Not all strong fishing magnets are designed for the same purposes. Different types of magnets are better suited for specific environments, object sizes, and user preferences. Understanding the differences between these types can help you choose the strongest fishing magnet that aligns with your needs. The three most common types of fishing magnets are single-sided magnets, double-sided magnets, and retrieval magnets (also known as “salvage” magnets). Each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the “strongest” option will depend on how you plan to use it.

Single-Sided Fishing Magnets

Single-sided fishing magnets are the most common type and are ideal for beginners and casual hobbyists. As the name suggests, these magnets have a single magnetic face (the “working side”) that is designed to attract metal objects, while the other side is covered by the housing (which is typically non-magnetic or has a much weaker magnetic field). The advantage of single-sided magnets is their simplicity and ease of use. The magnetic force is concentrated on one side, making it easier to target specific objects and retrieve them without the magnet sticking to unintended surfaces (such as the side of a metal boat or a submerged pipe). Single-sided magnets also tend to be more compact and lightweight than double-sided magnets of similar pull force, which makes them easier to handle and transport.

When it comes to strength, single-sided fishing magnets are available in a wide range of pull forces, from around 100 lbs for small, entry-level models to over 2,000 lbs for heavy-duty, professional-grade options. For example, the Neodymium Fishing Magnet 1200LBS from a leading brand like Vastar or Brute Magnetics is a popular single-sided model that offers a high pull force suitable for retrieving medium to large objects, such as bikes, tools, or even small pieces of machinery. These magnets often feature a large, flat magnetic surface to maximize contact with metal objects, and a sturdy stainless steel housing with a reinforced eyelet for attaching a rope. Single-sided magnets are best suited for fishing in areas with a relatively flat bottom, such as lakes or canals, where the magnet can easily glide along the surface and make contact with objects. They are also a good choice if you’re primarily interested in retrieving small to medium-sized items, such as coins, keys, or small metal artifacts.

Double-Sided Fishing Magnets

Double-sided fishing magnets are designed with magnetic faces on both sides of the housing, which means they can attract and lift objects from either side. This design offers several advantages over single-sided magnets, particularly in terms of versatility and efficiency. With two working sides, double-sided magnets have a larger “coverage area” underwater, increasing the chances of making contact with metal objects. They are also useful for retrieving objects that are lying on their side or are partially buried in sediment, as the magnet can attach to either the top or bottom of the object. Additionally, double-sided magnets can sometimes generate a stronger overall magnetic field than single-sided magnets of the same size, as the magnetic flux is distributed across two surfaces rather than one.

In terms of strength, double-sided fishing magnets are available in pull forces ranging from around 200 lbs to over 3,000 lbs, making them some of the strongest options on the market. For example, the Double-Sided Neodymium Fishing Magnet 2000LBS from brands like Magnetar or Super Strong Magnets is a powerful tool that can handle heavy-duty retrieval tasks, such as lifting large metal pieces, old anchors, or even car parts from deep water. These magnets often have a thicker housing to accommodate the two magnetic cores, and they may feature a central eyelet (rather than an eyelet on one side) to allow for balanced lifting. However, double-sided magnets also have some drawbacks. Their larger size and weight can make them more difficult to handle, especially for beginners, and they are more likely to stick to unintended metal surfaces, which can be frustrating when trying to maneuver the magnet underwater. They are also typically more expensive than single-sided magnets of similar pull force. Double-sided magnets are best suited for experienced magnet fishers who need to cover large areas or retrieve heavy, irregularly shaped objects, and who are comfortable handling a larger, heavier tool.

Retrieval (Salvage) Magnets

Retrieval magnets, also known as salvage magnets, are a specialized type of fishing magnet designed for heavy-duty, professional applications, such as underwater recovery work, construction, or search and rescue operations. These magnets are the strongest of all fishing magnets, with pull forces often exceeding 3,000 lbs and sometimes reaching up to 10,000 lbs or more. Unlike single-sided or double-sided magnets, which are primarily designed for hobbyists, retrieval magnets are built to withstand extreme conditions and lift extremely heavy objects, such as sunken boats, large machinery, or even vehicles.

Retrieval magnets are typically much larger and heavier than hobbyist magnets, with housings made from thick, high-grade stainless steel or even carbon steel for maximum durability. They often feature multiple magnetic cores (rather than a single core) to generate a stronger magnetic field, and they may have a more complex attachment system, such as a shackle or a clevis, to connect to heavy-duty ropes or cables. Some retrieval magnets also include additional features, such as a built-in hook or a grapple, to help secure objects that are difficult to attach to with just the magnet. For example, the Professional Salvage Magnet 5000LBS from a brand like Grip On Tools or Master Magnetics is a industrial-grade magnet that is used by divers, construction workers, and emergency responders to retrieve heavy metal objects from deep or dangerous water. These magnets are not intended for casual hobby use, as they require significant strength to handle and can be dangerous if not used properly (e.g., a 5,000 lbs magnet can easily crush fingers or cause serious injury if it slams into a metal surface).

When choosing between the different types of strong fishing magnets, it’s important to consider your experience level, the type of objects you want to retrieve, and the environment in which you’ll be fishing. Beginners should start with a single-sided magnet with a pull force of 500–1,000 lbs, which is strong enough to retrieve most small to medium-sized objects without being too difficult to handle. Experienced hobbyists who want to tackle larger objects or cover more ground may prefer a double-sided magnet with a pull force of 1,000–2,000 lbs. Professional users or those with specific heavy-duty needs (such as retrieving large machinery) should opt for a retrieval magnet with a pull force of 3,000 lbs or more, but they should also invest in proper safety equipment and training to use the magnet safely.