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While farming might be the primary focus in Stardew Valley, the game offers so much more for players to enjoy other than just tending to crops. Fishing stands out as one of the most profitable and relaxing activities, even serving as a key skill in the game.
Fishing is a timeless classic of farming simulators and this fishing guide will turn you into Stardew Valley’s best in no time.
How to Unlock Fishing in Stardew Valley
Just like in real life, fishing is all about having the right gear—starting with having a fishing rod. Unlike your trusty hoe or watering can, you don’t start off the game with a fishing rod available to you. By the 2nd of Spring, Willy drops you a letter that invites you to come to the beach. After a brief cutscene, Willy hands you your very first Bamboo Pole.
It’s not a good fishing rod but it’s a start, as it allows you to start fishing. You’ll get to upgrade your fishing rod eventually as you become a better fisherman, with better fishing rods becoming available for purchase at Willy’s Shop.
Stardew Valley Fishing 101
Here’s how to fish, step-by-step:
1. Equip Your Rod:
Once you have your fishing rod in your hotbar, equip it from your inventory and make your way to the nearest body of water. Different fish species inhabit distinct locations, so choose wisely where you cast your line.
2. Casting Your Line:
Using the tool button, cast your rod near the water. A meter will appear, allowing you to determine how far you want your line to go. Timing is key; release the button at the desired distance to cast your line accurately.
3. Wait for the Bite:
After casting, patience becomes the name of the game. Wait attentively until you hear a distinct sound and see an exclamation point above your character; this indicates a fish has bitten.
4. Engaging the Fishing Mini-Game:
Quick reflexes are crucial. Click the “Use Tool” button swiftly to immediately initiate the fishing mini-game. Here, a movable green rectangle, controlled by repeated presses of the Use Tool button, appears. To successfully catch a fish, your goal is to keep the small fish icon within this green rectangle until the progress bar on the right is completely filled.
How to Master Fishing in Stardew Valley
Choosing the Right Fishing Rod
To excel in fishing, selecting the appropriate fishing rod is essential. Stardew Valley offers four options:
- Training Rod: The easiest fishing rod to use but limits you to reeling in basic fish only. It grants the same amount of XP as the other rods and is perfect for players who have a difficult time with the fishing minigame.
- Bamboo Rod: Your beginner fishing rod that’s gifted by Willy. It will serve you well until you reach Fishing Level 2 where you unlock better alternatives to it.
- Fiberglass Rod: Accessible at Fishing Level 2, this rod supports bait, enhancing your chances of enticing fish. It also allows you to catch some fish that were previously locked behind training rod difficulty restrictions.
- Iridium Rod: Unlike other Iridium tools that require Iridium Bars to upgrade, players can obtain this top-tier rod upon reaching Fishing Level 6 and buying it from Willy’s Shop. It accommodates both bait and tackle, making it the ultimate choice for seasoned anglers.
Leveling Your Fishing Skill
Your Fishing Skill increases every time you manage to catch an item or fish, whether that’s through your fishing rod or crab pot.
As with your other skills in Stardew Valley, it consists of ten distinct stages. Each level achieved brings unique benefits, such as unlocking crafting recipes, revealing new items, or even profession bonuses. You can track your fishing level progression by clicking on the character tab right next to the inventory tab when you pull up the game’s menu.
Learning the Types of Fish
Players can virtually fish in any square of water in Stardew Valley. However, the availability of fish in Stardew Valley depends on several factors, including:
- Season: Different seasons usher in various fish species, so the time of year matters.
- Weather: Weather conditions, whether sunny or rainy, can influence which fish are active and accessible.
- Body of Water: The specific location, be it a forest lake, a forest river, or a town river, has its unique set of fish. However, there may be some shared species between them.
- Time of Day: The time of day can also impact the types of fish you encounter.
Fish have different behaviors too. Some might be easier to catch than others, and some are really slippery even for the most experienced anglers.
Using Fishing Accessories
Baits and tackles are indispensable tools for anglers seeking to reel in high-quality fish effortlessly and swiftly. Bait heightens the likelihood and speed of fish biting, while a tackle enhances the fishing catch process. You can use bait as early as obtaining the Fiberglass Rod but those who want to take advantage of both accessories will want to use the high-end Iridium Rod.
For farmers deciding to go for fishing glory by catching the elusive five legendary fishes of Stardew Valley, using these two are a must.
Other Benefits of Fishing in Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley offers you numerous options on what you can do with your catch, apart from just selling them or eating it.
Completing the Community Center
Rejuvenating the Community Center is just one of the quests you can undertake to improve your life in Pelican Town and make your grandpa proud. One of the bundles you need to complete is the Fish Tank bundle, which requires you to gather diverse fish species from different locations and seasons all across the valley.
Farming Using a Fish Pond
A Fish Pond is a farm structure that allows you to house various fish species, generating valuable resources like roe and other items. These items can then be sold for a good chunk of money. Fish Ponds also enable the reproduction of fish, creating a sustainable source for harvesting within the pond without having to leave your farm.
Friendship Points
Befriending the villagers of your new town has always been an important aspect in farming simulators like in Story of Seasons. It creates a sense of community and can even lead to romance down the line. Stardew Valley adheres to this tradition. Gifting fish to villagers is a great way to build friendship just as long as they have it as a dislike. Or better yet, turn your fish into Sushi as all villagers, except for a select few, really like it as a gift.
Home Decoration
If you want to give your home an aquatic vibe, you can use the Fish Tank furniture item to showcase your favorite fishes. There are five distinct tanks available, each varying in size and capable of holding a specific number of items.
