How to Fish in Stardew Valley
In this Stardew Valley How-to guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about fishing, including how to start fishing in Stardew Valley and what you'll have to do during the fishing mini-game.
What is Fishing
Just like Farming or Mining, Fishing is another one of the skills you can level up in Stardew Valley.
There are ten levels in total; reaching each level grants you a +1 in Fishing Rod Proficiency as well as some items. Once you get to level 5 of fishing, you'll get to decide your character's profession. For fishing, the options are Fisher or Trapper.
How to Unlock Fishing
To fish in Stardew Valley, you'll need a fishing rod. But, unlike other tools like the hoe or the watering can, you won't start the game with a fishing rod. Instead, Willy will send you a letter on the second day of Spring asking you to see him at the beach. Once you get there, a cut scene will start, and he'll give you a Bamboo Pole.
As you increase your fishing level, you'll be able to purchase better rods from Willy's shop.
How to Fish
Once you have a rod, equip it and head to the nearest body of water to start fishing. Once there, you'll have to follow the steps below.
- Use the tool button to cast the rod near the water. Remember that different fish will spawn in different locations.
- A meter will appear, which you can use to decide how far you want the line to go
- Release the button to cast the line
- Wait for a little until you hear a distinct sound and an exclamation point appears above your character; this means a fish has bitten.
- Quickly click the "Use Tool" button.
- The fishing mini-game will start. This one consist of a movable green rectangle that you control by repeatedly pressing the Use Tool button. To catch a fish, all you have to do is maintain the small fish icon inside the green rectangle until the progress bar is filled.
Keep in mind that certain factors can make fishing easier. Things like the type of fish you're catching, using bait or a tackle, your fishing skill, or the rod you're using will affect the fishing mini-game.
<meta /> <meta />
How to Use Bait
Once you purchase a Fiberglass Rod or an Iridium one, you can start using bait when fishing by attaching the bait to the rod.
To attach bait to these rods, you have to open your inventory, click on the bait, and then left-click on the rod. The same process applies to the Crab Pot.
Below you'll find all the types of baits available in Stardew Valley.
- Bait: With this one, you'll catch fish even faster since it decreases the time taken for fish to bite. Moreover, using this bait also lowers your chances of catching trash instead of fish.
- Magnet: This bait increases the chances of finding treasure when fishing.
- Wild Bait: With this bait you'll have a chance of catching two fish at once, and the fish will bite faster.
- Magic Bait: With this bait you'll be able to catch fish from any season, weather, time. Also, the type of water you cast your rod into won't matter.