Plan before you start
What this guide helps with
Follow the steps below when you reach this part of the route, then open the linked fish, item or island page when you need a specific setup.- Category
- Start here
- Topic
- Beginner
- Route
- Progression
- Best for
- Planning the next objective
Your first objective
How to Fish is a physics-driven fishing adventure, not a traditional real-world fishing simulator. Your opening loop is simple: catch a creature, defeat it, sell it, then spend the money on stronger equipment and boat upgrades.
- Talk to nearby characters before leaving an island.
- The opening rods have internal default pools; there is no reusable inventory item named Free Lure.
- Buy or equip a named bait only when its catch table or quest calls for it.
Landing a catch
Cast into visible water and pay attention to the pull of the line. When the catch reaches the boat, fishing turns into combat. The game rewards creative kills, so positioning the creature before firing can be worth the effort.
- Create space before using explosives.
- Use the weapon you can land consistently, then experiment with trick shots.
- A failed catch usually costs time, so restock before a longer trip.
Spend money in the right order
A reliable weapon and a boat engine upgrade give the strongest early quality-of-life improvement. Attachments become more valuable once you know which weapon you actually enjoy using.
- Reliability first: weapon, ammunition and lure access.
- Mobility second: the engine shortens return trips.
- Specialization last: attachments and completion-focused purchases.
When to move on
Progression is tied to island objectives, quests and boss encounters. If the next route is unclear, return to the current island, talk to every marked character and check whether you still need a boss-specific lure.
Frequently asked questions
Is How to Fish single-player?
Yes. The Steam listing supports single-player and 1–4 player online co-op.
Do I need to keep every fish?
No. Selling catches is a core part of progression; keep only what a current quest or lure chain requires.
Why will a fish not bite?
The usual causes are the wrong island, the wrong lure, or a prerequisite encounter that has not been completed.
