Magnet Fishing in Michigan: An Exciting & Unusual Outdoor Hobby

The Thrill of Magnet Fishing in Michigan

Magnet fishing has become an exciting hobby for many outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan. Armed with strong neodymium magnets attached to ropes, magnet fishers drop their magnets into rivers, lakes, and streams hoping to pull up something interesting from below. And interesting finds there are plenty in the many waterways of the Great Lake state!

An Unusual Hobby That's Gaining Popularity

While most hobbies involve collecting stamps or coins, magnet fishing brings the thrill of discovery to another level. You never know when your magnet will latch onto a rare historical artifact or a strange piece of metal at the bottom of a river. This unpredictability is part of what makes #magnetfishing so exciting.

The hobby began gaining popularity on platforms like #TikTok and YouTube, with magnet fishers across Michigan sharing videos of their #finds like antique nameplates, old padlocks, tools, rail spikes, and more. The videos are not only exciting to watch but also inspire others to try their hand at this unusual outdoor activity.

Where to Go Magnet Fishing in Michigan

With its many inland lakes, extensive river systems, and even some canals, Michigan offers almost endless possibilities for magnet fishing spots. Popular destinations include:

• The Grand River, especially around Grand Rapids which used to be a hub for manufacturing activity.
• The expansive Lake St. Clair near Detroit, with its miles of shoreline and landmarks like the Grosse Point Yacht Club pier.
• The Clinton River running through urban and suburban areas north of Detroit.
• The Muskegon River flowing over 200 miles through the heart of the state.

Even small creeks and streams can yield some exciting finds. It's the thrill of discovery that drives most magnet fishers to explore new waterways across Michigan's varied terrain.

Safety Tips for Magnet Fishing

While tremendously fun, magnet fishing does come with real risks like getting your rope stuck under piers or having your magnet attach to something heavy you can't retrieve. Below are some key safety tips for an enjoyable magnet fishing experience:

Choose Your Gear Carefully

Not all magnets are created equal when it comes to magnet fishing. Neodymium rare earth magnets with an adequate pull force of at least 200 pounds are best to give you the power to latch and dislodge finds of various sizes. Attaching your rope properly to the magnet is also key.

Watch Your Step and Surroundings

Focusing solely on watching your magnet can cause you to neglect unstable terrain around rivers and lakebeds. Watch your step for mud, sharp objects, slippery slopes and other tripping hazards. Also be mindful of fishing lines from others that may snag you.

Use a Helper When Retrieving Heavy Objects

A second person can help dislodge and retrieve especially heavy items your magnet picks up, preventing accidents or gear damage. They can also call for help if you do get into any trouble with a tricky retrieval.

Strange Finds While Magnet Fishing

While old coins, tools, bicycles and weapons comprise many typical #magnetfishingfinds, sometimes a magnet will bring up something totally bizarre and unexpected. Below are some of the strangest finds by magnet fishers in Michigan.

A Sword in the Grand River

While combing the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids with his magnet, one magnet fishing enthusiast felt an extremely heavy snag. With help from his fishing buddy, he managed to dislodge a longsword likely dating back to the 1800s held in a decorative scabbard. Swords were common sidearms in that era.

An Old Climbing Harness in Muskegon

Dragging his heavy-duty magnet near some boat slips in Muskegon, one magnet fisher was startled when he reeled up an ancient climbing harness caked in mud. It was attached to several feet of grit-covered #climbingrope. He speculated online whether someone had hidden it after using it in a crime years ago.

A Handgun in the Clinton River

The Clinton River near Mount Clemens yielded this magnet fisher one of his strangest finds yet when he reeled up a fully loaded .38 caliber revolver. Though magnet fishers sometimes find guns tossed illegally into waterways, this one was particularly odd due to the loaded chamber. He immediately contacted local police about the handgun.

Why Magnet Fishing is So Rewarding

For most magnet fishers, the activity is about more than just finding stuff. It's about the joy of discovery, being outdoors usually with friends, and recapturing pieces of history that have been lost underfoot for years or decades. Social media groups dedicated to magnet fishing have brought the community even closer together to share experiences. And each new #magnetfishingvideo posted online furthers the excitement and public interest around this fascinating hobby.

So if you ever find yourself bored and seeking adventure along Michigan's many waterways, give magnet fishing a try. You never know what forgotten treasures await at the muddy bottom!

FAQs

Where are the best places to go magnet fishing in Michigan?

Some top spots include the Grand River, Lake St. Clair near Detroit, the Clinton River north of Detroit, the Muskegon River, as well as smaller creeks and streams across the state. Any waterway that saw past industrial activity or settlements can yield interesting finds.

What kind of gear do I need for magnet fishing?

Use a strong neodymium magnet with at least 200 pounds of pull force attached securely to a rope. Many magnet fishers recommend gear from Brute Magnets or Magnetar. You'll also need appropriate gloves, waterproof boots, and safety accessories.

Is it legal to go magnet fishing in Michigan?

Yes, magnet fishing is entirely legal in Michigan waterways except some designated ecologically sensitive areas. However, use discretion with any weapons, explosives or potential crime scene evidence you might uncover.

What should I do if my magnet gets stuck while magnet fishing?

Firstly, don't panic. See if you can dislodge it by gently maneuvering the rope. You can also try dropping the rope to allow the magnet to sink deeper, pulling from different angles. Have someone help pull up on the magnet or ropes. If nothing works, you may have to cut your losses and detach your rope.