> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.cobblemonislands.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.cobblemonislands.com/features/fishing/how-to-get-fishing.md).

# How to Get Fishing

## How to Get Fishing

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip:** To access the custom fishing, you must have either a bait or a hook equipped. Not having either of these items on your fishing rod means you will be fishing from the default vanilla pool.
{% endhint %}

***

### Step 1 - Fish Up a Rusty Hook

Head to any body of water and cast your regular vanilla fishing rod like you normally would.

While fishing normally, you have a chance to reel in a **Rusty Hook** instead of the usual vanilla loot pool. This is your first piece of Fishing tackle. It is all you need to get started.

***

### Step 2 - Equip Your Hook

Once you have a Rusty Hook in your inventory:

1. Cast your fishing rod into the water as normal.
2. While your bobber is out, **Crouch + Right-Click**.
3. This opens the **Rod Setup** menu.
4. Click **Equip Hook** and select your Rusty Hook from your inventory.

<a href="/spaces/kDhjqcTDxLyJjpmZNG4V/pages/JmAidh9LZNiWbr3d0quY" class="button primary">Learn more about Hooks</a>

***

### Step 3 - Equip Bait (Optional)

Bait is not required to fish. It unlocks stronger bite chances and bonus effects. Once you've purchased or found some Bait:

1. Cast your rod and **Crouch + Right-Click** again to reopen Rod Setup.
2. Click **Equip Bait** and select a Bait from your inventory.

{% hint style="info" %}
Some Hooks, including the Trebel and Jig lines, are specifically built to be strong **without** any Bait equipped.
{% endhint %}

<a href="/spaces/kDhjqcTDxLyJjpmZNG4V/pages/3EFKSZupi6Gm12eelBFf" class="button primary">Learn more about Baits</a>

***

### Step 4 - Start Fishing

With a Hook equipped, cast your rod again. This time you're fishing the custom way:

* Wait for a bite. This takes a random amount of time each cast.
* When your bobber dips, reel it in like normal.
* Depending on your Hook, you receive a **Fish**, a wild **Pokémon** to battle, or a bonus **item or reward**.

Every successful catch grants Fishing XP. See [Levelling](/features/fishing/levelling.md).

***

### Next Steps

* Buy better Hooks and Baits at the [Shop](/features/fishing/shop.md).
* Track every species you've caught in your [Journal](/features/fishing/fish.md).
* Sell your catch with `/fish sell`.
* Chase the top of the [Leaderboard](/features/fishing/leaderboard.md).

***

### FAQ

<details>

<summary>I can't find a Rusty Hook. What am I doing wrong?</summary>

Rusty Hooks are initially only obtainable as a chance drop from regular vanilla fishing. Keep casting in any water source. There is no guaranteed way to skip this step.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How do I open the Hook/Bait selection menu?</summary>

Cast your rod, then **Crouch + Right-Click** while the bobber is out. This opens Rod Setup, where you can equip or unequip your Hook and Bait.

</details>

<details>

<summary>My Hook broke. What now?</summary>

Most Hooks have limited durability and break with use. Open Rod Setup to equip a replacement, or visit the [Shop](/features/fishing/shop.md) to buy a new one.

</details>


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