Magnet fishing can be dangerous if one is not careful. Many situations can lead to injury or environmental hazard. However, these dangers are very avoidable by being educated about these dangers and taking conscious action to avoid them.
Magnet strength
When two of these magnets are close to each other, they are easily attracted from distances unheard of by other magnets. This attraction is so strong that two magnets can smash into each other extremely quickly, shattering or pinching anything between them, such as a finger. They can also be attached to other metals in the same way. Another danger posed by this attraction is shrapnel. Yes, you read that right, shrapnel. These magnets are relatively brittle, and when they slam together or hit metal, they shatter, sending pieces of metal flying in multiple directions.
Another danger with fishing magnets is that they can sometimes cause sparks, or worse, fires if you don't handle them properly. Also, fishing magnets can disrupt the way some electronic devices work.
Environmental hazards
Magnet fishing has some great environmental advantages. It cleans waterways of metal waste that can harm wildlife and contaminate drinking water. However, this hobby has some adverse effects on the environment. Occasionally, the magnet can get stuck on something under the water. Usually, the rig can be retrieved with a little effort.
Sometimes the magnets get so stuck that they have to be discarded, slowly releasing the element into the ecosystem. This is especially detrimental to aquatic animals because it can damage cell membranes, causing problems including reproductive disruption. Neodymium will also begin to seep into soil and possibly drinking water. Another potential accidental environmental hazard is related to the waterway floor itself. Sediments in some waterways contain heavy metals, chemicals and/or toxins. Excessive disturbance in these areas can be detrimental to the entire waterway.
Legality Danger
This pastime is relatively new and growing in popularity around the world. With this newfound fame, some have questioned whether certain laws are related to magnet fishing. In Washington state, for example, there are no clear laws regarding hobbies. However, under the control of the Ministry of Natural Resources, there are regulations on disturbing the waters. There may also be laws or rules regarding the removal of ancient or historically significant artifacts. Be sure to check with state and local governing bodies before you go, but as the hobby takes off, the interpretation of some rules and laws may change.
Other Inherent Dangers
As with all outdoor hobbies, there are certain inherent dangers. The most obvious and related to magnet fishing is drowning. This hobby must be done near a body of deep water and there is always a chance of falling into it. Make sure you're magnet fishing from a sturdy bridge for support. Finally, never go fishing alone.
