Boom in magnet fishing uncovers dangerous objects in Lincolnshire’s waterways
Magnet fishing in Lincolnshire continues to uncover dangerous items in the county’s waterways, according to new data obtained by a local skip hire firm.
Magnet fishing is a growing hobby where people use high-strength magnets to pull metal objects from rivers, canals and lakes.
The trend has become increasingly popular on TikTok and YouTube, with hobbyists hoping to uncover everything from historical items to scrap metal, but the practice can also reveal weapons, explosives and other hazardous materials.
The latest data acquired under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Sleaford’s Mountain Skip Hire, shows that Lincolnshire Police recorded 16 magnet-fishing incidents between 2022 and November 2025, including six cases involving weapons or suspected explosives and four bomb squad deployments.
Although incidents dropped in 2023 and 2024, the number has risen again this year, with four reports recorded in 2025 so far, up from two last year.
Weapons and explosives are among items recovered. Of the 16 total incidents, six involved the discovery of firearms, grenades, explosives or suspected ordnance. These dangerous finds were logged in 2022 (three incidents), 2023 (one) and 2025 (two), with no such cases in 2024.
In four of these cases, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called out, including once in 2025.
The FOI data breaks down the locations of each incident, revealing that Lincoln accounts for five of the 16 overall reports and three of the four recorded in 2025.
The must-affected neighbourhood policing team patches between 2022 and 2025 include:
Lincoln City Centre – 3 incidents; Alford – 2 incidents; Spalding Town – 2 incidents; Lincoln Carholme – 1 Incident; Lincoln Boultham – 1 Incident; Lincoln Moorland – 1 Incident.
Other reports were logged in Boston Town East, Gainsborough Rural North, Horncastle & Wragby, Sleaford Rural North, Sleaford Rural South, and Wainfleet & Burgh le Marsh.
Speaking on the findings. Colin Hill from Mountain Skip Hire said: “Magnet fishing is growing across the UK, and the Lincolnshire figures show just how unpredictable the finds can be. From scrap metal to firearms and suspected explosives, hobbyists are pulling up items that can pose real safety risks.
“We encourage anyone taking part to follow local safety guidance, report any suspicious finds immediately, and ensure that all recovered items are disposed of responsibly through licensed recycling centres.”