Magnet Fishing Techniques: Catch More With These 4 Easy Moves

Want to level up your magnet fishing game? These are the four core magnet fishing techniques we use every day: simple, effective, and perfect for beginners and pros. Try them out on your next treasure hunt!

1. Drop & Drag

This is the classic magnet fishing technique, super easy and it works almost anywhere.

How to do it:

• Drop your magnet straight down into the water.
• Let it hit the bottom.
• Walk along the edge while dragging your magnet with you.
• Once you feel a hit, it’s time to pull your magnet in.

Best for: city canals, straight edges.
Pro tip: you don’t need much rope for this technique. Keep the magnet close to you and you won’t have to pull in heaps of rope once you find something. It also covers a lot of ground quickly.

2. Zig-Zag (Cover More Ground)

If you want to scan an area properly, the zig-zag method is perfect.

How to do it:

• Throw your magnet out at a slight angle.
• Pull it back in a diagonal line.
• Repeat in a zig-zag pattern to cover the entire area.

Best for: big open areas, lakes, wide canals.
Pro tip: if there’s something there, this technique will find it.

3. The Grave Digger (Bondi Treasure Hunter’s Favourite!)

This is how you find objects buried deep in mud.

How to do it:

• Throw your magnet hard and fast to the spot in front of you.
• The force helps your magnet dig deep into the mud.
• Pull slowly so the magnet continues cutting through the mud.
• Take your time, items buried in the mud are usually small so you won’t feel it attach to your magnet.

Best for: muddy canals, rivers with silt, historical areas.
Pro tip: the more times you drag through the same spot, the deeper the hole gets, and the more buried items you might uncover.

4. Slow Pull (Heavy-Duty Precision)

Perfect for muddy waters and items buried deep.

How to do it:

• Stay in the same spot and throw your magnet in the same line.
• Pull back slowly and repeat, your magnet digs deeper and deeper into the mud, increasing your chances of finding older, hidden items.
• Always pull slowly; older items can be small or fragile and you don’t want to lose the catch.

Best for: older items buried deep in mud.
Pro tip: patience is key!

Want more tips?

Check out our full Beginner’s Guide and Which Magnet Should I Use? blog for choosing the perfect setup.