Why Cant I Find Things Like This When I Go Fishing?
James Kane and Barbie Agostini have been magnet fishing since the pandemic began. Throughout their adventures, the couple has discovered items ranging from jewelry and coins to even firearms.
A New York City couple, James Kane and Barbie Agostini, recently struck gold—or rather, cash—when they retrieved an old safe containing approximately $100,000 from a lake in Corona Park through a unique activity known as ‘magnet fishing.’
Magnet fishing, a hobby that has gained popularity during the pandemic, involves using a powerful neodymium magnet attached to a rope or fishing rod to pull metal objects from bodies of water. Neodymium magnets, which can be purchased for as little as $21.99 on Amazon, are strong enough to attract metal items from significant depths. Kane and Agostini have been engaging in this pastime since the early days of the pandemic, and it has led to some interesting discoveries.
“We’ve found plenty of safes before; this is just what a magnet fisher does,” Kane told NY1, describing how the couple’s latest haul began as a routine find. Typically, the safes they pull up are empty, with only plastic baggies remaining to indicate that they once held valuables. However, this particular safe was different. As they pried it open, they were met with an unexpected surprise.
“We pulled it out, and there were two stacks of freaking hundreds. Big stacks,” Kane said, recalling the moment they realized the safe contained a significant amount of money. At first, Agostini thought Kane was joking, but when she saw the plastic baggies filled with bills, she was ecstatic. Despite their excitement, the couple soon discovered that water had seeped into the baggies, causing some damage to the hundred-dollar bills.
The condition of the money raises questions about its usability. However, there is hope for Kane and Agostini. According to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), if more than 50 percent of a damaged bill is identifiable, the lawful holder can receive a redemption at full value. This policy provides a glimmer of hope that the couple might be able to cash in their find.
Kane, who has always harbored dreams of becoming a treasure hunter, found magnet fishing to be a perfect pastime during the pandemic. “We call it the poor man’s treasure hunting,” he said. The couple embraced the hobby enthusiastically and even started a YouTube channel last June called ‘Let’s Get Magnetic,’ where they share their most interesting finds from various waters around New York City.
Their videos showcase an array of discoveries, including watches, jewelry, old New York City subway tokens, and even a small pistol. While the thrill of uncovering hidden treasures is a significant part of the appeal, Kane and Agostini are mindful of the potential legal implications of their finds. Items such as weapons and safes filled with cash can be linked to criminal activities, so the couple has developed a habit of contacting the police whenever they come across something that might have a dubious history.
Regarding the safe filled with cash, Kane mentioned that the New York Police Department (NYPD) conducted an investigation and found no issues. “Obviously, it was a safe that was stolen, but there was no crime with us,” Agostini explained. The safe contained no IDs or other identifying information that could trace it back to its original owner. As a result, the police congratulated the couple on their find.
The discovery drew significant attention from the NYPD, with high-ranking officers, including captains, arriving at the scene to see the find for themselves. Some officers, with nearly two decades of service, expressed astonishment, telling Kane and Agostini that they had never encountered anything like it before.
Kane and Agostini’s magnet fishing adventures continue to captivate their audience on YouTube and offer a fascinating glimpse into an unconventional hobby that has brought them unexpected fortune. Their story highlights the intriguing possibilities that lie beneath the surface of local lakes and rivers, waiting to be discovered by those with a keen sense of adventure and a powerful magnet.
