How to Fish: Complete guide to every fish, creature, island, bait and rod

How to Fish has quickly attracted attention in the indie gaming scene, thanks to its surprisingly detailed fishing mechanics and wide variety of aquatic creatures. The game takes players across five distinct islands, each featuring its own ecosystem and a growing selection of fish, crustaceans, exotic creatures and challenging boss encounters.

Catching each species requires players to use the right rod, bait and lure for the location and target. As you progress through the islands, new rods and lure types become available, allowing you to catch increasingly rare species.

Boss encounters are among the toughest catches in How to Fish. Unlike regular fish, they require dedicated boss lures linked to your progression, so players should make sure they have the necessary equipment before attempting them.

How to catch fish in How to Fish

The basic strategy is to match the correct rod and bait with the species you are trying to catch. Each new island expands the available equipment and introduces new species.

The game begins with relatively simple catches at the Lighthouse before gradually introducing more unusual creatures and stronger boss encounters.

All fish at the Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is the starting area and serves as an introduction to the game's fishing mechanics. Players are limited to the Crab Fishing Rod, while the available species are relatively limited.

The Lighthouse also features the first boss encounter, which requires unusual bait.

• Rock Crab — Free Lure
• Shrimp — Free Lure
• Rock Crab — Hot Dog
• Lobster — Hot Dog
• Spider Crab — Empty Beer Can

All fish on Island 2

Island 2 significantly expands the available species and introduces new lure options. Players can catch:

• Piranha — Hot Dog
• Mackerel — Free Lure
• Gar — Free Lure
• Pike — Free Lure
• Cod — Beginner Lure
• Goldfish — Free Lure / Beginner Lure
• Perch — Beginner Lure
• Triggerfish — Beginner Lure
• Giant Piranha — Modified Leech
• The Old Pike — Beginner Boss Lure

All fish on Island 3

Island 3 introduces the Standard Lure and adds a wider selection of tropical and exotic species.

• Angelfish — Standard Lure
• Boxfish — Standard Lure
• Catfish — Standard Lure
• Sea Urchin — Standard Lure
• Seahorse — Standard Lure
• Clownfish — Standard Lure
• Bluegill — Standard Lure
• Salmon — Standard Lure
• Needlefish — Standard Lure
• Blue Shark — Standard Boss Lure
• Pufferfish — Carrot

All fish on Island 4

Island 4 becomes available after completing the quests on Island 3. Most standard catches here require the Professional Lure, while the island also introduces several larger and more unusual species.

• Parrotfish — Professional Lure
• Voxelfish — Professional Lure
• Bass — Professional Lure
• Halibut — Professional Lure
• Eel — Professional Lure
• Tigerfish — Professional Lure
• Flying Fish — Professional Lure
• Sengarat — Professional Lure
• Red Snapper — Professional Lure
• Tuna — Professional Boss Lure
• Albatross — Tuna

All fish on Island 5

Island 5 is unlocked after completing the quests on Island 4 and receiving its coordinates. It is the most challenging area in the game and requires the Scientific Lure for most regular catches.

• Anglerfish — Scientific Lure
• Blobfish — Scientific Lure
• Oarfish — Scientific Lure
• Superdwarf Fish — Scientific Lure
• Stonefish — Scientific Lure
• Goblin Shark — Scientific Boss Lure
• Bowhead Whale — Fish Bucket
• Mutated Bowhead Whale — Bowhead Whale

What to know before fishing

Progression is central to How to Fish, with each island introducing new species and equipment. Players should keep track of which bait works for each catch and make sure they have the appropriate lure before attempting a difficult species or boss.

The game's catch list may also expand as new updates are released, so players should check official channels for the latest additions and changes.