What's the best magnet fishing kit for beginners under $50?

For budget-conscious beginners, I recommend looking for a complete kit with at least 300 lbs of pull force that includes all the essentials. The best value kits under $50 typically feature a single-sided neodymium magnet (around 300-500 lbs), 50-65 feet of nylon rope, a quality carabiner, and thread locker. While you might not get the premium materials found in higher-priced kits, these budget options are perfect for testing the waters and deciding if magnet fishing is right for you. Look for kits that include gloves as a bonus – they're essential for handling muddy finds and protecting your hands from sharp objects. Many beginners are surprised by how much they can find with these entry-level kits, from coins and tools to larger items like bike parts.

How much should I spend on my first magnet fishing kit?

For your first magnet fishing kit, I'd recommend budgeting between $40-80. This sweet spot gets you quality gear that won't break after a few uses while keeping costs reasonable as you're learning the hobby. Here's how to think about pricing: $30-50 : Basic starter kits with 300-500 lbs pull force – great for testing the hobby $50-80 : Mid-range kits with 500-800 lbs pull force, better rope, and accessories $80+ : Premium kits with 800+ lbs pull force, superior materials, and comprehensive accessories Remember, you can always upgrade individual components later. Starting with a complete kit in the $40-80 range gives you everything needed to get hooked on the hobby without breaking the bank. If you find yourself magnet fishing regularly after a few months, that's when you might consider investing in a stronger magnet or premium rope.

What pull force do I need for my first magnet?

For beginners, I recommend starting with a magnet that has 300-500 lbs of pull force. This range is perfect for learning proper technique while being strong enough to pull up exciting finds like tools, hardware, and smaller metal objects. Here's why this range works best for beginners: 300-400 lbs : Ideal for shallow water and learning proper casting technique. You'll find plenty of interesting items without the magnet being too heavy to handle safely. 400-500 lbs : Great all-around strength that can handle most beginner finds while still being manageable for extended fishing sessions. Avoid going over 600 lbs for your first magnet – stronger magnets are heavier, harder to cast accurately, and can be dangerous if they snap back or get stuck. You'll also want to master the basics of rope handling and safety before moving up to magnets with 800+ lbs of pull force. Remember, technique matters more than raw power when you're starting out. A 400 lb magnet used properly will often outperform a 800 lb magnet used poorly.

Best Magnet Fishing Kits for Beginners (2025 Guide)

June 9, 2025

Looking for the best magnet fishing kit for beginners? You've come to the right place. As someone who's spent countless hours pulling treasures from lakes and rivers, I've tested dozens of kits to help you find the perfect starter setup.

Whether you're hunting for your first magnet fishing adventure or looking to upgrade from a basic magnet, this guide covers everything from budget-friendly options under $50 to premium kits that'll last for years. I'll break down exactly what makes a great beginner kit and help you avoid the common mistakes that can ruin your first magnet fishing experience.

Quick Comparison: Top Magnet Fishing Kits for Beginners

Kit	Pull Force	Price Range	Best For	Rating
Brute Magnetics 1200 lbs Kit	1200 lbs	$90-100	Serious beginners	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Complete 760 lbs Kit	760 lbs	$50-60	Serious beginners	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ULIBER 800 lbs Swivel	800 lbs	$35-35	Best value	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Double-Sided 700 lbs Kit	700 lbs	$20-30	Best build quality	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Complete 1320 lbs Kit	1320 lbs	$45-55	Budget choice	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Premium Double-Sided Kit	1200 lbs	$50-60	Advanced beginners	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Budget Magnet Fishing Kits and Best Premium Magnet Fishing Kits

List of Services

Complete Magnet Fishing Kit Buyer's Guide

What Makes the Best Magnet Fishing Kit for Beginners?

After testing countless setups, here's what separates great beginner kits from disappointing ones:

Magnet Strength: The Sweet Spot is 300-800 lbs

300-500 lbs: Perfect for kids and first-timers. Easy to handle, still finds plenty of cool stuff.
600-800 lbs: Ideal for most beginners. Strong enough for bikes and larger items, manageable weight.
1000+ lbs: Advanced beginner territory. More finds, but requires proper technique and caution.

Rope Quality Matters More Than You Think Your rope takes a beating during magnet fishing. Look for:

Nylon or polyester construction - resists water damage and UV rays
At least 50 feet length - gives you casting flexibility
Braided over twisted - stronger and less likely to fray

Essential Accessories That Make a Difference

Thread locker: Prevents your magnet from unscrewing (trust me, this happens)
Quality carabiner: Your weak link if you go cheap here
Gloves: Protect from rope burns and sharp finds
Storage bag: Keeps muddy gear organized

Magnet Types: Single vs. Double-Sided

Single-Sided Magnets

More concentrated pulling power
Easier to control and cast
Better for beginners learning technique
Usually lighter weight

Double-Sided Magnets

More surface area for catching items
Can grab objects from multiple angles
Slightly more complex to use
Better for experienced beginners

For your first kit, I recommend starting with a single-sided magnet around 400-500 lbs. You can always upgrade to a double-sided setup later.

How to Choose Your First Magnet Fishing Kit

Step 1: Set Your Budget

$30-45: Basic starter kits, good for testing the hobby
$45-65: Sweet spot for most beginners, quality gear that lasts
$65-80: Premium kits with professional features

Step 2: Consider Your Fishing Locations

Shallow ponds/streams: 300-425 lbs is plenty
Deep lakes/rivers: 500-700 lbs for better reach
Urban areas with debris: Stronger magnets help with stuck items

Step 3: Think About Your Physical Ability

Kids/smaller adults: Start with 300-500 lbs
Average adults: 500-800 lbs works great
Strong adults: 800-1200 lbs if you want maximum power

Safety Considerations for Beginner Kits

Magnet fishing is generally safe, but these tips will keep your first experiences positive:

Always wear gloves when handling rope and finds
Check local laws before fishing - our state-by-state guide covers regulations
Bring a bucket for muddy or sharp objects
Never fish alone on your first few trips
Inspect your gear before each use - frayed ropes and loose connections cause problems

For more detailed safety information, check out our comprehensive magnet fishing safety guide.

Where to Use Your New Magnet Fishing Kit

Once you've got your kit, you'll need great spots to try it out. Here are my favorite beginner-friendly locations:

Best Beginner Spots

Public fishing piers and docks
Park ponds with easy bank access
Slow-moving streams and creeks
Areas near old bridges or crossings

What You Might Find

Tools and hardware
Coins and jewelry
Fishing equipment
Historical artifacts
Bicycles and bike parts

For specific locations in your area, check out our detailed magnet fishing locations guide with state-by-state recommendations.

What's the best magnet fishing kit for beginners under $50?

For budget-conscious beginners, I recommend looking for a complete kit with at least 300 lbs of pull force that includes all the essentials. The best value kits under $50 typically feature a single-sided neodymium magnet (around 300-500 lbs), 50-65 feet of nylon rope, a quality carabiner, and thread locker.

While you might not get the premium materials found in higher-priced kits, these budget options are perfect for testing the waters and deciding if magnet fishing is right for you. Look for kits that include gloves as a bonus – they're essential for handling muddy finds and protecting your hands from sharp objects. Many beginners are surprised by how much they can find with these entry-level kits, from coins and tools to larger items like bike parts.
How much should I spend on my first magnet fishing kit?
For your first magnet fishing kit, I'd recommend budgeting between $40-80. This sweet spot gets you quality gear that won't break after a few uses while keeping costs reasonable as you're learning the hobby.
Here's how to think about pricing:
- $30-50: Basic starter kits with 300-500 lbs pull force – great for testing the hobby
- $50-80: Mid-range kits with 500-800 lbs pull force, better rope, and accessories
- $80+: Premium kits with 800+ lbs pull force, superior materials, and comprehensive accessories
Remember, you can always upgrade individual components later. Starting with a complete kit in the $40-80 range gives you everything needed to get hooked on the hobby without breaking the bank. If you find yourself magnet fishing regularly after a few months, that's when you might consider investing in a stronger magnet or premium rope.
What pull force do I need for my first magnet?
For beginners, I recommend starting with a magnet that has 300-500 lbs of pull force. This range is perfect for learning proper technique while being strong enough to pull up exciting finds like tools, hardware, and smaller metal objects.

Here's why this range works best for beginners:
- 300-400 lbs: Ideal for shallow water and learning proper casting technique. You'll find plenty of interesting items without the magnet being too heavy to handle safely.
- 400-500 lbs: Great all-around strength that can handle most beginner finds while still being manageable for extended fishing sessions.
Avoid going over 600 lbs for your first magnet – stronger magnets are heavier, harder to cast accurately, and can be dangerous if they snap back or get stuck. You'll also want to master the basics of rope handling and safety before moving up to magnets with 800+ lbs of pull force.

Remember, technique matters more than raw power when you're starting out. A 400 lb magnet used properly will often outperform a 800 lb magnet used poorly.