Fish Species Guide
How to Fish features a variety of fish species across multiple islands, each with their own rare variants to collect. Here's what we know about the fish you'll encounter on your journey home.
Fish Basics
Every fish in How to Fish can be caught, killed, and sold for money. Fish vary in difficulty to catch based on their size, behavior, and the island where they're found. Earlier islands feature smaller, easier fish, while later islands house bigger and more valuable catches.
Each fish species also has a rare variant that collectors will want to track down. These rare versions are visually distinct and presumably worth more when sold. Completionists will want to catch every rare variant in the game.
- Fish difficulty scales with island progression
- Every species has a rare variant to collect
- Larger fish generally sell for more money
- Some fish may require specific gear or techniques to catch
Fish by Island
The starter island features beginner-friendly fish that are easy to catch with basic equipment. These won't make you rich, but they'll fund your initial upgrades and help you practice the physics-based casting mechanics.
As you defeat bosses and complete quests to unlock new islands, you'll discover more exotic and dangerous fish species. Later-island fish are harder to reel in but reward significantly more money when sold. Some may even fight back, requiring weapons to subdue.
| Island Level | Fish Difficulty | Gear Recommended | Rare Variant Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Island | Easy | Basic/None | Low |
| Second Island | Medium | Upgraded Rod | Moderate |
| Advanced Islands | Hard | Best Available Gear | High |
Collecting Rare Variants
One of the long-term goals in How to Fish is collecting the rare variant of every fish species. Rare variants appear less frequently than their common counterparts and may require specific conditions or locations to spawn.
Tracking down every rare fish adds a satisfying completionist layer to the game, especially in co-op where you and your friends can split up to cover more fishing spots. Keep an eye out for any visual differences in the fish you catch — that's your cue that you've hooked something special.
Tips for Catching Tough Fish
The physics-based system means that catching difficult fish isn't just about having better gear — technique matters too. Pay attention to your casting angle and timing, and be ready for a fight once you hook a big one.
Trick shots can be particularly effective with certain fish types. If you manage to land a stylish cast, you'll earn bonus money on top of the fish's base sell value. It's worth practicing your casting technique even after you've upgraded your gear.
- Master the physics-based casting for bigger catches
- Upgrade your rod before tackling tougher fish
- Use weapons on aggressive fish species
- Try trick shots for bonus income on every catch