A Guide to Fishing in Pokémon Sword & Shield: Galar’s Angling Adventure

Pokémon Sword and Shield, the acclaimed eighth generation of the beloved adventure series, introduce trainers to the vibrant Galar region, inspired by the landscapes of the United Kingdom. While innovating with new features like the Wild Area and Dynamax battles, these games also thoughtfully refine classic mechanics—including the timeless art of fishing. This guide details the streamlined angling system of Sword and Shield and how to make the most of it for completing your Pokédex.

The Evolution of Fishing in Galar

Fishing has been a staple activity since the early days of Pokémon, offering a peaceful way to encounter Water-type Pokémon. In Sword and Shield, the system has been elegantly simplified. Gone are the multiple rods (Old, Good, Super) of previous generations. Instead, trainers receive a single, reliable Fishing Rod as a Key Item early in their journey, ensuring it’s always on hand and impossible to lose. This quality-of-life change allows players to focus on the adventure rather than inventory management.

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How to Fish: A Simple Process

1. Locate a Fishing Spot: Look for bodies of water with distinct, darker patches ripple with rising bubbles. These sparkling spots indicate active fishing areas.

2. Initiate the Activity: Stand directly in front of the bubbling water and press the A Button. Your character will automatically cast the line.

3. Watch for the Bite: Pay close attention to the prompt above your character’s head. A “!” will appear when a Pokémon takes the bait.

4. Reel It In: Quickly press the A Button again to successfully hook the Pokémon and initiate a battle.

Strategic Fishing Locations & Rewards

Once engaged, the encounter proceeds like any wild Pokémon battle. Fishing exclusively attracts Water-type or aquatic-themed Pokémon, making it essential for building a balanced team and completing the Galar Pokédex.

• Diversity by Route: The species available vary significantly depending on your location. From common finds like Magikarp and Chewtle in early routes to rarer encounters like Dhelmise or Gyarados in specific late-game waters, each area holds unique surprises.

• Increased Odds for Rare Finds: Persistence is key. Repeatedly fishing in the same spot not only helps you catalogue what’s available but also increases your chance of encountering Brilliant Pokémon (distinguished by a yellow aura). These special Pokémon come with guaranteed perfect Individual Values (IVs) and a chance of having a hidden Egg Move.

• Complete the Pokédex: For dedicated collectors, fishing is non-negotiable. Many species, including some coveted pseudo-legendaries and regional variants, are primarily or exclusively found through this method.

Pro Tips for the Galar Angler

• Explore Thoroughly: Don’t just fish once per spot. Try each new body of water you discover multiple times to uncover all potential encounters.

• Check Weather Conditions: In the Wild Area, weather affects which Pokémon appear—both on land and in water. Revisit fishing spots during different weather conditions to expand your catch list.

• Incorporate into Team Building: Need a strong Water-type for your Gym challenge? Fishing can provide powerful teammates like Arrokuda (evolving into the formidable Barraskewda) early in your adventure.

Fishing in Pokémon Sword and Shield preserves the charm of a classic tradition while seamlessly integrating into Galar’s modern design. Whether you’re a completionist aiming for a full Pokédex, a competitive trainer hunting for Brilliant Pokémon, or simply an enthusiast enjoying the serene moments of the journey, the waters of Galar are rich with opportunity. So, cast your line—your next great partner might be just a bite away.