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How to Use Bait and Go Fishing in Stardew Valley

Key Takeaways

  • Bait increases the rate at which fish bite, making fishing faster and more profitable
  • Different baits have unique effects like attracting rarer fish or increasing treasure chances
  • Using the right bait and fishing spots based on season and time is crucial for catching all fish types

Fishing is a core activity in Stardew Valley that allows you to earn money, complete quests and bundles, and catch unique fish varieties. While the fishing mini-game can be challenging initially, using bait can significantly improve your chances of success. This guide covers everything you need to know about using bait effectively while fishing in Stardew Valley.

What is Bait?

Bait is an item that you can attach to your fishing rod to attract more fish and make them bite faster. There are several types of bait available, each with its own unique effects.

Types of Bait

Regular Bait

  • Crafted from 1 Bug Meat
  • Decreases the maximum time before a fish bites
  • Consumed after each catch

Wild Bait

  • Requires a recipe from Linus at 4 hearts friendship
  • Crafted from 1 Fiber, 1 Bug Meat, and 1 Slime
  • Decreases bite time more than Regular Bait
  • Chance to catch two fish at once (except Legendary Fish)

Magic Bait

  • Purchased from the Qi’s Walnut Room on Ginger Island for 5 Qi Gems
  • Removes any time, weather, or season restrictions on fish
  • Allows catching any fish in any location

Magnet Bait

  • Unlocked at Fishing Level 9
  • Crafted from 1 Iron Ore and 1 Gold Ore
  • Increases chance of finding treasure chests while fishing by 15%
  • Decreases bite time like Regular Bait

How to Use Bait

Before you can use bait, you need to have an upgraded fishing rod that supports bait attachment. The Bamboo Pole you start with cannot use bait.

Fiberglass Rod

  • Unlocked at Fishing Level 2
  • Costs 1,800g from Willy’s Fish Shop
  • Allows using bait

Iridium Rod

  • Unlocked at Fishing Level 6
  • Costs 7,500g from Willy’s Fish Shop
  • Allows using bait and tackle

To attach bait to your fishing rod:

  1. Open your inventory
  2. Select the bait you want to use
  3. Hover over the fishing rod and press the “Use” button to attach the bait

On PC, right-click the bait and then right-click the rod. On consoles, press the corresponding button to “Use” the bait on the rod.

Best Bait for Different Situations

Using the right bait can make a significant difference in your fishing success rate and the types of fish you catch.

For Catching Rare Fish

  • Use Wild Bait or Magic Bait
  • Wild Bait increases chances of catching two fish at once
  • Magic Bait removes season/time/weather restrictions

For Increasing Treasure Chances

  • Use Magnet Bait
  • Increases chance of finding treasure chests by 15%

For Specific Seasons

  • Use Magic Bait to catch any fish, regardless of season
  • Or, use Regular/Wild Bait and fish at the best spots for that season (see below)

Best Fishing Spots by Season

The types of fish you can catch vary based on the season, weather, and time of day. Here are the best fishing spots for each season:

Spring

  • Sunny: Mountain Lake
  • Rainy: River (Pelican Town or Cindersap Forest)

Summer

  • Any weather: Ocean (East Pier after repairing the bridge)

Fall

  • Sunny: River (Pelican Town or Cindersap Forest)
  • Rainy: River (Pelican Town or Cindersap Forest)

Winter

  • Any weather: River (Pelican Town or Cindersap Forest) or Mountain Lake

Additionally, certain Legendary Fish can only be caught at specific locations like the Mountain Lake (Legend) or the Sewers (Mutant Carp).

Tips for Successful Fishing with Bait

  • Always keep a stack of bait in your inventory when fishing
  • Use bait liberally, as it increases your chances of catching fish
  • Check the weather forecast and plan your fishing spot accordingly
  • Level up your Fishing skill to unlock better rods and bait types
  • Use crab pots with bait to passively catch fish and gain Fishing XP
  • Complete Special Orders like “Juicy Bugs Wanted!” to unlock unique tackle
  • Eat food buffs like Dish o’ The Sea or Seafoam Pudding for a Fishing boost

By mastering the use of bait and fishing at the right spots, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master angler in Stardew Valley. Happy fishing!

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