear picks, spot guides for all 50 states, the laws you need to know, and a record of the most interesting things I've pulled out of the water.
The best magnet fishing gear
Starting with the wrong gear is like fishing without bait. Here's what actually belongs in the bag.
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Where is magnet fishing legal near you?
Every state has different rules — permits, artifact laws, waterway access. I've covered all 50, with the real legal detail and the best spots in each one.
See what's coming out of the water
Every find on this site is real and sourced — no made-up stories. Here's a taste of what people are pulling up lately.
Magnet fishing FAQs
What is magnet fishing?+
It's using a strong neodymium magnet on a rope to pull metal objects out of rivers, lakes, and canals. People find old tools, coins, bikes, and the occasional surprise. It's cheap to start and you can do it anywhere there's water. New to it? Start with our beginner's guide.
Is magnet fishing legal?+
In most U.S. states it's legal, but the rules change depending on where you fish. Some states require permits, some restrict it on public land or historic waterways. Check our state-by-state laws guide before you go.
What gear do I need to start?+
At minimum: a strong magnet (a 500 lb pull beginner magnet is perfect), a sturdy rope, cut-resistant gloves, and a bucket. A starter kit usually bundles all of it for less than buying the pieces separately.
What can you find magnet fishing?+
Common finds: tools, nails, fishing weights, and scrap iron. Less common but real: safes, knives, old bicycles, coins, and historical relics. See what you can find for the full rundown.