Magnet fishing is proving popular on the River Ancholme in Brigg.
Rather than rods being cast in search of fish, this type of angling involves lowering a magnet into the water to see if anything of interest (made of metal) takes the bait.
Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters magazine, recently 'caught' up with one magnet angling fan, but Brigg Blog has since heard of others visiting the river, particularly at weekends.
BY KEN HARRISON
Sauntering over the County Bridge in Brigg just before 2pm, I spied David McNiece, magnet fishing (pictured here).
He showed me the assortment of metal objects that he had retrieved from the River Ancholme.
He uses a very powerful magnet (cost £60) attached to a length of rope, and the rope itself it attached to a bridge railing to avoid the opportunity of the rope itself ending in the water.
David said that, the other week, he threw his magnet into the river of the towpath behind the B&M store and pulled out a newish and expensive looking sports-bike.
Leaving the bike leaning against the railings, he reported his find on a local Brigg website and he hopes somebody noticed his posting.
While I was with him, David again threw in his magnet....and pulled it out with a sock on the end.
Not a bad fishing-find; the sock contained a stash of coins.....so if anyone has lost a sock, please supply the dates on the coins!
NF adds: We've checked with the Environment Agency, which manages the River Ancholme. Although the Agency does not regulate magnet fishing, it suggests that those engaging in this activity should get permission from the landowner and anyone with fishing rights in the area before participating.