A powerful magnet, some ropes and safety equipment. The Italians once and for all entered into the practice of magnetic fishing, an environmental sport that consists of removing metallic objects from rivers, lakes and beaches.
With a little patience and a dream of making the lake cleaner, Andrea Scarcella e Riccardo Donzelli, two young people from Varano Borghi, in Lombardy, become “viral” on TikTok.
In just three months, the duo's channel reached 100 million views and half a million followers (channel link).
The findings? The young people found hundreds of historical and current coins, wheelbarrows, brush cutters, chainsaws, wagon axles, nails, ammunition from the Second World War and even two pistols, which were handed over to the local police.
“It all started when we discovered “magnetic fishing” thanks to some videos. A few days later we were at the lakeside with our first magnet purchased online. We went metal fishing as soon as we had free time, and in the end we decided to make videos and post them on TikTok to show what we were doing”, says Andrea.
Mix of environmentalism with treasure hunting
Magnetic fishing has attracted many people in Italy, from North to South. This is the case of Giuseppe Found, from Milan, in northern Italy.
For him, This type of fishing is more attractive, precisely because you don't know what you might find at the bottom of the river or canal.
“Magnetic fishing is a sport that can be practiced anywhere, that is, wherever there is a river, a lake, or the sea. Or for example at Darsena (artificial lake) here in Milan. All you need is passion and the desire to become a child again and go on a treasure hunt. Furthermore, we clean the environment. If you find something interesting, have fun, if you only find nails or caps, it doesn’t matter”, says Giuseppe.
The Italian is a member of the “Pesca col Magnete” group, with more than 300 members who are enthusiasts of magnet sports.
What do you fish with the magnet?
In general, the fishing with the magnet allows you to recover scrap metal, coins, but also jewelry and watches if you use the neodymium magnet.
What exactly is neodymium
O Neodymium It is a metal that is part of the lanthanides or lanthanoids better known as rare earths. Silver in color, neodymium is used to manufacture powerful magnets.
How to fish?
The magnet is tied to a rope and, once spun, it is dropped into the water, slowly retrieving it until you feel the weight of the magnet increase. This indicates that the magnet has “hooked” something. To find out, pull the rope until the magnet with the “prize” comes out of the water.
But how much does it cost to practice magnetic fishing?
“The cost of a magnet”, explained Giuseppe Trovato, “is not exorbitant. They range from 10 to 100 euros (R$60 to R$600). There is something for everyone.”
Giuseppe Trovato's final appeal: “I recommend this sport especially for children. I advise parents who have children to buy a magnet, start close to home and help them rediscover the desire to be outdoors and help others clean up.”
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