5 Ways to Master Fishing in Stardew Valley Switch

A character holding a fish in the video game Stardew Valley

Immerse yourself in the tranquil realm of Stardew Valley, where fishing is a leisurely pursuit that rewards your patience and skills. The Nintendo Switch version of this beloved game offers an immersive fishing experience, allowing you to cast your line into sparkling waters and reel in a variety of aquatic wonders. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice fisher, this comprehensive guide will empower you to master the art of fishing in Stardew Valley on your Nintendo Switch.

Before embarking on your fishing expedition, it’s essential to acquire the necessary tools and knowledge. Invest in a sturdy fishing rod, crafted by Willy, the local fisherman, and equip it with a variety of lures and bait. Each type caters to specific species, so experiment to determine which combinations prove most effective in the diverse waters of Stardew Valley. Additionally, be mindful of the time of day and weather conditions, as these factors influence the behavior and catch rates of fish.

Once you’re adequately prepared, venture to one of the many fishing spots scattered throughout the valley. Cast your line with finesse, paying attention to the bobber’s movements. When a fish bites, react swiftly by pressing the “A” button to set the hook. The ensuing struggle tests your timing and reflexes as you reel in your catch with careful precision. As you progress, you’ll encounter a diverse array of fish, each with its unique characteristics and preferences. From the elusive Legend to the abundant Sardine, the waters of Stardew Valley hold endless possibilities for dedicated fishers.

Choosing the Right Fishing Rod

When it comes to fishing in Stardew Valley Switch, choosing the right fishing rod is essential for success. Each rod has its own unique set of stats, including:

Durability: The durability of a fishing rod determines how many uses it has before it breaks.
Casting distance: The casting distance of a fishing rod determines how far you can cast your line.
Fishing power: The fishing power of a fishing rod determines how likely you are to catch fish.

The following table summarizes the stats of each fishing rod:

Rod Durability Casting Distance Fishing Power
Training Rod 20 1 0
Bamboo Rod 40 2 1
Fiberglass Rod 60 3 2
Iridium Rod 80 4 3

The best fishing rod for you will depend on your fishing level and the type of fish you’re trying to catch. If you’re just starting out, the Training Rod is a good option. As you level up, you can upgrade to better rods, such as the Bamboo Rod or the Fiberglass Rod. The Iridium Rod is the best fishing rod in the game and is worth saving up for if you’re serious about fishing.

Bait and Lures: What to Use

Bait and lures are essential tools for successful fishing in Stardew Valley. Different types of bait and lures attract different species of fish, so it’s important to choose the right ones for your target fish. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most effective bait and lures in the game:

Bait Lure
Regular Bait Dusted Bait
Quality Fertilizer Treble Hook
Wild Bait Barb
Magic Bait Cork Bobber
Treasure Chest Weighted Bobber

Regular Bait

Regular Bait is the most basic type of bait, but it works well for catching most common species of fish. It can be crafted at the Carpenter’s Workshop using 1 piece of Sap and 5 pieces of Fiber. You can also purchase regular bait from Willy’s Fish Shop for 5g each.

Quality Fertilizer

Quality Fertilizer is a more effective type of bait than regular bait, and it can be used to catch high-quality fish. It can be crafted at the Carpenter’s Workshop using 1 piece of Sap and 5 pieces of Fiber, or you can purchase it from Willy’s Fish Shop for 10g each.

Wild Bait

Wild Bait is the best type of bait for catching legendary fish. It can be obtained by catching fish in the wild, or you can purchase it from Willy’s Fish Shop for 25g each.

Locations for the Best Catches

The vast and varied bodies of water in Stardew Valley are home to a diverse array of fish species. Each location offers its own unique set of catches, with certain spots being particularly prolific for specific types of fish.

Mountain Lake

Nestled amidst the towering peaks of the mountains, Mountain Lake is a secluded haven for anglers. Its pristine waters are teeming with prized catches, including:

  • Crimsonfish
  • Ice Pip
  • Sturgeon

The Mines (Levels 50-79)

Descending into the depths of the mines, anglers can encounter rare and elusive fish species not found elsewhere in the valley. Level 50 and below yields the following:

  • Lava Eel
  • Icefish
  • Ghostfish

Venturing deeper, to levels 50-79, provides access to:

  • Flounder
  • Frogfish
  • Octopus

Ocean

The vast expanse of the ocean holds a treasure trove of marine life, including species exclusive to the open waters:

  • Midnight Carp
  • Sea Cucumber
  • Seaweed

Time of Day Matters

The time of day plays a crucial role in fishing in Stardew Valley on the Switch. Different fish species have specific active time slots, and fishing outside of those time windows can significantly reduce your chances of catching them. There are three primary time slots to keep in mind:

  • Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM): This time slot is excellent for catching specific fish like Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Salmon.
  • Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM): During the afternoon, various species become active, including Catfish, Walleye, and Sturgeon.
  • Night (6:00 PM – 12:00 AM): Night fishing opens up opportunities to catch nocturnal species such as Squid, Red Snapper, and Eel.

In addition to the time slot, the weather can also affect the behavior of fish. Rain increases the likelihood of catching some fish species, while storms can scare away others. Experimenting with different time slots and weather conditions will help you strategize and maximize your fishing success.

Fish Active Time Table

Time Slot Fish Species
Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Salmon
Afternoon (12:00 PM – 6:00 PM) Catfish, Walleye, Sturgeon
Night (6:00 PM – 12:00 AM) Squid, Red Snapper, Eel

Timing Your Cast

Timing is everything when it comes to fishing in Stardew Valley Switch. The fish will only bite if you cast your line at the right moment. To do this, you need to watch the bobber and cast your line when it is at the bottom of its swing.

The bobber will move up and down in the water. When it is at the bottom of its swing, it will pause for a moment before moving back up. This is the moment when you should cast your line.

If you cast your line too early or too late, the fish will not bite. You will need to be patient and wait for the right moment to cast.

Perfect Cast

If you cast your line at the perfect moment, you will get a “Perfect Cast.” This will increase your chances of catching the fish. You can also get a “Nice Cast” or a “Good Cast,” but these will not give you as much of a bonus as a Perfect Cast.

Timing Your Cast for Different Fish

Different fish have different biting patterns. Some fish, like the carp, will bite almost immediately after you cast your line. Other fish, like the salmon, will take their time and wait for the perfect moment to strike.

You will need to learn the biting patterns of each fish in order to catch them successfully. The table below lists the biting patterns of some of the most common fish in Stardew Valley Switch.

Fish Biting Pattern
Carp Immediately after casting
Salmon Waits for the perfect moment to strike
Trout Bites when the bobber is at the bottom of its swing
Sturgeon Bites when the bobber is moving up

Patience and Persistence

Start Early

Begin fishing as soon as possible. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to improve your skills and earn valuable rewards.

Cast Often

Practice makes perfect! Cast your rod frequently, even if you don’t see any fish. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your accuracy.

Bait and Lure

Use bait and lures to attract fish. Different types of bait attract different species, so experiment to find what works best.

Observe Fish Behavior

Pay attention to the fish’s movements. They have specific behaviors that can help you anticipate their next move.

Upgrade Your Rod

As you level up in Fishing, you’ll unlock better rods. These improved rods have a longer casting range and increased catch rate.

Advanced Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can learn advanced techniques like perfect casting, bobber fishing, and trap bobbers. These techniques require precise timing and practice but can significantly improve your catch rate.

Level Rod Casting Range
1 Training Rod 1 tile
2 Bamboo Rod 2 tiles
3 Fiberglass Rod 3 tiles
4 Iridium Rod 4 tiles

Different Types of Fish

The Fish in Stardew Valley are categorized based on location, season, and time of day. Players can catch a variety of species in different water bodies, ranging from rivers and oceans to ponds and lakes. Each type of fish has its own set of attributes, including size, value, and rarity.

Fish in Rivers

Rivers in Stardew Valley offer a wide variety of fish, including Sunfish, Bullhead, Carp, Shad, Catfish, and more. Rivers are a great place for beginners to start fishing as they can be easily accessed from the Farm and offer relatively common species.

Fish in the Ocean

The ocean holds a vast array of fish, including Tuna, Sardines, Red Snapper, Halibut, Octopus, and more. Ocean fishing requires slightly more skill and equipment than river fishing, but the rewards can be greater with rare and valuable species available.

Fish in Ponds and Lakes

Ponds and lakes are often smaller bodies of water than rivers or oceans and contain a more limited range of fish. However, these areas can be good places to catch specific species, such as Bass, Sturgeon, and Bluegill.

Fish in the Mines

Surprisingly, there are fish that can be found in the Mines in Stardew Valley. These fish include Spook Fish, Void Salmon, and Mutant Carp, and they require special bait to catch.

Fish in the Sewer

The Sewer contains unique fish species, such as Slimejack and Mutant Carp. These fish are considered dangerous and can only be caught with specific bait.

Fish in the Desert

The Desert contains a small number of fish, including Sandfish, Tigertrout, and Anglerfish. These fish are well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the Desert.

Fish in the Ginger Island Aquarium

The Ginger Island Aquarium is a special location where players can catch rare and exotic fish species, such as Stonefish, Lionfish, and Emperor Arowana. These fish are highly prized by collectors and can fetch a high price when sold.

Fish Type Location Rarity
Carp Anywhere Common
Sunfish Rivers Common
Salmon Ocean, Rivers Uncommon
Cod Ocean Common
Tuna Ocean Uncommon
Bass Ponds, Lakes Uncommon
Sturgeon Ponds, Lakes Rare

Netting Silver and Gold

Upgrading your Rod greatly increases the chances of catching Silver and Gold fish. The Iridium Rod has the highest chance of catching higher quality fish. Additionally, using Bait or Tackle can further increase your odds.

Silver and Gold fish can be sold for a higher price than regular quality fish, making them a valuable source of income. They can also be used in bundles at the Community Center.

Factors Affecting Fish Quality

The quality of fish caught is determined by several factors:

  1. Rod quality
  2. Bait or Tackle used
  3. Fishing Skill
  4. Luck

By understanding these factors and using the appropriate techniques, you can increase your chances of catching Silver and Gold fish in Stardew Valley Switch.

Tips for Catching Silver and Gold Fish

1. Upgrade Your Rod: As mentioned earlier, upgrading your Rod significantly improves your chances of catching higher quality fish.

2. Use Bait or Tackle: Bait and Tackle can increase the size and quality of fish caught. Use the best Bait or Tackle available to you.

3. Improve Your Fishing Skill: Leveling up your Fishing Skill increases your chances of catching all fish, including Silver and Gold.

4. Be Lucky: Luck also plays a role in determining fish quality. Consuming Lucky Lunches or using the Lucky Ring can boost your luck.

5. Patience: Fishing for Silver and Gold fish requires patience. Keep casting your line until you’re successful.

6. Fish in the Right Location: Different types of fish are found in specific locations and seasons. Research the location and time of day that Silver and Gold fish are most likely to be caught.

7. Use a Fish Pond: Constructing a Fish Pond on your farm allows you to raise and breed specific types of fish, including Silver and Gold fish.

8. Table of Fish Quality and Selling Price:

Quality Selling Price
Regular [Selling Price]
Silver [Selling Price]
Gold [Selling Price]
Iridium [Selling Price]

Vending Your Catch

Once you’ve caught a fish, you can sell it to various vendors in Stardew Valley to earn money. Here are the best places to sell fish and get the most profit:

Willy at the Beach

Willy, the fish shop owner, buys fish for the base price. However, if you have the Merchant skill, you can sell fish with a 25% or 50% bonus.

Pierre at the General Store

Pierre buys fish for a slightly higher price than Willy. With the Merchant skill, you can get an additional 10% or 25% bonus.

Krobus in the Sewers

Krobus pays the highest price for fish. He gives you a 10% bonus on the base price, regardless of your Merchant skill level.

Traveling Cart

The Traveling Cart appears randomly on Fridays and Sundays. It offers a rotating selection of items, including fish. The prices vary depending on the fish, but you can often get a good deal.

Community Center

You can donate fish to the Community Center to complete bundles and earn rewards. Donating a fish of a specific quality increases the rewards.

Shipping Bin

The Shipping Bin is located on your farm. You can place fish in the bin, and they will be automatically sold. The base price is used, so it’s not as profitable as selling fish directly to vendors.

Vendor Base Price Merchant Bonus Krobus Bonus
Willy Base price 25% or 50%
Pierre Slightly higher than Willy 10% or 25%
Krobus Highest price 10%
Traveling Cart Varies
Community Center Varies
Shipping Bin Base price

Advanced Fishing Techniques

Perfect Casts

Casting at the perfect moment guarantees a high-quality fish. Aim for when the fishing bobber is 2/3rds below the waterline. The sound effect when it hits the water will be different to indicate a perfect cast.

Bait and Tackle

Various baits entice specific fish, and different tackle improves catching. Bait can increase catch rate and quality, while tackle aids in keeping fish hooked during struggles.

Fish Determination

Different fish species have varying levels of determination. Observing fish behavior, such as how long they stay on the hook and their movement patterns, helps anticipate their escape strategy.

Fishing Line

Higher-quality fishing lines are more durable and less likely to snap during intense fishing battles with strong or large fish.

Fish Size and Quality

Fish size and quality significantly increase income at the end of the day. Larger fish provide more money, while higher-quality fish are worth more at the Market.

Fishing Levels

Increased fishing levels enhance fishing skills, making it easier to catch fish and level up faster.

Weather

Weather conditions impact fishing success. Rain increases chances of catching certain species, while fog improves catch rate and quality.

Tricks and Tips

Small and simple actions, like holding the casting button down slightly, can give you a slight advantage in catching tricky fish.

Location and Season

Different fish species are found in specific locations and during certain seasons. Knowing these patterns optimizes chances of catching desired fish.

Fish with Special Requirements

Some fish can only be caught using specific bait, tackle, or weather conditions, adding an additional layer of challenge and strategy to fishing in Stardew Valley.

How to Fish in Stardew Valley Switch

Fishing is a fun and rewarding activity in Stardew Valley. It can be a great way to make money, get food, and complete quests. However, fishing can be a bit tricky at first. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. Choose the right fishing spot. Not all fishing spots are created equal. Some spots are more likely to yield certain types of fish. For example, the ocean is a good place to catch saltwater fish, while the river is a good place to catch freshwater fish.
  2. Use the right bait. Bait can help you attract fish to your line. There are many different types of bait, each with its own unique effects. Some bait, such as worms, are good for attracting common fish. Other bait, such as grubs, are good for attracting rarer fish.
  3. Cast your line correctly. Casting your line correctly is essential for catching fish. To cast your line, hold down the A button and then flick the right Joy-Con in the direction you want to cast. The farther you flick the Joy-Con, the farther your line will cast.
  4. Wait for a bite. Once you have cast your line, be patient and wait for a bite. You will know you have a bite when the bobber on your line starts to shake. When the bobber shakes, quickly press the A button to reel in the fish.
  5. Reel in the fish. Reeling in a fish can be a bit tricky. To reel in the fish, hold down the A button and move the left Joy-Con up and down. As you reel in the fish, it will try to fight back. Be patient and keep reeling until the fish is close enough to shore to catch.

With a little practice, you will be able to fish like a pro in Stardew Valley. So get out there and start fishing!

People Also Ask About How to Fish Stardew Valley Switch

How do I get a fishing rod in Stardew Valley?

You can get a fishing rod from Willy, the fisherman who lives on the beach. He will give you a free fishing rod after you complete the “Fishing Tutorial” quest.

What are the different types of fish in Stardew Valley?

There are over 80 different types of fish in Stardew Valley. Each type of fish has its own unique size, weight, and value. Some of the most common types of fish include salmon, trout, catfish, and bass.

How do I catch rare fish in Stardew Valley?

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of catching rare fish in Stardew Valley. First, try fishing in different locations. Some rare fish are only found in certain areas. Second, use bait. Bait can help you attract rare fish to your line. Third, be patient. It may take some time to catch a rare fish.