How to Catch a Fish in Animal Crossing: 4 Methods that Work Every Time
Whether you’re fishing because you want to donate fish to the museum, sell them for bells, or make a delicious fish kebab with them, you will agree that fishing in Animal Crossing can be challenging.
To catch a fish in Animal Crossing, a player will equip the fishing rod next to a body of water and wait for a fish to bite the bobber, then presses and hold A to get a firm grip on the fish, or it will escape.
Fishing is even more challenging because Animal Crossing: New Horizon does a great job at simulating a real-life fishing experience such that:
- There are so many places to fish, and choosing the right one depends on many factors; not instincts
- Fishing locations spawn in different places at different times so you cannot predict where to set up your fishing gears
- Some fish can only be found late in the night, so it’s hard to see them
Fortunately, we know all the best tricks to make your fishing expenditure a success every time. In this article, you will learn:
- How to catch a fish in Animal Crossing: Getting prepared
- Finding the right spot and fish to catch
- 8 fishing techniques
Feeling lucky? Here we go!
How to catch a fish in Animal Crossing: Getting prepared
Before you start fishing, you must acquire a fishing rod. This is usually the first thing players do after completing the tutorial day on the Island. But this regular fishing rod can only be used a few times before it becomes ineffective. While it is totally fine to go ahead and fish with the basic fishing rod, you should consider an upgrade if you have the money to spare.
To upgrade the fishing rod:
- Go to the Nook Stop terminal
- Purchase the tool recipe pack
In the pack, you will find DIY recipes you can use to craft a fishing rod upgrade and other tools such as the axe and shovel.
How to catch a fish in Animal Crossing: Finding the right spot and fish to catch
If you are fishing to sell for bells, this list will show you just how much you can sell a fish for and where to find them. While we have covered a comprehensive fishing pricing list and guide, you can get started with this list of the most popular and valuable fishes in Animal Crossing.
Fish list, Prices and Location
How to catch a fish in Animal Crossing: 4 fishing techniques
Given how fish can be unpredictable, mastering the right techniques increases your chances of success. So, when you equip your fishing rod next to a body of water, pay attention to these techniques:
- Set your aim to cast the bobber in front of the fish so the fish can swim into the fishing line.
- If the fish doesn’t take the bait, wait a moment. Casting too early will alert the fish and it will swim away.
- Pay attention to the sound and vibration of the fish to know when it has bitten hard into the bobber. Otherwise, you might pull the lure too early and lose the fish.
- Scare other types of fish away to catch a specific one. A certain number of fish will always spawn in a given location; that’s how the game is programmed. But it is hard to catch a specific fish without alerting others. So, the less distraction the higher your chances.
Master the fishing techniques to the muscle memory for fishing in Animal Crossing
Fishing is not a one-time thing in Animal Crossing. You might find yourself often fishing if you want to sell them to acquire bells. The more your practice these techniques the better your chances. And don’t forget to upgrade your fishing rod and study the list of fish and where to find them.
Happy fishing!
