You never know what you may uncover while magnet fishing. Whether you are fishing in the pond in your backyard or a popular body of water, you may pull up something with an incredible story behind it. Recently, a pair of magnet fishermen in the United Kingdom retrieved a cannon that may be up to 600 years old. The catch has military experts and excited fellow fishermen looking for more information.

A Historic Discovery 

The impressive feat took place on August 19, when Ray Harper and Dave Sonik Jordan set up shop at Sheffield’s Ball Street Bridge. Harper latched on to the cannon, prompting Jordan to come help. Nearby fishermen eventually joined in and, after an hour, the three-foot cannon was removed from the water below.

 

"Every magnet fisherman wants to pull out a cannon. It's the Holy Grail of finds," said Jordan

 

The group thinks the cannon is anywhere from 200 to 600 years old and that it is the first artillery piece to be pulled from a UK river. After admiring their catch, the pair took the item to the Kelham Island Museum so the staff could write down its details. Following the stop, Jordan brought the cannon to his home before reaching out to the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme. One local professor said weapons were stored in an old castle prior to its demolition in the 1600s, potentially giving more backstory to the discovery. For now, the group and researchers will wait to see what they can uncover before giving their official thoughts on the cannon’s history. 

 

If you are interested in watching the event unfold, it was posted on the group’s YouTube channel.

Start Magnet Fishing With Apex

Magnet fishing is a fun activity that people of all ages can enjoy, as long as there is adult supervision. If you want to explore a nearby river, pond, or lake, get started with our collection of fishing/retrieval magnets. Remember, magnet fishing is legal but you can always double-check with local authorities if you are unsure if a body of water is privately owned or under the jurisdiction of local government.

 

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