A guide to luring in the hottest catches in the summer months of your island getaway package.

(© Nook Inc.)

Gear Up, Angler!

Before embarking on any serious expedition, a seasoned angler must ensure their kit is in order. We'll review the essential tools and tackle needed to brave the summer waters, from the trusty rod to tantalizing bait.

• The Flimsy Rod: A primitive tool, crafted from mere sticks. While suitable for ponds and practice, it is prone to breaking and will surely fail you when battling a true river titan.
• The Fishing Rod: Your durable and reliable workhorse. This standard-issue rod is the essential tool for all common angling and should be your primary objective to craft or acquire.
• Manila Clams: The secret weapon of the wise explorer. Do not wait for opportunity; create it. Hunt for these clams on the beach, craft them into Fish Bait, and use this potent lure to summon aquatic life to any location at will.

Tip: You will need a crafting bench to craft these items!

The Beginner's Bite

Master the art of the catch on the ocean's most common inhabitants and the river's smallest fry. This foundational practice is essential for honing your technique and patience. Conquering these simple tugs on the line will lead to bigger pulls later.

• The Sea Bass: You will become intimately familiar with this large-shadowed specimen. It is notoriously common in the sea at all hours and serves as the ultimate test of an angler's patience. Do not be discouraged; use its reliable bite to perfect your timing.
• The Horse Mackerel: A small, cooperative, and ever-present catch in the ocean. Its tiny, darting shadow provides excellent practice for quick reflexes.
• The Tadpole: This tiny, flickering shadow is a common sight in the freshwater ponds during the summer. Use this easy catch to master your casting aim in smaller spaces.

Tip: You only need to press the A button once to reel in.

The A+ Listers

You've learned the ropes by catching the 'C+' students of the sea. It is now time to pursue the true 'A+' Listers. This section is dedicated to the rare, high-value, and challenging specimens that will truly test your angling mastery.

• The Great White Shark: The king of the ocean predators. This massive, finned shadow is a rare sight in the summer sea, and landing one is a true test of an angler's nerve—with a massive Bell reward to match.
• The Mahi-Mahi: A brilliantly colored trophy found exclusively at the pier. Its large, fast-moving shadow and electric-yellow-and-blue body make it one of the most sought-after prizes of the summer.
• The Dorado: This golden "river dolphin" is a high-value, large-shadowed fish found only in your island's rivers. Known for its spectacular leaping, it's a prized catch for any freshwater angler looking for a challenge.

Tip: Sharks will have a small fin in their shadow.

Timing Your Trophy

The natural world operates on its own precise rhythms, and mastering them is key to a bountiful haul. Discover the optimal times of day and specific weather conditions that bring forth the most elusive and sought-after summer catches.

• The Great White Shark: This finned leviathan hunts primarily at night and in the morning (4 PM – 9 AM), appearing in any weather, but only in the open sea.
• The Mahi-Mahi: A 24-hour trophy that can be found in sun or rain, but you must focus your search exclusively by casting off the wooden pier.
• The Dorado: This golden river giant is a daytime creature (4 AM – 9 PM), appearing in all weather, and can only be found in your island's river system.

Tip: You can change the time and date on your system to travel time.

Fins to Fortune

You've mastered the hunt, and now it's time to claim your reward. This is where your new angling skills translate directly into glittering spoils. A full inventory of slimy scales needs a place to be deposited somewhere after all...

• Standard Sale: Your standard method for profit is selling your catches conveniently at Nook's Cranny, our one stop location for your island needs.
• The Specialist Buyer: For a much larger payday, wait for the special visitor, C.J. the beaver. He will appear during special events called Fishing Tourneys.
• Premium Price: C.J. will buy your fish for 1.5 times the standard price, turning your hard-earned haul into a true fortune at the cost of some waiting time.

Tip: Use the sell box outside of Nook's Cranny for quick sales.