James Kane, a magnet fisher from New York City, recently made an exciting discovery in Sheepshead Bay. While tossing his magnet into the water, he pulled out an antique grenade. Kane, who aspires to be noticed, saw this as an opportunity for viral fame on his YouTube channel, Let’s Get Magnetic.
Kane, 39, has been magnet fishing as a full-time job for the past five months. He claims to be the only person in New York City who practices this hobby. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Kane has a deep understanding of the city’s waterways, having spent a year working for NYC Ferry and as a crane operator for a sanitation company.
This wasn’t the first time Kane found something remarkable while magnet fishing. Just two months prior, he pulled a gun out of a nearby lake, which he believed may have been used in a murder. Worried about potential legal issues, Kane was relieved when he discovered the grenade was empty of gunpowder.
Excited about his latest find, Kane dialed 911 to report it. However, he also hoped that the operator would recognize him, as he had found other weapons in the past. Unfortunately, the dispatcher didn’t react as he had hoped.
As the police arrived at the scene, Kane’s partner, Barbie Agostini, continued filming. The officers took pictures of the grenade, and more police eventually cordoned off the area. Undeterred, Kane moved down the sidewalk to continue fishing and capturing content for his YouTube channel.
While magnet fishing, Kane and Agostini have found various metal objects, including a bed frame from the 1900s. Recently, Let’s Get Magnetic reached 1,000 subscribers on YouTube, allowing Kane to monetize his channel. The couple celebrated this milestone at a pizza joint, reflecting on their journey and future plans.
Before magnet fishing, Kane used to stream himself playing video games, but it negatively impacted his health. He experienced spikes in blood pressure when his in-game character died. Switching to magnet fishing provided a more active and flexible alternative.
Kane and Agostini have known each other since childhood and reconnected as adults. They now live together with Agostini’s two children. The pandemic hit their family hard, forcing Kane to resign from his job as a crane operator and leading to financial difficulties. Magnet fishing has become their main source of income.
While Kane dreams of finding valuable treasures, most of his discoveries are junk. However, the occasional score, like finding $200 worth of waterlogged bills or an iPhone 13, keeps their spirits high. Kane aspires to YouTube stardom, despite the challenges of being a magnet fisher in New York City.
At their apartment, Kane proudly displayed his collection of favorite finds, including gun magazines and parts, as well as ancient cannonballs. He plans to donate the cannonballs to the American Museum of Natural History.
Kane’s passion for magnet fishing and his desire to be noticed continue to drive him as he explores the city’s waterways in search of hidden treasures.