Is it possible to do magnet fishing from a kayak? Many beginner magnet fishers send us this question as they want to explore the latent areas of a river and canal. They believe the areas around bridges and shores often don’t have valuable items.
Especially, after the popularity of this hobby, it is nearly impossible to find precious metal objects near known and historically important places.
The only option they have is to explore other parts of the river or canal which are still not searched by other magnet fishers. For that reason, they want to get a kayak and drag the magnet behind it. Plus, a kayak is fun; they can have extended experience of magnet fishing with the right amount of skill and gear and cover large distances.
Well, it is possible to do magnet fishing on a kayak.
However, before you opt for this option, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- You can kayak on any type of water for magnet fishing, but there are some places, particularly in the UK, that need a license.
- In the US too, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has a regulation for kayak owners. It is pertinent to know about them if you are interested in ocean magnet fishing.
- There are different rules for racing kayaks/canoes.
- If you are getting a kayak that is powered by motor you need to register if first before using it for magnet fishing. Besides, you need to keep the registration card with you all the time if you are kayaking and trying to find the valuable metal object in rivers/canals, as it can be requested by the NCWRC officer at any time.
- Non-powered kayaks don’t require any kind of registration, however, if their length is more than 14 feet and they are powered by sail, they should be registered and titled.
Due to these reasons, most magnet fishers opt for the classic kayak.
They don’t need to register it and it can be used any time. Though it doesn’t mean you can paddle in jeans and a t-shirt, there are some additional rules that need to be considered first.
For example, all kayaks must be equipped with type I, II, III, or V wearable.
We know for a beginner kayak magnet fisher it can be tough to comprehend the personal flotation devices (PFD) classifications. They are, in reality, different life jackets for different boating activities.
The type I life jacket is used in open, rough, and remote water. It is often used in those locations where the rescue may be slow to arrive. The basic intent of this jacket is to keep your head higher above water so that you can breathe even if you are unconscious. There are many types I jackets in the markets for kayakers but they are not approved by the coast guards.
The type II jacket is good for cruising and fishing, but it doesn’t have good performance in good water and it is more comfortable compared to type I.
Type III is used where the chance of immediate rescue is good.
Lastly, there is a type V. It is like a deck suit and float coat. It is the minimum PFD that meets the US Coast Guard requirements.
For ocean magnet fishing, many magnet fishers use these jackets, but in rivers and canals, people often don’t use them. Since they believe rivers and canals are safe and calm and it is immensely tough to tip over when paddling.
In a way, it is true, but it is still dangerous especially if you are doing it with your kid.
The water can be unpredictable and in the river, your kayak can’t withstand rough and fast winds. Other than that, magnet fishing is all about pulling and dragging objects. The kayak can tip over easily and put you and your child in a dangerous situation if you aren’t wearing any jacket.
If you are planning to do kayak magnet fishing with your kid, we recommend sit-on-top kayak instead of a sit-inside design.
The sit-on-kayak has many benefits; it is generally wider than the sit-inside kayak. Therefore, it is safer and you can pull up a heavy metal object more easily due to its higher center of gravity.
Furthermore, the sit-on-top kayaks are often unsinkable due to their enclosed design. In case you deal with accidental capsize, there are holes in it that let the water drain out of the cockpit. Apart from this, the thing which we love the most in a sit-on-top kayak is ‘plenty of room’.
It can be used to collect and store small metal objects, such as bicycle parts, car parts, plumbing supplies, pipes, nails, boxes, etc.
Bear in mind, there are some drawbacks too of doing magnet fishing in a kayak.
- It becomes expensive as with kayak you have to buy some other items also a life jacket, gloves, and paddles. In some cases, it becomes imperative to register your kayak too.
- Buying a kayak is not easy; you need to have space in your home.
- It is tough to do magnet fishing in a kayak. You aren’t only throwing your magnet in the water and pulling it back, you are indeed handling your kayak too and using the paddles.
- If it is your first time, it is important to learn how to kayak. You need to know how to steady the kayak with your hand if you are doing magnet fishing or how to get in and out of it safely. Also, learn how to recover from a capsize.
- It is not allowed to use kayaks in some canals.
Fortunately, you can get a kayak on rent for magnet fishing. It is a good option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a kayak. The rental rates for kayaks generally fall between $15 and $45 for 2-3 hours. The rates depend on the type of boat and location.
So, what are you waiting for? Get a kayak and start magnet fishing.
It is fun, profitable, and highly addictive.