Best Magnet Fishing Locations. How to Find the Perfect Spot Anywhere

Hello treasure hunters! 

One of the biggest questions we hear from beginners is: “Where are the best magnet fishing locations near me?”

Finding a good magnet fishing location can make the difference between pulling up nothing…and hauling in treasure that’s been hiding underwater for weeks or even centuries.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find magnet fishing locations worldwide, and how to research the best spots in your own area. Whether you're heading out for the first time or looking for a new hotspot, we’ve got your back.

Let’s dive in!

 Why Location Matters in Magnet Fishing

The strongest magnet in the world won’t help if there’s nothing there.
Choosing the right spot increases your chances of finding:

• historical relics

• weapons + criminal evidence

• tools and locks

• bicycles + scooters

• coins + jewellery

But most importantly, it makes the hunt exciting!

Best Places to Go Magnet Fishing

Here are the most reliable magnet fishing locations around the world:

1. Old Canals

These are treasure time-capsules.
For centuries canals were used for transport, trade, and dumping unwanted items. Even now, canals are used to dump items, or people accidentally drop their belongings like handbags or camera's. 

2. Under Bridges

People drop items from bridges, intentionally and accidentally. From the top of the bridge items like bikes, handbags, phones and camera's could fall in the water. Underneath big bridges is another good spot to try, here items often get dumped. Underneath bridges you could for example find safes, car parts, or criminal evidence. 

3. City Centres & Historical Districts

Old places that have a lot of history can be very interesting to go magnet fishing. In these places you could find for example canon balls, old knives, keys and locks. Here it's important to go slow as items are usually buried deep in the mud.

Check out this article to learn more about magnet fishing techniques and make the most of your adventures.

4. Docks, Piers & Marinas

Here you could find tools, sunglasses, fishing gear and sometimes valuables. They end up underwater when people are boarding a boat or go fishing.

5. Swimming Holes & Popular Lakesides

Tourists drop jewellery, phones, watches, perfect for magnet fishing finds! Just be aware that valuable jewellery like gold and silver aren't magnetic, jewellery that sticks to your magnet is most likely fake.

6. Remote Spots with Easy Car Access

If someone wanted to dump something heavy or sketchy, they’d pick somewhere quiet with parking.
These spots sometimes reveal criminal items like safes, weapons, or stolen goods.

7. Rivers Near Historic Trade Routes

If a river connected major cities centuries ago, the riverbed could be full of relics.

How to Research a Magnet Fishing Spot

Want to magnet fish like a pro? Use these research tools:

1. Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the easiest tools for finding magnet fishing spots, especially if you're searching for magnet fishing locations near bridges, canals or parking areas. Street view helps to get a good idea of the surroundings.

2. Old Maps & Archives

Historical areas increase your chance of valuable finds.
Those history classes might finally pay off!

3. Local Magnet Fishing Groups

Community knowledge is powerful. Join facebook groups and ask where people have had success.

4. Check the Area Before Fishing

Check for hazards, strong current, steep edges, or unsafe footing.

Magnet Fishing Laws & Permissions

Magnet fishing laws change depending on where you live. If you're searching where I can magnet fish legally, always check with your local authorities first. Heritage and protected archaeological sites are usually off-limits, even in public areas.

Choosing the Right Magnet for Different Locations

If you're magnet fishing in:

• old muddy canals: use a heavier magnet, these sink deep in the mud and are better to retrieve items buried deep in the mud. Only use our strongest magnets like the El Dorado or the Holy Moly if you're certain there aren't any heavy items buried underwater you could get stuck on. 

• busy pedestrian areas: start with a lighter magnet like the Jackpot magnet or Bondi Gold. Busy areas can be a mix of really old and modern finds, with heavy or light items. To avoid getting stuck use a lighter magnet. 

• near bridges:  bring a grappling hook for large objects or items like handbags which aren't very magnetic.

Bondi Magnets are made for magnet fishing, they hold better through mud and don’t lose power.

If you're new to magnet fishing, check out our complete magnet fishing kits we designed for beginners and pros.

Pro Tips for First-Time Location Hunters

• search both sides of a bridge

• drag the magnet slowly, fast pulls miss objects

• move in systematic lines (don’t wander randomly)

• if you find a lot of old, rusty items, you're in a spot not many magnet fishers have been before

• if you haven't found anything after a few casts, move a few meters 

Want to See Magnet Fishing in Action?

Check out the Bondi Treasure Hunter YouTube channel where we reveal crazy finds and show different techniques.

So Where Should You Go Magnet Fishing?

Anywhere there’s history, water access, and people.

Magnet fishing locations exist in every country: from tiny village bridges to big city canals.

Now that you know where to magnet fish, all you need is a strong neodymium magnet and the right gear to get started.

And remember, anything could be anywhere!

Magnets away! 

FAQ: Finding Magnet Fishing Locations

What are the best places to magnet fish near me?
Good locations include old canals, bridges, marinas, rivers, docks, and city centres. Look for areas with history, foot traffic, or easy water access. These places tend to collect metal objects over time.

How do I find magnet fishing spots on Google Maps?
Search for bridges, walkways, docks, or city canals. Street View helps you check water access and safety before travelling. Many magnet fishers use Google Maps to scout locations worldwide.

Is magnet fishing legal in my country?
Magnet fishing laws differ around the world. Heritage sites or protected waterways are usually off-limits. If you're unsure where you can magnet fish legally, contact the local authorities before throwing your magnet.

How do I know if a location has good finds?
Historical areas, old bridges, canals, and busy city spots often produce the most finds. If you pull up old rusted metal, locks, or knives, it usually means you’re magnet fishing somewhere good.

Can I magnet fish in deep mud?
Yes, but use strong neodymium magnets so they can pull objects buried below the mud. Go slow and use repeated throws in the same line to break the suction layer.

What magnet should I use in a new location?
Start with a lighter magnet to avoid getting stuck, then move to stronger magnets if the spot feels safe. A complete magnet fishing kit includes everything you need to get started. 

Where can I watch magnet fishing in action?
You can follow Bondi Treasure Hunter on YouTube to see real magnet fishing spots, finds, and techniques from canals and rivers around the world.

What safety precautions should I take at a new location?
Wear gloves, check footing, avoid strong currents, be careful near bridge edges, and never magnet fish alone in unsafe areas.