Magnet fishing has emerged as an intriguing hobby that gained traction during the pandemic and continues to attract enthusiasts today. The concept is straightforward: participants cast a heavy magnet into a body of water and see what treasures they can unearth.
Common finds include firearms, knives, fishing gear, scrap metal, and even the occasional bicycle. The pastime has found a significant following on YouTube, where countless videos showcase these unexpected discoveries.
Beyond the thrill of treasure hunting, magnet fishing also contributes positively to the environment. Anglers using magnets capable of lifting between 400 and 2,000 pounds effectively remove harmful debris from waterways.
Recently, a couple named James Kane and Barbie Agostini made headlines after their magnet fishing adventure led them to an astonishing discovery in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens on May 31. They pulled up a safe believed to contain around $100,000 in cash.
“We pulled it out and saw big stacks of hundreds,” Kane recounted to New York 1. “These are thick bundles—they're soaked and pretty much ruined.”
At first, Agostini thought Kane was joking about the money. “When he showed me the cash and the security ribbons, I lost it,” she shared.
To avoid any legal complications, the couple promptly contacted the police to verify that the safe wasn’t linked to any criminal activity. “There were no identification or details to trace it back to anyone. The police were like, ‘Well, congratulations!'” Agostini explained.
According to the authorities, such a discovery was unprecedented in their experience.
Kane revealed that their magnet fishing journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown. “We were looking for something to do, and I’ve always had this urge to be a treasure hunter… that’s when we stumbled upon magnet fishing,” he said, referring to it as “the poor man’s treasure hunting.”
Despite the money being drenched and muddy, the couple hopes to eventually use it. They’ve sent the cash to Washington, D.C., for cleaning and inspection, which could take anywhere from six months to three years. “But I don’t think it’ll take that long,” Kane added.
It raises the question: how did a safe containing such a substantial amount of cash end up in the river? Was it abandoned by thieves unable to open it, or did a spurned lover dispose of it to erase a memory? The mystery remains unsolved.
The couple has also recently uncovered vintage firearms and World War II grenades during their magnet fishing excursions in other locations, including Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn.
Are you intrigued by the idea of becoming a treasure hunter through magnet fishing? Clay Copeland, founder and president of Brute Magnetics, a magnet fishing equipment company in North Georgia, suggests it's a budget-friendly hobby.
“Our top-tier Brute Box is priced at $200. There aren't many hobbies where you can get high-quality gear for such a reasonable amount,” he shared with Mapquest. “We aimed to make it accessible to everyone because it's such a fascinating and enjoyable activity—you never know what you'll discover.”
Copeland added that magnet fishing can be a delightful experience for families. He often fishes with his young children. “When we throw the magnet and pull something up, the joy on their faces is priceless,” he noted.