Combining Metal Detecting and Magnet Fishing

You’ll maximize your underwater treasure hunting by dragging a magnet 10 feet behind you while metal detecting, allowing you to pull ferrous items from depths your detector can’t reach. Use multi-frequency mode in trashy zones and move slowly for ideal magnet action. Always wear cut-resistant gloves and maintain safe distance between magnets to prevent crushing injuries. Target high-traffic areas like bridges, docks, and tourist beaches where items are frequently dropped. The techniques, locations, and safety protocols below will help you master this dual-recovery approach.

Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 Essential Gear and Equipment Setup

3 Effective Techniques for Dual Treasure Hunting

4 Best Locations to Search for Underwater Finds

5 Safety Guidelines and Important Precautions

6 What You Can Expect to Discover

7 Frequently Asked Questions

7.1 Do I Need Special Permits or Licenses for Magnet Fishing?

7.2 How Do I Legally Keep Valuable Items Found Underwater?

7.3 What Should I Do if I Find Weapons or Explosives?

7.4 How Much Does It Cost to Start Magnet Fishing?

7.5 Can Saltwater Damage My Magnet and Metal Detector?

8 References

Key Takeaways

Drag the magnet 10 feet behind while metal detecting to cover more ground and catch both ferrous and non-ferrous targets simultaneously.
Use multi-frequency mode on your detector in trashy areas to efficiently identify valuable targets while periodically checking the magnet.

Target high-yield locations like bridges, docks, and tourist beaches where both metal detecting and magnet fishing produce consistent finds.
Move slowly in high-target areas to allow the magnet to work effectively while maintaining proper detector sweep technique.
Wear cut-resistant gloves and eye protection, and maintain distance between magnets to prevent injuries during dual operations.

Essential Gear and Equipment Setup

Equipment maintenance keeps you fishing longer.

Apply Loctite to all bolts before submersion, preventing underwater loosening.

Secure every connection point with thread locker before your magnet hits the water—loose hardware means lost treasure.

Torque stud magnets tightly in yo-yo configurations.

Protect your investment with foam covers or plastic coatings for extended underwater exposure.

Thick gloves shield your hands from sharp catches and powerful magnet snaps.

Keep a first aid kit accessible for treating cuts from rusty metal objects.

Store magnets in original packaging within a five-gallon bucket when transporting between locations.

Effective Techniques for Dual Treasure Hunting

When you’re working productive areas**, dragging your magnet** 10 feet behind while metal detecting maximizes coverage and efficiency.

You’ll want to periodically check your magnet for catches while pursuing detector signals. These advanced strategies let you alternate between pinpointing small non-ferrous targets and deploying your magnet on jumpy ferrous signals.

In trashy zones, use your detector’s multi-frequency mode for coins and jewelry, then let your magnet handle dramatic pulls like railroad couplers.

Focus on slow, deliberate movements in high-target areas to allow proper magnet action. Secure your rope through a belt loop for quick retrieval efficiency.

Avoid rock ledges and submerged debris that’ll snag your gear. Use braided rope and strong knots for reliable operation, letting you recover everything from wheat pennies to Civil War relics. Be prepared to encounter railroad coupling pins alongside other artifacts, as these heavy iron pieces often appear in historic waterways. Search near old pilings and structures where historical ferry docks once operated, as these sites typically contain concentrated deposits of coins and jewelry.

Best Locations to Search for Underwater Finds

Target bridges and docks where people drop items—Sydney Harbour Bridge’s center yields historical souvenirs, while Amsterdam’s rivers produce safes and valuables.

The Red Cedar River between Lansing and Fowlerville consistently delivers underwater treasures through magnet fishing.

Ibiza’s tourist beaches represent prime fishing hotspots for metal detecting.

Cala Comte, Cala Saladeta, Cala Bassa, and Cala Conta lose significant jewelry volumes.

Hunt mornings after nighttime crowds depart, focusing on beach club areas where sunset gatherings concentrate lost items in shallow, accessible zones. Beni Rass attracts sunset drumming sessions that draw large crowds and increase dropped jewelry around the ceremony areas. Sydney’s Circular Quay, the original convict settlement site, offers both historical artifacts and modern drops from New Year’s Eve celebrations near the Opera House.

Safety Guidelines and Important Precautions

The inherent dangers of magnet fishing and metal detecting demand rigorous safety protocols before you cast your first line or sweep your first beach.

Essential safety equipment includes cut-resistant waterproof gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear. When handling larger magnets, use heavy protective gloves and maintain 1.5 meters distance between magnets to prevent crushing injuries.

Never tie rope around your body or contact magnets directly—hold only the rope.

Hazard awareness extends beyond gear. Check surroundings for people, animals, and swimmers before casting. Coil excess rope to prevent tripping hazards.

Report suspicious finds like firearms or explosives to authorities without touching them. Implement a buddy system, familiarize yourself with water conditions, and learn basic rescue techniques.

Don’t lift heavy objects alone—underwater resistance increases weight considerably. Always carry a first aid kit and ensure you know basic treatment procedures for common injuries like cuts and scrapes. Keep magnets away from medical devices such as pacemakers to prevent interference or malfunction.

What You Can Expect to Discover

While mundane metal scraps and fishing hooks constitute the majority of your hauls, you’ll occasionally pull up discoveries that justify every cold morning at the water’s edge.

Your combined metal detecting and magnet fishing approach yields:

The dual-method strategy transforms ordinary outings into treasure hunts, combining terrestrial scanning with underwater magnetic retrieval for comprehensive coverage.

Lost jewelry and historical coins – Rings slip from fingers during swimming, while coins span from modern quarters to Civil War-era pieces tucked in rusted tins.
Tools and hardware – Wrenches, bolts, railroad pins, and brass fittings provide steady finds in established waterways.

Weapons requiring immediate reporting – Guns, loaded shotguns, and knives appear regularly in urban rivers; contact authorities before handling.
Unexpected relics – Military helmets, dog tags, and antique pistols connect you with tangible history. Focus your searches around historical sites where significant events increase the likelihood of discovering artifacts. Rivers consistently produce the most finds, accounting for 63% of all magnet fishing discoveries.

Always inspect safes and containers carefully—they’ve yielded century-spanning coin collections worth documenting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Special Permits or Licenses for Magnet Fishing?

Before you cast that powerful magnet into murky waters, check your state’s magnet fishing regulations—many require fishing permits or outright ban it. Understanding local laws protects your freedom to explore while keeping you legal and safe.

How Do I Legally Keep Valuable Items Found Underwater?

Legal ownership of treasure hunting finds depends on your location. You’ll need to report historical artifacts immediately, obtain proper permits beforehand, and verify local laws—most valuable underwater items belong to authorities, not finders, protecting cultural heritage.

What Should I Do if I Find Weapons or Explosives?

Stop in your tracks immediately—don’t touch suspected weapons or explosives. Follow strict safety protocols by maintaining distance, then execute proper reporting procedures: contact police or bomb disposal services. Your freedom depends on responsible discovery handling.

How Much Does It Cost to Start Magnet Fishing?

You’ll spend $20-$110 for essential gear to start magnet fishing safely. Follow these budgeting tips: choose beginner kits with proper rope, gloves, and carabiners included. You’re free to upgrade as you master techniques and discover what works best.

Can Saltwater Damage My Magnet and Metal Detector?

Salt’s the silent thief of unprotected gear. Yes, saltwater corrosion will damage your metal detector’s circuitry and degrade your magnet’s coating. Proper equipment maintenance—rinsing with freshwater after each session—preserves your tools and keeps you detecting freely.