Magnet fishing helps clean waterways

By Adelle Ellis, Times Reporter

A mostly unheard-of hobby has one couple making a positive impact in Strathmore by cleaning up local waterways through “magnet fishing.” 

Locals Garret Kraft and Sarah Johnson were watching Facebook and YouTube videos when they learned about magnet fishing. Magnet fishing is widely practiced in canals in Europe and in waterways near war battle sites, where people use giant magnets to “fish” for relics of the past.

The couple decided they could try magnet fishing here to help clean up local water bodies. The two, who said they love doing different water and outdoor activities, feel it’s their responsibility to help keep the water clean. 

“We are just an adventurous couple that loves anything outdoors and nature; we got into it because we love the outdoors and helping clean and keep waters clean,” said Kraft, who added that because no one he knows of does magnet fishing, there is a saturation of junk sitting at the bottom of local ponds, lakes and canals. 

Kraft and Johnson go out at least three times a week. They’ve been to Kinsmen Park pond, the Bow River and Elbow River, and to several smaller ponds and canals around town, and they have plans to go to Severn Dam and Eagle Lake among others.

The pair have found a lot of treasures, and a lot of junk. 

“We throw (our magnets) off the banks, docks, bridges, boats, anywhere we have a stable throwing stance … nothing like falling in (the water),” joked Kraft.

They’ve pulled out bikes, scooters, fence posts with barbed wire, metal poles, a lot of fishing lures and line, knives, money and more.

The duo started with smaller magnets pulling in some smaller trophies, before quickly realizing the larger items, such as bikes, would require heavy duty hardware. Kraft says all they use is a good set of rain boots and gloves as they can get dirty quickly, a heavy-duty rope, a grappling hook, two single-sided 530 lbs pull force magnets and two double-sided 1,260 lbs pull force magnets for the larger finds. 

Kraft said there are no regulations against magnet fishing as it is a way of cleaning up the water, and that everything they find they either keep, put it in the garbage or recycle. 

“We both love to fish, paddle board and boat, along with so many other water and outdoor activities,” said Kraft. “I just feel I should do my part to clean up what other people can’t as I want the waters to be clean.”