🔥 Introduction
If you’ve ever been out magnet fishing and ended the day with nothing more than a bucket of rusty bolts and soda can tabs, you’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations in this hobby is spending hours at the water without pulling up anything exciting. You start to wonder: Is there really treasure down there… or just trash?
That’s exactly how my day started — until everything changed.
In this post, I’m sharing the story behind my biggest magnet fishing jackpot ever — a wild haul of strange and valuable finds that completely blew my mind. Whether you’re a seasoned magnet fisher or just getting started, you’ll see exactly how the right location, gear, and patience can turn an ordinary day into a legendary one.
🌊 Where It All Happened
This unforgettable day unfolded at Tempe Town Lake in Arizona — one of the most overlooked yet promising spots for urban treasure hunters. Located in the heart of Tempe and just a stone’s throw from downtown Phoenix, it’s become one of my go-to locations for magnet fishing in Arizona.
So, why this lake?
Tempe Town Lake has a long history of activity, from recreational boating and festivals to being surrounded by major walkways, bridges, and public parks. Over the years, thousands of people have crossed its waters — making it a magnet (no pun intended) for all sorts of dropped, tossed, or forgotten metal objects.
Local rumors have long whispered about strange finds here — from discarded bikes to old safes and even possible weapons. Some believe it’s a dumping ground for stolen goods, while others see it as a treasure hunter’s dream. Either way, it’s earned its place on the list of best lakes for magnet fishing in the state.
That day, the weather was perfect for a pull — clear skies, light wind, and a calm surface that made every ripple easy to spot. The warm sun glinting off the water only added to the anticipation of what might be lurking beneath.
If you’re into treasure spots where urban legends and lost history meet, Tempe Town Lake is definitely one to check out.
🧰 My Magnet Fishing Setup
Having the right magnet fishing equipment can be the difference between pulling up scrap metal and reeling in something truly unbelievable. For this trip, I went in fully prepared — and it paid off big time.
🔩 The Gear Breakdown
- Magnet: I used a 1200 lb single-sided magnet — strong enough to latch onto heavy items buried under layers of mud and debris. This is one of the best magnets for heavy items, especially when you’re targeting older, sunken treasures that have settled deep.
- Rope: Attached to the magnet was a durable paracord with a heavy-duty locking carabiner, rated for high tension and secure grip. You don’t want your line snapping mid-pull when you’ve got something big on the hook.
- Tools & Accessories:
- Grappling hook – for grabbing bulky or awkward-shaped items
- Heavy-duty gloves – essential for grip and safety
- Scraper and brush – to clean off rust and muck on the spot
- Bucket – to store and sort smaller finds
This strong magnet fishing setup was crucial when I locked onto some of the larger finds — including an old bicycle, a heavy “No Parking” sign, and a rusted piece of industrial piping. Without the right tools, there’s no way I could have pulled those items up cleanly.
🎣 The First Few Casts
With my gear prepped and the sun just starting to warm the surface of the lake, I tossed out the magnet and waited for that familiar clunk. The first few casts brought up what you’d expect from a well-traveled urban lake — super rusted metal bits, scattered nuts and bolts, and a couple of broken fishing lures likely lost by weekend anglers.
At one point, I even dragged up a small, corroded anchor — not something rare, but definitely a sign I was in the right spot. Each pull revealed more debris, telling stories of the lake’s hidden past, piece by piece.
But after nearly an hour, I started to think it might be just another average day of cleanup and minor finds.
Just when I was about to call it a slow day, I felt a huge tug — way stronger than anything I’d felt before. My rope went taut, and for a second, I thought it might break. That’s when the adrenaline kicked in. Whatever was down there, it wasn’t ordinary — and I was determined to bring it up.
🧲 The Jackpot Pull
🎯 The First Clue
It started with a cast like any other, but this time, the magnet locked onto something heavy — too heavy for just one pull. I leaned back, bracing myself against the tension in the rope. Whatever was down there wasn’t budging easily.
After a few failed attempts, I reached for the grappling hook, hoping it would help dislodge whatever was stuck. The rope strained again — and suddenly, it started to shift. As I dragged the load toward shore, my mind raced:
“Could this be a safe? Maybe a weapon? Something dumped and forgotten years ago?”
The mystery only made the pull more intense.
💰 The Reveal: What I Found
What surfaced next felt like something out of a magnet fishing dream.
- “No Parking” Sign Board
A full-sized, city-issued sign, still partially readable through layers of rust and grime. Steel construction, heavy and clearly submerged for years. Probably stripped or stolen and dumped. - Old Bicycle Frame
Bent, rusted, and half-covered in lake sediment. The chain was still intact — barely. Could’ve been down there a decade or more. - Industrial Pipe with Valve Handle
Thick, solid cast iron pipe with a rusted valve still attached. Possibly from construction work nearby or old city infrastructure. - Collection of Old Locks and Chains
Several padlocks — some broken, some sealed shut with age. One looked vintage, with a faded brand name barely visible. - Cold Necklace and a Rusty Wristwatch
Tangled together, I found a necklace with a dull, silver-like shine and an old analog wristwatch. The watch face was cracked, and the band was stiff with rust.
As for the necklace — it might be real silver. I’m planning to get it checked out by a local jeweler just in case.
Each find added to the excitement, and by the end of it, I realized this might just be my biggest magnet fishing treasure haul to date. It wasn’t just the weight of the items — it was the story they told, and the thrill of pulling them from the deep.
🎥 Watch the Full Magnet Fishing Jackpot in Action
🕵️♂️ The Mystery Behind the Find
As I sorted through the haul, I couldn’t help but wonder: how did all of this end up at the bottom of the lake? The “No Parking” sign seemed like something ripped from a street corner — maybe as a prank, or perhaps stolen and dumped to avoid being caught.
The bicycle had no visible branding left, just a rusted frame and warped tires. Could it have been stolen and tossed to destroy evidence? Or maybe it was simply forgotten, lost during a storm or abandoned years ago?
Some of the locks had faint markings — one with what looked like a manufacturing logo from the early 90s. No clear inscriptions or serial numbers were legible, but they seemed older than expected. The watch, too, didn’t reveal much except a cracked glass face and water-damaged dial.
The biggest mystery was the cold necklace — still shiny beneath the grime. No hallmark was visible, but its weight and tarnish patterns suggest it might be silver. If it turns out to be authentic, it raises even more questions: was it lost by accident? Or part of something more suspicious?
Though there were no weapons or clearly dangerous items in this haul, I always operate with caution. If I ever come across firearms or anything resembling evidence, I know the importance of reporting it to local authorities — both for safety and ethical responsibility.
✅ Conclusion
What started as a slow, rusty day at the lake turned into my biggest magnet fishing jackpot yet — a wild mix of mystery, history, and adrenaline. From an old bicycle and city sign to a possibly valuable necklace, this haul reminded me why so many of us are drawn to this unique hobby.
Magnet fishing isn’t just about finding cool stuff — it’s about uncovering hidden stories and connecting with the forgotten pieces of the world around us. So if you’ve been on the fence or feeling discouraged by a dry streak, don’t give up. Sometimes the next cast is the one that brings up something unforgettable.
And trust me — you won’t believe what’s waiting under the surface.
FAQs
What is the biggest thing ever found magnet fishing?
Some magnet fishers have pulled safes, motorcycles, and even weapons. In this post, I share my personal biggest jackpot ever.
What kind of magnet is best for heavy finds?
A single-sided magnet with at least 1200 lbs of pull strength is recommended for serious hauls and large underwater objects.
Where are the best places to go magnet fishing?
Urban lakes, under bridges, and old piers are great spots. I had my best results in Tempe Town Lake, Arizona.
