Want to discover a new hobby? Try neodymium magnet fishing, the new activity that is starting to appeal to the French. Just like their neighbor the Belgians, the French are just starting to adopt the trend of the moment: magnetic fishing. Young and old, rope in hand, stand on the banks to rid the rivers of their scrap metal. This is both an ecological gesture and a new way to do a treasure hunt. Indeed, many people have already brought up interesting objects from the water. At the same time, it’s an excellent way to pass the time: magnet fishing in France has already won over so many people!
Which magnet for magnet fishing in France?
Beyond appearances, this new treasure hunt requires special equipment. Indeed, the magnet used must have a powerful magnetic field with greater lifting force. Forget about ferrite magnets used as simple magnets. The discipline requires neodymium magnets with impressive adhesive force. As choices, you have the classic single-lift, double-lift neodymium magnet and the 360° magnet. The first has a simple attachment tip and a single magnetized face. The second can attach in two positions and has two magnetized faces. As for the last one, all of its sides can magnetize to a metal surface.
How to choose a magnet?
The choice of the type of neodymium magnet to use depends on several factors. First of all, regarding the lifting system, you have 3 possibilities. If you fish from a bridge, i.e. vertically, the classic single-lift magnet is ideal. However, for trolling, adopt magnets with two lifting positions or 360°.
After that, consider the weight of the object you hope to lift. In practice, a neodymium magnet can hold up to 400 kg twice. When purchasing, do not be tempted by cheap but weakly magnetized neodymium lovers. To ensure that magnet fishing goes smoothly, only buy from specialist dealers.
What material besides the magnet?
Obviously, the neodymium magnet alone does not make you a magnet fisherman. In order to carry out this experience and fully enjoy your leisure, you must have other accessories. First of all, since it is a fishing activity like many others, you need a line. However, magnet fishing tends to use a rope. Plan for a minimum length of 20 meters. Added to this are gloves to protect your hands. Generally, this is the basic equipment for magnetic fishing. After that, you can also have a storage case, a grappling hook or even a magnet pole. Although useful, these remain simple accessories.
What can you expect to find during a magnet fishing session in France?
The rivers and streams of France hide many things. This means that all kinds of objects can come up at the end of your line. However, the nature of your findings depends on several factors. First, location naturally influences your treasure hunt. Certainly, your powerful neodymium magnet will not pick up the same things in two different places. If some rivers hide scooters, tools and plaques, others hide shopping carts or even weapons.
The depth of the water also affects the nature of your finds. In general, magnet fishermen have better luck with shallow rivers.
Also, the magnetic strength of your magnet defines what you can wind up. But already, even with a classic single-lift magnet of 150 kg, you have a lot of possibilities.
Is magnet fishing authorized in France? Small point on the legislation
Even if at first glance magnet fishing in France can be practiced without restriction, the law has some reservations about it. Firstly, as it is a form of prospecting, it should not be carried out for archaeological purposes. This means that you cannot fish with neodymium magnets near archaeological sites. In this condition, practice could well disrupt a potential discovery. Obviously, professionals with administrative authorization can fish in these places.
Second, regarding finds, they generally belong to the person who brought them back. However, if the object found comes from a watercourse which is the subject of another person’s property, both parties will dispose of it equitably. Since no one can prove ownership, the caught item will return to the person who caught it. Overall, legislation regarding detection and other forms of prospecting may apply to this original fishery.
Where to practice magnet fishing in France?
With waterways, rivers and rivers in the territory, the choice is limited only to you. However, before throwing your neodymium magnet into the water, pay attention to certain places. Please note that you cannot under any circumstances engage in ecological magnet fishing around archaeological zones. Also, avoid sites exposed to the two great wars. Indeed, you risk bringing up explosive or dangerous objects.
Do you want to get started in magnet fishing? Take your precautions
As you know, magnet fishing in France is carried out with powerful magnets as well as other potentially dangerous accessories. Therefore, you must take certain precautions during your treasure hunting trips. First of all, equip yourself with the right equipment. In addition to basic fishing accessories, use an appropriate bag to properly transport your equipment. Also, adopt the necessary protections. In addition to gloves that protect you from the rope and possible cuts, wear safety shoes. The banks of certain rivers can hide pieces of glass, metal or thorns. Then, in order not to cause inconvenience to others, prefer areas with little traffic. This concerns both passers-by and boats.
Because indeed, by throwing your big magnet, you could hurt someone. After that, realize that a neodymium magnet generates a very powerful magnetic field. Therefore, keep it away from electronic devices such as televisions, smartphones and computers. Unlike ferrite magnets, neodymium magnets can cause devices to malfunction. Last precaution, don’t forget to tie the rope of your magnet before each throw. It may happen that the rope inadvertently slips out of your hands and gets lost in the water.
Are you looking to detect buried metals? Also think about metal detection!
Both an ecological gesture and a booming hobby, magnetic fishing has more than one advantage. In addition, it seems more accessible compared to other prospecting activities. However, neodymium magnet fishing also shows some setbacks. In particular, this practice presents notable risks given the equipment it requires. Things brought up from rivers can also be dangerous. Recently, fishermen have found pyrotechnic elements still active. And above all, for prospecting, magnetic fishing does not bring anything really interesting and is rather haphazard.
This is why metal detection remains the most practiced at the moment. Thanks to the performance of metal detectors, you can probe the ground until you find gold. For example, the Titan Ger equipped with 5 detection systems can identify buried metals. This way, you will know in advance the nature of your find. If you want even more precision, opt for devices like the Deep Seeker from Ger Detect. The latter presents you with a scan of the ground in 3D imaging.
In a nutshell, metal detecting is seen as a more interesting activity if you hope to find treasure. But also, it can be practiced without risk and in larger prospecting areas.