Magnet fishing is a controversial sport that has been met with mixed reactions from the public and authorities. Some people say it’s dangerous and upsetting the bottom of the water bodies causes more harm than good, while others see it as an opportunity to cast off their troubles, enjoy themselves and clean up the environment at the same time. But what do we know about the legality of magnet fishing? Is magnet fishing illegal in the UK or US? What are its laws? Find out more here!
Disclaimer: This page is not meant to substitute legal advice. We do not take responsibility for outdated or incorrect information.
Is magnet fishing illegal?
Yes, but it depends on where you are. In the UK and US, there have been different laws about magnet fishing depending on what state or country you’re in. Laws for magnet fishing throughout Canada vary from province to province, so be sure to check your local legislation before heading out! Again though – if someone is injured during a session of magnet fishing, this could cause problems with authorities as often landowners will not want people traipsing through their property without permission, which can lead to legal action against those involved.
US magnet fishing laws
Magnet fishing is legal in almost all states, however, magnet fishers should still respect trespassing and littering regulations to ensure they always conduct themselves legally and morally.
Magnet Fishing is banned in South Carolina
In South Carolina, magnet fishing is banned. There have been a few magnet fishing-related injuries in the USA, and legislation has followed these unfortunate events, resulting in magnet fishing being banned across some states.
Canadian magnet fishing laws
Laws in Canada are very similar to the laws in the United States. There are no specific laws against magnet fishing, but there are a few general laws that apply.
The first is the law of trespass. If you are magnet fishing on private property without the owner’s permission, you are trespassing. This is a criminal offense in Canada, and you could be fined or jailed.
The second law that applies is the law of salvage. This means that if you find something in the water that you believe is valuable, you must notify the police. They will then determine if the item is worth salvaging or not. If they determine that it is, they will give you a Salvage Certificate, which allows you to keep the item. If they determine that it is not worth salvaging, they will dispose of it. In either case, you must have a Salvage Certificate in order to keep the item.
The third and final law that is relevant to magnet fishing is the law of environmental protection. This means that you cannot damage the environment while magnet fishing. This includes throwing trash in the water, leaving your magnet in the water, or harming fish or other wildlife. If you damage the environment, you could be fined or jailed.
Magnet fishing is a popular hobby in Canada, and as long as you follow the laws, you should have no problem enjoying it.
Australian magnet fishing laws
There is no national regulation in Australia governing magnet fishing, however each state and territory has their own laws which may apply. In some cases, you may need a permit to fish with magnets in certain areas.
It is always best to check with your local authority before you go magnet fishing to make sure you are complying with the law.
UK magnet fishing laws
In the UK, magnet fishing is legal however, there are certain rules and regulations that Magnet fishers need to be aware of. Here’s a list:
Magnet fishing is only allowed with small magnets not more than 50 mm in size. This includes all types of magnets, including neodymium, ceramic, and rubber-coated magnets
Magnet fishers can legally use up to two rare earth or magnetic balls per line, but they must attach them using swivels, so it does not become entangled around other objects or animals.
Magnet Fishers cannot engulf any submerged item which has an intrinsic value, such as coins, jewelry, etc. However, if you come across items like metal drums, old radiators, etc., then it would be advisable to contact your local environmental agency to check if it’s safe to remove it.
Magnet fishing is not allowed on private property without the landowner’s permission. This includes lakes, canals, rivers, and other public places. If you’re caught magnet fishing on private property without permission, you could be prosecuted for trespassing.
Please bear in mind that most water bodies in the UK are owned by someone.
The legality of finding weapons when magnet fishing
There is a reasonable chance to find a weapon when magnet fishing. However, finding a weapon can lead to legal problems if you do not follow the law.
When magnet fishing, it is illegal to retrieve weapons without permission from landowners. Anyone finding an item considered as evidence (such as finding guns when magnet fishing) needs authorization by police officers before removing it from the location where found, which should be common sense but isn’t always followed by some people who believe that anything found while magnet fishing automatically belongs to them. There are stories on Youtube about how certain individuals have faced heavy fines after illegally removing items they discovered during their magnet fishing sessions!
Wreck and salvage laws
It’s illegal under wreck and salvage laws if you remove an item of historical interest even. Under this kind of legislation, any artifacts discovered during wreck dives must be left undisturbed unless permission is received by the relevant authorities before removal.
Metal detecting laws
In some cases, magnet fishing falls under the same laws as metal detecting, in certain regions, it is legal to metal detect on public property and private properties unless otherwise stated. There are places where the local authorities have banned magnet fishing, some towns choose to allow people to fish with magnets or to search with a metal detector if they first ask for permission from whoever owns or controls the space.
