Many people have become drawn to the popular hobby of magnet fishing. Whether you are going out to help clean your local waterways or are looking to find something valuable, magnet fishing is becoming more popular.
What some may not be sure of is the legality of magnet fishing in your state or country. Whilst the popular pastime is legal in most countries and states depending on where you live will determine what restrictions (if any) or permits you will need to magnet fish. When in doubt always refer to your local authorities.
Below we will cover popular countries and outline the legalities of magnet fishing in these countries.
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in the USA?
There are no federal laws prohibiting the act of magnet fishing however there are rules and regulations in each state. For example magnet fishing in Indiana requires a permit (similar to hunting) while magnet fishing in California doesn’t require any permit as long as you abide by local or country rules, laws and regulations.
Always check with your local town or city before magnet fishing in the USA.
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in Canada?
As with the USA there are no restrictions on magnet fishing in Canada. Also as with the USA check with your local council or with your local province however you can go out
Though do keep warm if magnet fishing in Canada in the winter!
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in the UK?
Unlike the USA and Canada, there are blanket English and Welsh regulations banning magnet fishing. However the authority that is in charge of most of the public canals and rivers in the UK, the Canal & River Trust (formerly British Waterways) states (in their General Canal Byelaws) “No person unless authorised by the Board in that behalf or otherwise legally entitled to do so shall: …
d) Dredge or remove coal or other material from any canal.”
The laws of Scotland are different where you can obtain a Scheduled Monument Consent from the public body Historic Environment Scotland as well as permission from Scottish Canals.
So unless you have written permission to magnet fish in a public river or canal in the UK, your best bet is to stick with magnet fishing on private land (with the land owners permission) in the UK.
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in France?
Due to the prominence of World War II artifacts (such as grenades and bombs) in their rivers, the French Government has banned magnet fishing unless you have a permit issued by the state or you have the permission of the land owner.
Still many people still go magnet fishing in France (illegally) and have found many weapons and World War II artifacts.
Similar to the UK we recommend that you stick to magnet fishing on private property with the land owners permission (and doing a detailed history on the property so you don’t come across weapons, grenades or bombs unexpectantly).
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in Germany?
Whilst there isn’t a law in Germany banning magnet fishing it is highly discouraged for the same reasons that it is banned in France. As Germany was a major player in World War I and World War II there are plenty of unexploded mines, bombs and grenades (as well as weapons) throughout German waterways.
For those in doubt, reach out to your local council or the office of your State or Bundesland. Should you choose to go magnet fishing make sure you do a historical deep dive on the location to make sure you don’t get an unexpected and unsafe surprise.
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in Singapore?
There are no laws outlawing magnet fishing in Singapore however check your local cities rules and regulations to make sure you aren’t breaking any laws.
Is Magnet Fishing Legal in Australia?
Similar to Singapore Magnet Fishing is legal in Australia. Whilst there may be local council laws or regulations about where you can magnet fish (particularly if you are visit a river situated in a national park) there are no issues with the act of magnet fishing itself.
Whilst magnet fishing is an enjoyable pastime and can be a great way to explore your local waterways and nature be careful where you fish and make sure that you abide by any local laws and regulations and always do your research
Avoid magnet fishing on private land (unless you have explicit permission from the owner) and also fish in a safe environment and if you are looking to visit another country to go magnet fishing check the local laws regarding importing magnets or bringing magnets on the plane with you.
Also make sure you are abiding to all safety steps when magnet fishing. Some of the items you will find can be quite sharp and can cause some damage to hands, legs and arms if your catch isn’t treated with due respect.
The same safety aspect goes with the choice of location when magnet fishing. Make sure you are fishing from a solid stable and keep your feet on the ground when casting out your magnet. On the rare occasion that you have to enter into the water (ie to help pull up a big catch or your rope is caught on something) be very safe and understand the water conditions and ideally you will be magnet fishing with a partner.
Magnet fishing is a fun hobby that can be experienced by everyone, just stick to the local laws and regulations and always stay safe!