Welcome to Bywater! If you want to master the cozy life, you’ll need to get good at Tales of the Shire fishing. It’s not just a hobby; it’s your secret weapon. Basically, you catch fish to cook meals that your Hobbit neighbors are craving. Making them happy boosts your friendship level, which unlocks new recipes, cool items, and even secret fishing spots. It’s a simple loop: fish, cook, make friends, and unlock better stuff. This guide breaks down everything from catching your first fish to using it smartly to become the most popular Hobbit in the Shire.
The Short & Sweet Version
For those who want to get right to it, here’s the lowdown:
- Get the Rod: Follow the main story to meet Old Noakes. He’ll give you your first fishing rod.
- How to Fish: Cast near fish shadows, hook when the prompt appears, and reel in. Release the reel button if the line turns red to avoid snapping it.
- Unlock Spots: Make friends with villagers like Nefi, Orlo, and Old Noakes to unlock their private fishing jetties.
- Strategic Use: NEVER sell your fish. Use them to cook meals that match your neighbors’ daily cravings to maximize friendship points.
- The Pro Move: Trade common potatoes with Old Noakes for rare fish. It’s way faster than trying to catch them yourself.
What Is in Our Tales of the Shire Fishing Guide
How to Become a Fisher Hobbit
Before you can fry up a tasty fish supper, you need the right tool for the job. Getting your first fishing rod is super simple and part of the main storyline.
Early in the game, you’ll be sent to meet Old Noakes, the village’s resident fishing expert (and a bit of a grump). You’ll find him in his little hut under the Old Stone Bridge. Do a quick quest for him, and he’ll gift you your very own fishing rod. Just like that, you’re in business.
Nailing the Fishing Minigame
The fishing mechanic is designed to be chill, not a massive challenge. Here’s how it works:
- Equip Your Rod: Pull up your tool wheel and select the fishing rod.
- Cast Your Line: Face a fishing spot (you’ll see fish shadows and ripples in the water) and press the cast button. Aim to land your hook as close to the fish as possible.
- Hook ‘Em: When a fish bites, you’ll get a big prompt on screen. Hit the button to set the hook.
- Reel It In: This is the main part. Hold the reel button to pull the fish closer. At the same time, move your mouse or joystick in the opposite direction the fish is swimming. Keep an eye on the color of the line if it turns red, let go of the reel button immediately! Let it cool down back to blue, then start reeling again. Repeat this until the fish is on the shore.
Best Spots to Cast Your Line
Bywater has plenty of water, but you can only fish in designated spots. You start with a few, but the best ones are locked behind friendships.
Your Starter Pack of Ponds
Right from the get go, you have access to three locations:
- Old Ruby’s Pond: A small pond just north of your Hobbit hole. Good for practice.
- Tree Root Pool: A larger spot deep in the woods, past a log bridge.
- Old Stone Bridge Pool: The area right by Old Noakes’s hut.
Unlocking the VIP Fishing Lounges
Want to find the really good fish? You’ve gotta make friends. Seriously, the best way to explore the Shire is by being a good neighbor. It’s less about exploration and more about schmoozing. If you want to find the best fish, you have to find the best friends first!
Level up your friendship with certain Hobbits, and they’ll grant you access to their private fishing spots. Keep an eye on Nefi, Orlo Proudfoot, and Old Noakes himself.
What’s Biting? A Guide to Bywater’s Fish
Knowing what’s in the water is key to becoming a master chef. Once you establish the clubs in Bywater, you’ll get an Encyclopedia. Every time you catch a new fish, it gets logged in there with info on its location, preferred season, and weather.
More importantly, the Encyclopedia records each fish’s Flavor Profile. This is the secret sauce to the whole game. Every fish is either Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Salty, or Spicy. When a neighbor has a craving for a “spicy meal,” using a spicy fish is your ticket to a 5 star dish and a huge friendship boost. For a complete walkthrough of the cooking system and all the recipes, check out our detailed cooking guide.
From Newbie to Pro Angler
Catching fish is one thing, but becoming a legend requires dedication. Once you help establish the Fishing Club (led by Old Noakes, of course), you can start taking on official fishing quests from the notice board in the Ivy Bush Inn.
These quests are usually straightforward, like “Catch five Honeyed Chubs.” Completing them levels up your rank in the club. Each new rank unlocks an upgrade for your fishing rod. To claim it, just go have a chat with Old Noakes. These upgrades make it easier to manage line tension and reel in tougher fish.
To Sell or to Simmer? The Ultimate Fish Strategy
You might be tempted to sell your extra fish for a few quick coins. Let me stop you right there. Don’t do it.
The value of a fish isn’t in the money it fetches. Its real value is as a key ingredient for a perfect meal that will make a friend’s day. Friendship points are way more valuable than coins in this game. If you’re actually short on cash, check out our guide on how to make money in Tales of the Shire for much better methods. Always, always save your fish for cooking.
The Ultimate Hobbit Hack
And now, for the single best tip for fishing in Tales of the Shire: don’t fish.
I’m only half joking. As you become better friends with Old Noakes, you’ll unlock the ability to trade with him. He will happily trade you rare, hard to find fish in exchange for common, easy to grow potatoes.
Think about it. You can spend hours hoping a rare fish spawns, or you can spend a few minutes harvesting potatoes from your garden and trade for that exact fish. Work smart, not hard. This little economic trick is what separates the good Hobbits from the great ones.
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